Michigan Republicans Behaving Badly (still)

Remember Jackson resident/East Lansing attorney and the former chairman of the Michigan Federation of Young Republicans Michael A Flory? (See the original post here)

Yes, he's that fine upstanding citizen (and protege of State Party Chairman Saul Anuzis?) who was arrested in February in Cleveland, OH for charges of rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, gross sexual imposition and witness intimidation.

Well this is from this morning's AP -

A lawyer who formerly led a Michigan young Republicans organization was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison on a guilty plea to sexual battery stemming from allegations that he forced sex acts on a woman while both were at a convention last year.

According to the story, the other charges were dropped because Flory plead guilty. Although I'm not sure the MYRF knows about it, because Flory's welcome message is still present on their website, including this choice sentence -

As a statewide organization, we also provide a stimulating network of conservative young minds that enjoy the social aspects of politics.

Well that explains quite a bit, doesn't it?
But don't be thinking that this was just any random act of violence. According to court documents -

He was attending a Cleveland convention of young Republicans, ages 18 to 40, at the time of the crime in July 2006. The victim, 21 at the time, was intoxicated and became ill, and Flory took her back to her hotel and attacked her in her hotel room, said assistant county prosecutor Carol Skutnik.

That's right ladies and gents, hold on to your hope for the young Republicans of Michigan. Just because the leader's bad, doesn't necessarily mean they're all bad, right? Let's hope so!

Meet Your Future Republican Leader (As soon as he gets out of jail)

First there was Tom Delay...

and then there was Mark Foley...


now we'd like you to meet Michael A. Flory, one more fine Republican making his way through America's criminal courts.

That's right. This fine, not-so-upstanding young man is currently the chairman of the Michigan Federation of Young Republicans, and graces the lovely streets of East Lansing, at least when he's not in court facing charges of rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, gross sexual imposition and witness intimidation.

Yowsers! Quite the laundry list, eh? The story just broke this morning in the LSJ.

So what's so special about Mr. Flory? Well for starters, it appears he might have been snoozing during his criminal law classes at the Wayne State Law School. He's actually a practicing attorney! The MFYR touts Flory

Mike Flory is truly one of the rising stars of GOP politics in America.

My, my, if only all the Republican stars were as bright as Mr. Foley Flory.

*UPDATE* It seems as if Mr. Flory has stepped down to "clear his good name". In his place, Alicia Ping has stepped up as Acting Chairman. Let's hope she can stay out of the defendant's seat.... We'll continue to follow the Flory story as it develops....