A judge has granted Michigan House Speaker Kevin Cotter’s request to halt an order that he testify in the criminal case of two former lawmakers who were forced from office. Ingham County Circuit Judge James Jamo stayed District Judge Hugh Clark Jr.’s ruling Monday and ordered additional briefs. It’s unclear when oral arguments will be heard. The probable cause hearing for former Republican Representatives Todd Courser of Lapeer and Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell starts Wednesday. Cotter’s top aide and other House employees will testify. Gamrat attorney Mike Nichols says the defendants will decide whether to still seek Cotter’s testimony once other evidence is taken at the preliminary exam. Courser, who resigned in September, and Gamrat, who was expelled, face felony misconduct in office charges related to an attempted cover-up of their extramarital affair.
