But as easy as it is to pick on him for being a sloppy sloppy (sloppy) drunk the real issue continues to be the way he used his position on the powerful House Appropriations committee to insist on personal favors.  

And it looks like we're not the only ones who think that's a big deal.  Sak's apparently secluded himself, issuing a one sentence statement then refusing to answer phone calls, emails or to even answer his front door (The Grand Rapids Press paid him a visit).  

The Governor's office refuses to support Sak while Minority Leader Craig DeRoche called on the Speaker of the House to remove him from his position on Approps.  And according to the Press Andy Dillon's called Sak in for a face-to-face before making any decisions.

More coverage available at MLIVE, WZZM13 and Lansing's WLNS.

Clearly the man has a drinking problem and needs to get some serious help.  But let's be careful not to use such a common addiction as an excuse for reprehensible behavior.  Everyone in the state of Michigan is responsible for their actions.  Period.  Sak tried to coerce a uniformed State Police Trooper into being his personal chauffer in essence by threatening the trooper's job.

Dillon should do the right thing and remove Sak from Approps.  A formal reprimanded isn't such a wild idea either.  But hey, that's not me talking.  That's House Democrat leader Steve Tobocman who said, on March 22:

"We are beginning a new era in the Michigan House of Representatives by holding our members to the highest ethical standards. The people of Michigan have spoken loud and clear. They refuse to tolerate a culture of corruption. House Democrats respect what our residents have to say, and we responded to it by strengthening our ethics policies in the House."

Prove it.

Memo below...