From the Associated Press — A Michigan lawmaker who got a personal protection order against another lawmaker has filed some unflattering text messages in court. State Representative Mari Manoogian says Representative Steve Marino called her a “parasite” and hoped that her car would explode. Marino is a Macomb County Republican, and Manoogian is an Oakland County Democrat. They had a personal relationship that ended more than a year ago. Marino was removed from House committees last week when
allegations of abuse were reported to leaders. State police are investigating. Marino says he’s a victim of “character assassination.” His attorney says the text messages are being taken out of context and that they’ll challenge the protection order.
