LANSING, MI (AP)-- Democrats say they're livid that Republican leaders didn't honor their choice for the top-ranking Democratic position on a key budget committee in Lansing.
Every Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee signed a letter Thursday to House Speaker Kevin Cotter saying they're "extremely disappointed."
They tell Cotter that none of them will serve as minority vice chair until the "precedent of respect" for Minority Leader Tim Greimel's "consent" is restored.
Cotter recently named Pam Faris of Clio as the top Democrat on the panel instead of Brandon Dillon of Grand Rapids.
Cotter's spokesman says the letter is a "political stunt" and he accommodated more than 95 percent of Greimel's committee assignment requests.
Gideon D'Assandro says Faris is a "very honest and constructive partner" who has built trust with Republicans.