Matt Frendewey, communications director for the Michigan Republican Party, said:

"Today marks the latest chapter in a terrible story, Democrat Diane Hathaway brought scandal to the state's highest court and the political protection she received from Democratic Party leaders like Mark Brewer, Sen. Gretchen Whitmore and Rep. Tim Greimel is embarrassing.

"It's a shame that the Michigan Democratic Party elected Diane Hathaway by lying and airing untruthful ads, then refused to condemn her or urge her to leave the court after the scandal became public. Michigan citizens will not forget the scandal the Michigan Democratic Party brought to the Supreme Court.

"Only two Supreme Court justices in history have been charged with felonies while in office, and both are Democrats.