Michigan congressional candidate defends past Ingham County pipeline protest

William Lawrence, a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, defended his 2013 arrest during an Ingham County protest against the Line 5 oil pipeline.

Lawrence pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing and felony resisting and obstructing a police officer. He paid fines and served probation, and the conviction was later expunged. At a town hall outside his opponent’s Lansing office, Lawrence said he remained proud of the protest while acknowledging it was unsuccessful and unwise.

Republican Congressman Tom Barrett criticized Lawrence over the protest. The National Republican Congressional Committee called Lawrence too extreme, while Barrett’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Read the full story at wwmt.com.