In an editorial published on Friday, the Grand Rapids Press called for Grandville Representative David Agema's return to the House appropriations panel. Agema was removed from the panel last month following a controversy surrounding Agema's missing the key budget hearings for a Russian hunting expedition.

The Press argues that House speaker Andy Dillon has "an obligation to disclose to Mr. Agema's constituents and to other lawmakers his exact reasons for taking him off the group" and that an explanation for Agema's removal has not been forthcoming. The Press continued its earlier criticism of Agema's hunting trip by describing it as "ill-advised" but suggested that Dillon's failure to articulate exactly why Agema was removed fuels "speculation by Mr. Agema and others that his actions were political, driven by his push for tougher enforcement of rules on illegal immigration." The Press also claims that Agema's trip--while demonstrating "awful judgment"--does is "arguably less egregious" than the actions of Grand Rapids Representative Michael Sak who was removed after drunkenly attempting to use his influence as a state representative to get a ride from a state trooper. Sak was reinstated after only two months.

The editorial fails to mention the Press' endorsement of Agema in the 2006 elections, a fact that seems relevant and might factor into its defense of Agema. Moreover, while the article cites "speculation" that Agema's removal may be due to his positions on immigration, it cites no sources other than Agema that hint at such speculation.