Michigan Rep. John Conyers among 31 House Democrats not attending presidential inauguration

Conyers misses MLK event at Cobo Center

DETROIT – Michigan's U.S. Rep. John Conyers is one of 31 Democrats in the House of Representatives who will not attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

The 87-year-old is the longest-tenured member of Congress. He tweeted on Saturday he is concerned Trump would attack his good friend U.S. Rep. John Lewis.

Conyers was expected at the Martin Luther King event Monday at Cobo, but he never showed up.

Rev. Jesse Jackson highlighted a Martin Luther King Day celebration Monday at Cobo.

"I don't disagree or agree with anybody," Jackson said. "I think it's a matter of conscience."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell is planning to attend the presidential inauguration.

"I really, really respect John Lewis, and it's been a disheartening day for me," Dingell said. "On the other hand, this is a democracy and there is a certain amount of respect we have to have for the transference of government. So to say I'm torn is a fair statement."

Lewis sparked a war of words with Trump by saying he wasn't a legitimate president.

"Are you acting presidential? Absolutely not," Lewis said.

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence agreed with Lewis, but is making a point by being at inauguration.

"To me, standing up to this madness at the inauguration and saying, 'Donald Trump, you're going to see me,'" Lawrence said.

While Conyers missed the event at Cobo, he tweeted that he was at various events on Monday. He is currently the only Michigan politician not going to the inauguration.

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