The City Council discussed its three options for dealing with scandal-plagued Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in closed session Tuesday two could lead to his ouster but seem unlikely, and one would amount to a slap on the wrist.  The council on Monday received a special report by its outside attorney summarizing facts in the text-messaging sex scandal that led to perjury and other charges against Kilpatrick and a former aide.

The report suggests that the council consider removing Kilpatrick from office, asking Gov. Jennifer Granholm to do it or publicly censuring the mayor. The latter two options "are probably being looked at more strongly on the part of council," Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. said Tuesday. If the council tried to remove Kilpatrick itself, "it could result in a new trial which could tie up a lot of money and a lot of time for an extended period," Cockrel said.

State law allows the governor to remove an elected official from office for a number of reasons, including official misconduct, willful neglect of duty or a felony conviction. Granholm has said she wants to allow the legal process to play out.