Kilpatrick, who is charged with perjury and obstruction of justice, has resisted calls that he resign after evidence emerged he allegedly tried to cover up an extramarital affair with his chief of staff, The New York Times reported.

City councilors are trying to remove Kilpatrick on the grounds he violated Detroit's city charter, the newspaper said.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm has the authority to remove public officials, though that power has rarely been used.

Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said the governor's legal staff has given no advice to Detroit council members, The Detroit News reported.