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Political Tensions Escalate in Minnesota House Ahead of Legislative Session
Anticipations for bipartisan collaboration at the Minnesota State Capitol are diminishing as the legislative session approaches, following a tightly balanced representation of 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans. Insights suggest that House Democrats may contemplate a walkout during the initial two weeks of the session, potentially hindering the ability of the chamber to achieve the 68-member quorum necessary for business.
Minnesota State Capitol.
Reports from lobbyists indicate that this strategy aims to thwart Republicans from leveraging their temporary one-seat advantage to facilitate the election of a Republican House speaker. This preemptive move by Democrats signals rising tensions within the legislature, as political maneuvering takes center stage in this crucial period.
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Should House Democrats execute this strategy, it could capture national media attention and incite legal and political controversies. House Democratic leader, Rep. Melissa Hortman, expressed a desire for a power-sharing agreement recently negotiated, emphasizing that “sixty-seven is not a majority.”
The background of this predicament stems from DFL Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson’s resignation after a judge ruled him ineligible under residency laws, temporarily tipping the scales in favor of Republicans. A special election has been scheduled for January 28 to fill Johnson’s vacancy, with Democrats likely to retain the seat due to its strong Democratic leanings.
As it stands, Republicans are positioned to appoint Rep. Lisa Demuth as the new House speaker next week. While a simple majority of 68 votes is technically needed for legislative passage, they could still advance a speaker with a mere 67 votes, complicating the House dynamics considerably.
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If Democrats choose to stay absent, Republicans could be forced to deploy measures to compel their return. The Minnesota Constitution states that a quorum of 68 members is required to conduct official business, which adds a layer of complexity to this standoff.
Although various strategies are under consideration, particularly from first-year Democratic members, there’s an undercurrent of concern regarding public perception. Explaining their absence during the height of the legislative session could prove challenging for those members.
Additionally, the issue of absenteeism raises the specter of potential repercussions, including recall petitions which might arise due to what Republicans label as “nonfeasance” for failing to fulfill their legislative duties.
Disputes over the interpretation of constitutional quorum rules are also becoming a focal point. Republicans argue that with 133 members total, 67 could effectively form a quorum, while Democrats maintain that a quorum must consist of 68.
Moreover, if the Democrats decide to delay proceedings through strategies akin to a filibuster, it could postpone the voting process regarding the House speakership until the special election ensures a balance of power.
Another significant issue looming over the horizon is the contested status of Rep.-elect Brad Tabke from Shakopee, whose narrow victory has been called into question due to missing ballots. The forthcoming ruling from the court will have implications for the House’s composition.
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The state constitution vests the legislative bodies with the authority to adjudicate election controversies, implying that even as legal matters unfold, the final decisions regarding membership could rest with the legislature itself.
In an environment characterized by heightened partisanship, the historical context of quorum-related strategies cannot be overlooked. Such tactics have been employed by various political factions in other states, illuminating the potential for escalating conflict as both parties seek to assert dominance in the upcoming session.
Clearly, the state of Minnesota’s politics is at a critical junction, with implications for governance, party relations, and the legislative process itself playing out in real-time as lawmakers prepare for the impending session.
Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
J. Patrick Coolican is Editor-in-Chief of Minnesota Reformer.
Reformer Deputy Editor Max Nesterak contributed reporting.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: DFL considers not attending legislative session until special election
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