SAINT PAUL, Minn. – GOP leaders filed a petition against Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon saying he’s overstepping his authority by adjourning the House because 68 members aren’t present. Republicans are upset that Simon won’t entertain motions like cutting the pay of DFL members who are boycotting the session. The GOP is asking the court to force Simon to entertain their motions.
DFLers say the state’s constitution gives the Secretary of State presiding power until a Speaker of the House is elected. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled earlier this month business like that can’t be done without 68 members.
Meanwhile, Minnesota DFL Speaker Designate Melissa Hortman releases a letter she sent to GOP Speaker Designate Lisa Demuth Thursday saying “it’s unfortunate you were not willing to have face-to-face meetings with me.”
Hortman says she’s ready to negotiate a resolution to the House power sharing agreement saying she and Demuth “has an obligation to the people of Minnesota to work together.”
If Democrats want to meet or have a new offer that isn't 2+ weeks old, they know how to get ahold of me.
Or they could simply show up for work. https://t.co/C6jkV3RABf
— Lisa Demuth (@LisaDemuthMN) January 30, 2025
“If Democrats want to meet or have a new offer that isn’t 2+ weeks old, they know how to get ahold of me. Or they could simply show up for work,” Demuth wrote on X.
Republicans have a one seat majority in the House at 67. That could change once a special election for a Roseville seat is held.
Democrats are boycotting the session concerned Demuth has not committed to seating DFL State Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee who won an election contest in court saying he won the election. He did so by 14 votes amid 21 ballots going missing.
Demuth argues the House can rule on the eligibility of members.
