A power struggle is unfolding in the Minnesota House of Representatives as Democrats and Republicans dispute majority control.
Minnesota's political landscape is embroiled in a power struggle , with Democrats and Republicans clashing over majority control in the state House of Representatives. The dispute centers around the constitutionally required quorum for conducting official business, which Democrats argue necessitates 68 seats. Republicans, who hold a narrow 67-66 majority, insist that 67 seats suffice, pointing to an empty seat vacated after a Democratic representative was removed for residency issues.
This stalemate resulted in Democrats refusing to participate in legislative sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, further intensifying the conflict.Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, has escalated the situation by filing a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court, asserting his legal authority as the presiding officer due to the lack of a quorum. Simon contends that Republican leader Rep. Lisa Demuth's election as speaker on Tuesday was illegitimate because it occurred without the required 68 members present. Conversely, Republicans refute Simon's claim, maintaining that his authority as an executive branch member does not extend to legislative proceedings. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on January 23rd, with Republicans expected to submit their official response by Tuesday. The outcome of this legal battle will have profound implications for the state's governance. The November election resulted in a tie, with both parties holding 67 seats. Subsequently, a judge invalidated Democrat Curtis Johnson's seat due to residency concerns, giving Republicans a temporary 67-66 majority. A special election to fill Johnson's seat is set for January 28th, further complicating the already tense situation.
MINNESOTA HOUSE DEMOCRATS REPUBLICANS QUORUM POWER STRUGGLE SPEAKER ELECTION SUPREME COURT SPECIAL ELECTION
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