House Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature are threatening to sit out the first two weeks of the legislative session, which begins on January 14, deepening political tensions, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
If Democrats are not present, Republicans will not have the quorum, or minimum number of people, needed to legislate. The Star Tribune reported. At the same time, Republicans are considering whether to use their one-seat advantage in the House to deny seats to Democrats whose election victories are being challenged in court.
The Minnesota House of Representatives was originally scheduled to be evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, but the state's judges in December decided to take the seat because newly elected Democrat Curtis Johnson does not live in Roseville. It was ruled that he was ineligible. -Area district. A special election to fill the seat will be held on January 28, but until then, Republicans will have an advantage.
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (Brooklyn Park-36B) leads proceedings in the Minnesota Legislature at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. (Getty Images)
Accountability-promoting Boston City Council member has worst absentee record: Report
If Democrats win the special election and the House is tied 67-67, Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party leaders are expected to return to Congress.
Republicans had hoped to elect a favorable chair to control the House committees for the next two years, but House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said the House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said the chamber would likely be tied again after the special election. , said the two parties should share power and govern. .
“We wouldn't be here without a power-sharing agreement,” Hortman said Monday at a news conference at the state Capitol.
But Republican leaders disagree, arguing that they can reach a quorum on their own since there is currently no tie and there will be 144 members in the House before a special election in January.
“When you see Democrats potentially refusing to even come to work, it absolutely begs the question of whether true power-sharing can work,” state House Republican leader Lisa Demuth said Monday at a Republican press conference. ” he said.
Educational appointee Walz calls for 'overthrowing' US government after Republican shooting: 'Insurrection'
Secretary of State Steve Simon will preside over the first day of the House session and make remarks on quorum.
Republicans could also reject Democratic state Rep. Brad Tabke, who won the election by 14 votes. fought in court The Star Tribune reported that after county election officials lost 20 absentee ballots in one precinct, Republicans, under their constitutional authority, decided to cancel the ballot, regardless of the judge's ruling. They could simply ban him from holding office, further increasing the Republican Party's advantage.
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL, Brooklyn Park) and Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL, Minneapolis). Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota, DFL leaders held a morning press conference to clarify the priorities of the DFL majority.
For more information on media and culture, click here
“We are waiting for the judge's decision. We will make a decision based on the judge's conclusion,” Demuth said in an interview before the press conference. “But, of course, we called for new elections to be held. That is the only way to guarantee reliable elections in the area.”
Demuth suggested that House Democrats could be the subject of a recall petition if they boycott next week's session.
“I expect them to show up as professional legislators,” Demuth said.
But Hortman was optimistic the two parties would reach an agreement before the session began, the Star Tribune reported.
“Things will take care of themselves. It's fast. We have a full week before convocation,” Hortman said. “We have plenty of time to come together and discuss how we can work together, and I am confident that we will do so.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
