Minnesota’s Democratic state representatives staged a walkout on the first day of the legislative session in response to a dispute over the management of the equally divided state House. The chamber requires a quorum of 68 members to conduct business, but with one seat vacant due to a residency challenge and another facing controversy over tossed absentee ballots, Republicans planned to take control. By failing to show up, Democrats prevented Republicans from electing a state House speaker and appointing committee heads without a full quorum present.
The Democrats plan to stay away from the Capitol until after a special election on January 28, which is expected to restore their power in the House. National Democrats, including the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, have announced support for the Democratic candidate running in the special election. Additionally, there are issues surrounding state Rep. Brad Tabke, whose win was called into question due to the accidental disposal of 21 absentee ballots. Despite a state court ruling upholding his victory, the state House must determine Tabke’s eligibility, potentially leading to another election.
Democrats argue that the open seat for the special election is in a safe Democratic district, maintaining the legislative tie, while Republicans claim the situation is not set in stone. Democratic Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman stated that they will continue to deny a quorum until the special election is held and the balance in the House is restored. Democrats are united in opposing what they see as an abuse of power by Republicans in their efforts to remove Rep. Tabke from the Minnesota House.
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