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DFL members threaten to stay home
In a pair of news conferences on Monday, both parties took jabs at one another, as Republicans claimed an "organizational majority," and Democrats threatened to not show up on the first day of the legislative session unless Republicans honored a power-sharing agreement.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - In a pair of news conferences on Monday, both parties took jabs at one another, as Republicans claimed an "organizational majority," and Democrats threatened to not show up on the first day of the legislative session in Minnesota unless Republicans honored a power-sharing agreement.
Contested race
The background: After the races were called, there was an even split between Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota House, the first such divide since 1979.
Democratic State Rep. Curtis Johnson initially won the District 40B race, which encompasses Roseville and Shoreville. But his opponent, Republican Paul Wikstrom, successfully sued Johnson, arguing he did not live in the district.
What it means: The decision left the chamber with a 67-66 majority, with Republicans having one more seat than Democrats, though still a seat shy of a majority.
There will be a special election on Jan. 28 to determine the winner.
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MN House DFL threatens not to show up for start of Legislature [RAW]
Minnesota House Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman on Monday said Democrats in the House are willing to "use all parliamentary tactics available to us in the absence of a power-sharing agreement on the first day of session." Here's House Democrats' full press conference.
DFL members threaten to stay home
What they’re saying: The contentious power battle leaves the chamber without a majority a little more than a week before the session begins.
"If there is no power-sharing agreement, we will not be here," said State Rep. Melissa Hortman, the Democratic speaker-designate. "What the Republicans are engaged in is an illegitimate power grab, and we’re not going to stand by and just let them do it."
Republicans said they would not tolerate Democrats not showing up, a move that would render them virtually powerless, since Republicans would not have a quorum to conduct business.
"There is no reason why taxpayers should be on the hook for paying for people that are not going to be at their jobs," said State Rep. Lisa Demuth, the Republican speaker-designate.
She said Republicans will look into their options if Democrats do not show up, including recalling them.
"There is no longer a tie in the State of Minnesota. Democrats will be coming in with 66 members. What that does is that gives us an organizational majority that we fully intend to exercise that right," she said.
What’s next: The legislative session begins on Jan. 14.