Posted on 01/18/2025 4:58:32 AM PST by Libloather
The state Supreme Court Friday sided with Republicans in a lawsuit over the timing of a special election that could determine control of the Minnesota House, canceling the Jan. 28 contest.
The decision deepens uncertainty over the Minnesota House because that seat will determine if Republicans keep an edge or if Democrats could pull the chamber into a tie. Now a 67-66 GOP advantage will last longer, perhaps well into February or March.
Democrat Curtis Johnson won a Roseville-area seat in November but was disqualified by a judge over residency questions and declined to appeal.
With Johnson’s absence, Republicans currently hold a one-seat advantage in the chamber over Democrats, who have been boycotting the session so far. There was a belief that the DFL would return after the House 40B election was decided, but now it’s not clear.
In late December, DFL Gov. Tim Walz set a special election for a month later. But Republicans alleged in a lawsuit that Walz acted too quickly in setting the date.
Republicans are running House sessions without Democrats present, but there is a separate legal dispute over the legitimacy of that. Secretary of State Steve Simon has said nothing can happen without 68 members present, but Republicans ignored him. That matter is also before the Supreme Court.
GOP House Leader Lisa Demuth, who has been presiding in the role of speaker during the standoff, celebrated Friday’s ruling.
“State law is clear about the process and timeline for the governor to call a special election,” Demuth said in a written statement. “I’m pleased the court correctly ruled that the governor failed the follow the law in his attempt to speed up the special election to help the political fortunes of the Democrat Party.”
(Excerpt) Read more at mprnews.org ...
On the side, I heard a report of Minn temps being -30 to -50 below average. Colder than a polar bear’s toenails.
I could never be a Democrat.
What is the definition of a “quorum” in their state constitution?
Per the MN Constitution:
Sec. 13. Quorum.A majority of each house constitutes a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and under the penalties it may provide.
A quorum is a simple majority. It does not define the population used to compute a majority, but it is easy to assume that it would be members in office and Not total possible members.
Thus 67 is a simple majority and the Republicans would be correct.
Yes, a majority of members, not of seats. At present there are only 133 members. Thus the 67 Republicans constitute a majority.
So the Democrats are just using this as a delay tactic.
The Republicans should move ahead as fast as possible.
Shame the governor is such a liberal A-h*le.
I belive they are.
and any hope of a democrat “power sharing” agreement are going up in flames.
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