Republican schemes would upend the will of voters by undemocratically seizing control of the chamber; House DFLers call for an end to partisan games.
WASHINGTON— Last night, MSNBC’s Ali Velshi invited DFL House Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman on The Last Word to discuss one of the most blatant power grabs in modern history that’s unfolding in the Minnesota capitol. Republicans have weaponized a temporary vacancy to try to seize control of the chamber – despite voters in November electing an equal number of DFLers and Republicans. Not only that, but Republicans are refusing to seat a duly elected House DFL member even after a court confirmed the Democratic candidate’s win.
There are two important updates to keep in mind in this rapidly evolving and undemocratic power grab:
On January 23rd, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments on DFLers’ lawsuit around Republicans convening and electing their own Speaker without quorum.
Last night, the Minnesota Supreme Court delayed the special election in the vacant House District 40B race, which should restore a tied chamber to put an end to GOP games. The DLCC announced a Spotlight designation in the race earlier this week, alongside a $100k investment to support the House DFL caucus for the cycle.
Watch the full interview here.
Speaker-Designate Melissa Hortman on The Last Word:
- “Republicans are looking for a way they can get to a real majority of 68 votes, and so they’re talking about throwing out the results of an entirely lawful election just to get a do over… We cannot have a society where when we have an election and you don’t like the results, that you throw it out.”
- “What we really have to do is be working together instead of trying to play partisan games.”
- “I think that the voters are pretty excited about the concept of Democrats and Republicans being forced to work together, because in their eyes we don’t work together enough. Certainly we are capable of that, and I think the vast majority of the legislators in the House are ready to get to work.”
- “We just need the most partisan folks who are driving leadership decisions right now to convince them to get back to the negotiating table. Let’s get a power-sharing agreement, and let’s get going.”
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