Negotiations to resolve the power struggle for control of the Minnesota House have hit a standstill, causing the ongoing boycott by Democratic-Farmer-Labor members to stretch over two weeks. With 67 Republicans and 66 Democrats in the House, Secretary of State Steve Simon has been presiding over a half-empty chamber, unable to conduct business due to lack of a quorum.
Republican House leader Lisa Demuth stated that there were no meetings with Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, indicating a stalemate in negotiations. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the House needed 68 members for a quorum, preventing Republicans from naming a speaker as long as Democrats continue to boycott. Both sides are firmly stuck in their positions, with Democrats seeking assurance against attempts to unseat their members, and Republicans insisting on controlling the House.
The fate of Rep. Brad Tabke, a Shakopee Democrat, hangs in the balance as Democrats are concerned Republicans may not seat him despite a judge’s ruling in his favor. All 66 House Democrats have been protesting at the Capitol since Jan. 14 in an attempt to prevent Republicans from gaining control of the chamber.
Hortman expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Demuth, but negotiations have hit roadblocks. The uncertainty looms over the House as both parties remain entrenched in their positions, raising questions about when a resolution will be reached. The power struggle in the Minnesota House threatens to disrupt the functioning of the state government until a compromise is reached.
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