There are some questions surrounding Minnesota's 2nd Congressional district race, after the death of a third party candidate automatically triggered a special election next February.
Congresswoman Angie Craig filed a lawsuit Monday, arguing the election should be held November 3rd as scheduled. A special election in February would mean the seat would be vacant when the next Congress is sworn in. Craig says Minnesota needs representation during that time.
Legal Marijuana Now party candidate Adam Weeks died unexpectedly last week. Because Legal Marijuana Now holds major party status in Minnesota, and because Weeks' death came within 79 days of the general election, state law requires a special election.
Craig's Her Republican challenger, Tyler Kistner, responded Tuesday. He says Craig's lawsuit is sewing confusion in the 2nd District.
"When (Minnesota) Secretary of State Steve Simon already came out and said, 'The law is clear, we're going to a special election', because you're now disheartening voters from actually going out and voting for our race, at the same time, you're still trying to tell them to go out and vote."
Kistner accused Craig of trying to “rewrite a bipartisan Minnesota law” that was passed to protect Minnesota voters’ rights.
Craig is favored in the race, and Kistner did admit it helps his campaign to delay the election.