The 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House has been broken, and Republicans are in control of the chamber - at least for now.
A Ramsey County judge has ruled on a residency challenge in the race for a Roseville House seat, essentially canceling DFL'er Curtis Johnson's victory over Republican Paul Wicksktrom. WCCO Radio Political Analyst Blois Olson:
"This now gives Republicans a 67 to 66 advantage when the House is sworn in in mid-January, because they won't be able to get the special election done in time," explains Olson.
The challenge from Republican Wikstron states that Johnson lives in Little Canada and leased an apartment in the district in the spring. But they allege Johnson never actually lived there. Minnesota law requires candidates for state House or Senate to live in the districts they represent for six months before the election.
Republican speaker-designate Lisa Demuth (Cold Spring) has responded with a statement supporting the decision.
"With the overwhelming evidence we heard during the trial that the Democrat candidate in Roseville never lived in the district, I applaud the court's decision to grant the election contest and look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B during the upcoming legislative session," Demuth says. "This is a clear reminder that laws matter, and integrity in the election process is non-negotiable."
The ruling has already been submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court denied the discretionary review of DFL candidate Johnson's appeal giving the GOP another fast win.
In the meantime, Olson says it may take 35-50 days for a special election to occur, giving Republicans time to elect a House Speaker and control the set up of committee structures. He says it will be anything but a smooth start in the Minnesota House when the Legislature convenes in January.
Olson adds that it's possible a Scott County judge could also rule sooner than planned in a lawsuit filed by Republican Aaron Paul, who lost to House DFL incumbent Brad Tabke by 15 votes. Scott County has confirmed there are 20 missing ballots, which is enough to alter the results of that race.
"People had thought that it would come after the first of the year, but the speed at which this judge in Ramsey County ruled, you could see that Tabke ruling come out before the first of the year as well," Olson said Friday.