As the power struggle continues in the Minnesota House, Republicans have filed another lawsuit to try to get their colleagues back into the chamber. The Minnesota Supreme Court has now scheduled oral arguments in the suit for next Thursday.
This time, GOP House members allege that Secretary of State Steve Simon is overstepping his authority by not allowing them, even without a quorum, to force Democrats back to the capitol.
Democrats are staying away because they say once a special election is held in March, the body will revert back to a tie, and so far they have not come to an agreement with Republicans to share power in the meantime. The Republicans hold a 67-66 advantage until the special election is held, with that seat very likely to be a DFL win.
Democratic leaders also add they do not trust Republicans to seat a Democratic lawmaker from Shakopee who won election, a recount and a judge's order.
House Republican leaders Lisa Demuth (Cold Spring) and Harry Niska (Ramsey) are the suit's petitioners and say in a court filing that Simon should be "compelling" DFL members back and is also adjourned the House without recognizing motions of the GOP. The filing says Simon is "ignoring them."
As far as any meetings between leadership to try to hammer out a deal? There aren't any scheduled at this time.
Friday marks the end of the legislative session's third week. Lawmakers need to pass a budget by the end of the session in May.