Scott County election officials are set to hand count thousands of ballots cast in a close House race. Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke edged out Republican challenger Aaron Paul in the Shakopee-area contest by 14 votes. The recount will determine whether Democrats and Republicans enter the House of Representatives in a tie or if the GOP can flip the chamber to Republican control. Either way, the result would be a change from two years of a DFL trifecta in St. Paul. Dana has more on the contest and the stakes.
What does it mean to split custody of a chamber? MinnPost reporter Peter Callaghan delved into how other states have shared legislative control and what leaders who’ve governed under those models made it work. Two big takeaways: in Legislatures where lawmakers have made split government work, communication and cooperation are key. House Leaders Melissa Hortman and Lisa Demuth have said they’re willing to work across the aisle to get things done next year. The House leaders, along with Senate leaders, are set to meet Thursday morning with Gov. Tim Walz, according to the governor’s public schedule.
The Minnesota State Canvassing Board is also meeting Thursday to certify the results of the general election. Members of the five-person panel will convene on the Capitol complex and review results of the statewide canvass report before approving them.
President-elect Donald Trump continues to name potential cabinet members and one made his way to Capitol Hill Wednesday to make the case for his confirmation. Matt Gaetz, Trump’s choice for attorney general and former Florida Congressman, joined Vice President-elect JD Vance on Wednesday to meet with Senate Republicans, NPR reports . On the same day, a House ethics committee deadlocked on whether to release results of a probe into allegations that Gaetz participated in sex parties, used illegal drugs and had sex with a minor. Star Tribune reporter Sydney Kashiwagi has this story pointing out that two Minnesota lawmakers — Rep. Michelle Fischbach and Sen. Amy Klobuchar — could have key roles in what comes next.
Also from the Strib comes a story about a local DFL leader charged in a fatal hit and run over the summer. Paul Walsh reports that Grand Rapids resident and 8th Congressional District DFL Chair Cynthia Arlene Martin was charged this week in Itasca County District Court with criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the July 3 crash that killed 19-year-old Carter John Haithcock.
In St. Paul, state leaders joined members of the transgender community and allies for an event honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said that she and Gov. Tim Walz would continue to fight for the rights of transgender people in Minnesota, even with a Republican administration set to take different policy measures in Washington. The comments come as Congresswoman Nancy Mace, of South Carolina, is aiming to prevent transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the Capitol, including the first openly trans Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride. McBride says the effort is a distraction from real issues. | 