This opening day of the 2018 Minnesota Legislature could prompt Senate Democrats to sue Republicans. D-F-Lers are threatening a lawsuit if Paynesville Republican Michelle Fischbach, who’s now lieutenant governor, tries to remain a state senator at the same time. Senate Democratic Leader Tom Bakk says, “It will depend on what their action is. If Senator Fischbach is not presiding, I think then that sends a different signal.” Fischbach was elected president of the Senate in a prior session. Democrats want her out of the Senate so they have a shot at taking back the majority in a special election.
Democrats say it’s unconstitutional for Fischbach to hold more that one office at the same time. Republicans respond there’s much legal precedent to the contrary.