Current:Home > ContactAttempt to expedite ethics probe of Minnesota state senator charged with burglary fails on tie vote-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Attempt to expedite ethics probe of Minnesota state senator charged with burglary fails on tie vote
lotradecoin cryptocurrency exchange View Date:2024-12-26 02:15:25
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Republican attempt to expedite an ethics investigation of a Democratic Minnesota state senator who’s facing a felony burglary charge failed on a tie vote Wednesday.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell, of Woodbury, was absent as the Senate reconvened for the first time since her arrest early Monday at her estranged stepmother’s home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes. Mitchell was charged Tuesday with one count of first-degree burglary and allowed to go free after a day in jail.
Mitchell’s arrest has already complicated the remainder of the 2024 legislative session because Senate Democrats hold just a one-seat majority, making her vote critical for passing disputed legislation. Republican leaders have called on her to resign. But Democratic Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, told reporters that Mitchell will be allowed to vote remotely.
According to the criminal complaint, Mitchell told police she broke into her stepmother’s home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes. Her attorney said the dispute arose out of a “fractured relationship” between the two that has been aggravated by age-related issues. In a Facebook post, Mitchell denied stealing.
Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell before the Senate convened Wednesday, then forced a vote on a motion to immediately launch the investigation and consideration of her expulsion. Under normal Senate rules, it could take 30 days just to start the process, which would delay any action until after the legislative session.
“Senators must be held to the highest standard of ethical conduct,” GOP Sen. Eric Lucero, of St. Michael, told his colleagues. “Public trust has been violated. We must have a swift examination of this serious felony charge to ensure the integrity of this institution and the state of Minnesota is upheld.”
But Democratic Sen. Nick Frentz, of North Mankato, told them Mitchell is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. He said other lawmakers charged with crimes in recent years were allowed to go through the legal process.
Mitchell’s desk was empty for the debate, which ended in a 33-33 vote.
Murphy said a timeline for considering the GOP ethics complaint has yet to be decided.
But the process is designed to be difficult. The Senate ethics panel is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, and any vote to expel a senator would require a two-thirds majority.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Proposal to allow local police to make arrests near Arizona border with Mexico will appear on ballot
- UCLA police arrest young man for alleged felony assault in attack on pro-Palestinian encampment
- Shop Lands' End Irresistible Memorial Day Sale & Get 50% off Your Order Plus an Extra 10% on Swim
- With Paris Olympics looming, new coach Emma Hayes brings the swagger back to USWNT
- Britney Spears' Ex Sam Asghari Reveals Special Girl in His Life—But It's Not What You Think
- The 42 Best Memorial Day Home Deals: Pottery Barn, Wayfair, West Elm, Target, Walmart, Saatva & More
- Animal attacks reported across USA this spring. This piece of advice could save your life.
- Coast Guard suspends search for two French sailors after cargo schooner sinks
- Traveling? Here Are the Best Life-Saving Travel Accessories You Need To Pack, Starting at Just $7
- What is Memorial Day? The true meaning of why we celebrate the federal holiday
Ranking
- 'Love Island UK' stars Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury announce split after 5 years
- The Shiba Inu that became meme famous as the face of dogecoin has died. Kabosu was 18
- As Trump’s hush-money trial nears an end, some would-be spectators camp out for days to get inside
- Travis Kelce Breaks Silence on Harrison Butker’s Controversial Commencement Speech
- What Conservation Coalitions Have Learned from an Aspen Tree
- Governor appoints Jared Hoy as the new leader of Wisconsin’s prison system
- American is flying home after getting suspended sentence for ammo possession in Turks and Caicos
- Workers at Georgia school bus maker Blue Bird approve their first union contract
Recommendation
-
Justice Department defends Boeing plea deal against criticism by 737 Max crash victims’ families
-
Virginia tech company admonished for Whites only job posting
-
Ohio's GOP governor calls special session to pass legislation ensuring Biden is on 2024 ballot
-
Kyle Larson set to join elite group, faces daunting schedule with Indy 500-NASCAR double
-
TikToker Nicole Renard Warren Claps Back Over Viral Firework Display at Baby’s Sex Reveal
-
Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother stole more than $1 million through fraud, authorities say
-
Flags outside of Alito's houses spark political backlash as Supreme Court nears end of term
-
The Celtics are special. The Pacers, now down 2-0, have questions about Tyrese Haliburton's health.