ST. PAUL, Minn. – Democrats in the Minnesota Senate are saying “no” to Republicans’ demand that Woodbury Democrat Nicole Mitchell not be allowed to vote until an ethics panel investigates and submits its recommendations to the full Senate.
Mitchell was charged with felony burglary after being arrested for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home last week.
Minneapolis Democrat Scott Dibble says a fundamental value is at stake.
“The people of every single Senate district are entitled to be represented,” Dibble says.
Dibble argues the voters in Mitchell’s district will have the opportunity to respond in due time.
Republicans respond that Mitchell is casting important votes even while she’s charged with a crime.
“Her actions have brought a betrayal of the public trust,” Republican Sen. Steve Drazkowski said.
Democrats respond that Republicans want the Senate to be “judge and jury” before Mitchell has had due process.
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