Demuth makes History

I first want people to first consider the fact that I am qualified for the job of Speaker of the House in Minnesota. Secondly, knowing that I am making history on two fronts […] is an honor but I look forward to the day that it will no longer be a surprise or an unusual thing.”

Rep. Lisa Demuth

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, House DFL and GOP members announced they had come to a power-sharing agreement which allowed the House of Representatives to finally come to order. The power-sharing agreement puts an end to the 23-day boycott from House DFL members who denied their GOP counterparts quorum in the chamber, even after Republicans attempted to move forward without it before being stopped by a ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court.
In dueling press conferences Thursday morning, notably separated even after coming together in an agreement, each party provided statements on the power-sharing agreement.
Rep. Melissa Hortman (D-Brooklyn Park) first spoke for the DFL saying the power-sharing agreement “honors and protects the will of the voters both in Shakopee and statewide,” citing the seating of Rep. Brad Tabke, whose contested win was a sticking point for negotiations.
According to Hortman, “As of Jan. 14, the Republicans were not ready to concede that should seat Brad Tabke,” calling the delay “regrettable and unnecessary,” but said that Democrats were willing to wait until March “if necessary.”
As to the specifics of the power-sharing agreement, Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Coldspring) will be Speaker of the House with some constraints including having the speaker being forced to take up all bills on the calendar for the day as set by the rules committee as well as shared decision making on all house administrative and non-partisan functions.
Republicans will chair committees until a tie is reestablished, where afterward, committees will be co-chaired between the parties.
As to legislative goals for the session, Hortman cited only passing a balanced budget on time: “no one wants a special session.”
Despite admitting relationships had been bruised by the standoff, Hortman called the tie “a golden opportunity to show that bipartisan governing can work.”
At the GOP press conference, Rep. Demuth spoke more forcefully on the power of the speakership, saying it “definitely reflects” the Republican majority in the chamber.
Demuth also cited the creation of the Fraud Prevention and Agency Oversight Committee which will be chaired for the next two years by Christin Robbins (R-Maple Grove).
“That’s a win for Minnesotans,” said Demuth.
Demuth distanced herself from the recall effort being undertaken by the Minnesota Republican Party. As to whether the process to initiate a recall for Democrats who failed to show up to the House of Representatives would continue, “that is a question for the state party,” said Demuth.
Demuth, who will be the first black as well as first female Republican Speaker of the House downplayed these accomplishments: “I first want people to first consider the fact that I am qualified for the job of Speaker of the House in Minnesota. Secondly, knowing that I am making history on two fronts […] is an honor but I look forward to the day that it will no longer be a surprise or an unusual thing.”
Both parties referenced a “no-shenanigans” handshake between Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) and Rep. Zack Stephenson (D-Coon Rapids). The informal agreement was that of cooperation between parties: “really it just signified that we know we will be working together,” said Torkelson.
This spirit of cooperation comes after years of Republicans largely being left out of the legislative process, a fact referenced by Demuth: “Over the last two years with the majority held in Democrat hands and the full trifecta in the state of Minnesota, it really felt like conservative voices were left out.” Given the tie with the Senate and the expected tie in the House, that cooperation will be necessary for government to function moving forward.
Later that day in the House of Representatives, Rep. Demuth was elected Speaker of the House by a party-line vote.
“While we might not always agree, we do share the responsibility to govern, not as partisans but as public servants. The people of Minnesota have given us a unique opportunity with this closely divided house. They expect us to rise above the politics and to find solutions. And to prove that government can and will work for them,” said Demuth.
The Special Election for district 40B, which is expected to be an easy win for the DFL, will take place March 11.