ST. PAUL, Minn. –Although the state Supreme Court defined the term quorum, the weekend yielded no settlement of the two-week House gridlock over what constitutes a majority. The Democratic Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman said she was ready to negotiate immediately after the Supreme Court ruling, but, she said, not Republicans. The House is evenly split 67-67, which had led to a power-sharing agreement but Republicans reneged and Democrats launched a boycott of proceedings. The Supreme Court ruling, two weeks into the gridlock, confirmed the traditional definition of a quorum as requiring 68 members to be present. Said Hortman after the Supreme Court decision:
“We can come up with an agreement that respects both sides, come up with a win-win, and gets us all working together back at the Capitol very soon.”
Trouble is, it seems, Republicans remain unwilling to seat Democrat Brad Tabke of Shakopee, whose election from House District 44-A had been challenged court. Without Tabke, Republicans hold only a 67-66 majority — one short of a quorum.
Earlier: Court: House Democrats right on quorum
Earlier: Supreme Court ponders role in House mess
Earlier: Democrats stage boycott in St. Paul power struggle
Earlier: Court puts monkey wrench in House election