Minnesota Report
The DFL Members of the MN House took an extraordinary action of holding a Sit-In the House Chamber trying to force a vote on gun legislation. Initially, the maneuver sought to get a floor vote to allow SF 4067 (Omnibus Firearms Bill), which had passed 10 days ago, to be brought to the floor. This procedural vote is being prevented clearly due to the existing 67-67 tied body.
House Republican Leader Harry Niska (R-31A, Ramsey) always one whom is quick to goad his opponents, with words chosen to stoke a fire rather than suppress it, has claimed “the bill is not ready”, which is a tactic used to delay action. In turn, rather than be an issue to be resolve on Friday, House Speaker Lisa Demuth(R-13A, Cold Spring) has said the matter is set for 11:00 am on Saturday.
Last Night, Rep Elliot Engen (R-36A, White Bear Lake) and an assembled group of legislators had a heated exchange, in which he claimed Rep Aisha Gomez (DFL-62A, Minneapolis) told him to “go fucking shoot himself.” Literally a case of He said, She said. Since there was more than one person present, this should be able to be confirmed, and if Engen is telling the truth, then disciplinary actions should be taken against Gomez, but if he lied, then corresponding actions should be taken against him.
Those with knowledge about the possible words attributed to Gomez are clear not surprised. She is not one known for her decorum.
Demuth and Niska put out the following statement:
“Minnesota House GOP leaders call on the DFL to remove Rep. Aisha Gomez as chair of the tax committee following an incident tonight
Republican Rep. Elliott Engen wrote on social media that Gomez told him to “go f–ing shoot himself” as Democrats began a sit-in on the Minnesota House floor pushing for a vote on a gun control bill.
“This kind of behavior is unacceptable and it makes every person in this place less safe,” says House Speaker Lisa Demuth.”
Since the call is for removal from a committee, has less value for Engen than it does for Gomez, because she is seeking reelection and he is running for State Auditor. Additionally, because of his decision to join with Rep Walter Hudson (R-30A, Albertville) a leave committee for head to a bar, may mean he has little interest in committee work in the first place.
This type of drama, works for those interested in delay and seeking to bog-down the process as the waning hours of the legislature continue to barrel toward the 11:59 am Constitutionally mandated end of session on Sunday Night.