Live from the Capitol: Podcast breaks down House drama
In an unprecedented move, House Democrats boycotted the first day of Minnesota’s legislative session while House Republicans elected Lisa Demuth Speaker of the House.
There was a dramatic moment when Secretary of State Steve Simon announced there wasn’t “quorum” and tried to adjourn the House. Majority Leader Harry Niska stood up and yelled, “Mr. Secretary, you can’t adjourn the House, only members can.” He then motioned to have Simon removed from the chamber, which wasn’t necessary because the DFL Secretary of State had already scurried out the back door.
House Republicans then installed the oldest member of the House, Rep. Paul Anderson, in the chair and he called for the election of a Speaker.
American Experiment’s Bill Walsh was there in the House gallery and he joined the podcast right after adjournment to break it all down. Click below to hear everything that happened today, live from the Capitol.