Hortman calls on Demuth to return to the negotiating table

Saint Paul, Minn. – On Sunday, January 5, DFL Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman met with Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth to talk about the state of power sharing in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

During the meeting, Hortman informed Demuth that Democrats were prepared to exercise their rightful authority to deny a 68-member quorum required to conduct House business if Republicans remain committed to their plan to engage in an illegitimate power grab. Hortman made Demuth an offer for Republicans to adopt the power-sharing agreement both leaders negotiated over the past 60 days, and for Republicans to agree to seat duly-elected DFL Rep. Brad Tabke. Demuth declined, and when Hortman asked her to make a counteroffer, Demuth was noncommittal and then left the negotiating table.