September 8, 2016 at 1:22 p.m.
Supreme Court says state representative ineligible to hold District 32B seat
Supreme Court says state representative ineligible to hold District 32B seat
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Thursday (Sept 8) filed a decision that directed the Secretary of State to invalidate this November’s House District 32B election results; triggering a special election in February 2017.
The Supreme Court heard the matter Tuesday Sept 6 (stories in our edition Sept 1 and 8.) Justices upheld a District Court Judge’s findings of fact that Barrett had not complied with legal requirements for residency in his House district.
Barrett’s DFL challenger can expect to face a new candidate. According to Twin Cities media outlets, Barrett has issued a statement declaring he is not running in February 2017.
The statement also reportedly describes his reaction as “very disappointed.”
To be considered for the GOP ticket in the special House election in February, you must have been a resident of the area encompassed by House Dist. 32B as of August 14 this year.
The district’s Republicans don’t have a lot of time; a candidate for the special election must be named no later than seven days after the November general election.
Voters will still see a general election ballot this November with Barrett’s and DFL challenger Laurie Warner’s names on it.
The Supreme Court decision, however, directs local canvassing boards to NOT certify the District 32B results. The district representative seat will remain empty until after the February 14 special election.
The decision cited the state law that keeps Barrett’s name on the printed ballot because determination of his eligibility came with less that 79 days before the general election.
This is the second petition filed regarding questions about where Barrett actually resides. Prior to his claims of residency at a rental home outside of in this case -- he ran for office claiming he lived at a home in rural Lindstrom. Petitioners in that review failed to provide sufficient evidence Barret was not actually living at this address.
The district Barrett was originally elected to represent was redrawn in 2010 redistricting-- leaving his home in Franconia Township outside of his new district. According to county tax records the Franconia Township home remains listed under he and is wife’s name.
Barrett paid a fine when it was discovered at the outset of his last campaign, that he continued to file with the county assessor a Homestead property tax reduction classification, on the Franconia address, even though he declared on filing papers this was not his primary address.
Comments:
Commenting has been disabled for this item.