Minnesota House speaker won't act on Rep. Thompson allegations yet
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Don't expect Minnesota's House Democrats to take action to expel or punish embattled Rep. John Thompson anytime soon.
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Driving the news: House Speaker Melissa Hortman indicated Wednesday that she'll wait until any ethics complaints or court proceedings are completed to take action against the St. Paul Democrat.
Why it matters: Hortman, along with other DFL leaders, have called on Thompson to resign over a series of domestic abuse allegations that recently came to light.
But Thompson, who hasn't been convicted of domestic violence, denies wrongdoing and says he won't step down.
What she's saying: In a letter to House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, Hortman cited House protocol and guidance from legal counsel.
The other side: Daudt called the response disappointing and said in a statement that Democrats' resignation calls "ring hollow when they refuse to take any steps to hold [Thompson] accountable."
Of note: Hortman did move to strip GOP Rep. Matt Grossell of his committee assignments based on police reports related to a drunken altercation at an area hospital back in 2019.
Unlike in this case, Grossell didn't dispute those allegations, the Pioneer Press notes.
What's next: The House Ethics Committee will hear another, unrelated complaint filed against Thompson on Friday.
House Republicans have prepped more complaints based on the latest controversies but haven't submitted them yet.
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