ST. PAUL, Minn.  – Senate Republicans brought a motion to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) yesterday. Mitchell was arrested in her stepmother’s basement last spring and later charged with felony burglary. Her trial was scheduled to begin yesterday, but she exercised her right to a delay until the legislative session adjourns. Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) released the following statement:  

“Senator Mitchell is using her status as a senator to protect herself and delay the consequences of her actions in the court as well as in the legislature. We gave Democrats a great opportunity to join us in denouncing her poor behavior and defending the principles of the Senate as an institution. Unfortunately, we witnessed yet another vote along party lines, prioritizing political power over upholding the ethical standards of this body.”