state + local
Contributors in Minnesota: Jennifer Brooks, Baird Helgeson, Patricia Lopez, Jim Ragsdale, Rachel E. Stassen-Berger and Glen Stubbe. Contributors in D.C.: Kevin Diaz and Corey Mitchell.
resize text 
subscribe via RSS
GOP legislative leaders seek involvement in photo ID lawsuit
Posted by: Baird Helgeson under Minnesota legislature, National campaigns, Democrats, Republicans Updated: June 8, 2012 - 6:49 PM
Republican legislative leaders said Friday they they will try to derail a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed constitutional amendment requiring voters to show photo ID.
“It is my very strong feeling that the integrity of the election process will be enhanced with photo ID,” said Senate Majority Leader David Senjem, R-Rochester. “We intend to protect the right of citizens to vote on this important issue of election integrity.”
Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers said they must defend Legislature’s ability to place constitutional amendments on the ballot.
“It is unfortunate special interest groups who are opposed to photo ID are using any means necessary to prevent citizens from voting on this important election integrity measure,” said Zellers, R-Maple Grove.
The Legislative Coordinating Commission will meet next week to consider a resolution to formally get involved. Minnesota taxpayers would pick up the Legislature’s legal fees.
Republicans who control the Legislature led the effort to put the amendment on the ballot. Many Democratic groups oppose the measure, saying it is designed to discourage traditionally Democratic-leaning voters.
Groups opposed to the amendment filed a lawsuit last week arguing the ballot language is misleading and would weaken voting rights.
The Minnesota Supreme Court is expected to hear the case July 17.
The amendment is slated to be on the November ballot.
ADVERTISEMENT
- Union debate grips Capitol; budget measures squeaking by
- Dayton asks Senate to reject tax court judge confirmation
- From DEET to cocaine, Minnesota lakes contaminated with chemicals
- Union showdown takes center stage at Minnesota Capitol
- House OKs $15B education bill with free all-day kindergarten
- U's Rochester campus celebrates its first class
- Minnesota says 'I do' to same-sex marriage; 7,000 witness signing
- Foes of Minnesota's same-sex marriage law don't see way to block it
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters