DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin on Monday criticized House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, alleging that Daudt "used his connections and influence to get out of his financial difficulties," following recent news reports of debt settled by the top Minnesota Republican.

State DFLers have called for Daudt to provide further reassurances that he did not use his high-ranking position to secure better terms than other similarly situated debtors. Representing Daudt in the legal settlement was R. Reid LaBeau of the Jacobson Law Group. LaBeau has been hired for previous work on elections law and ethical matters by the House GOP Caucus. He is also a registered lobbyist for tribal groups, among other clients.

Attorneys for Daudt's creditors were from the debt division of the Minneapolis firm, Messerli and Kramer P.A. The Minneapolis law firm that also lobbies extensively at the state Capitol. Shortly after winning favorable rulings for creditors, the firm's legal counsel urged a judge to wipe away the rulings, a rare concession in these types of actions, MPR News reported.

Daudt has vigorously denied that he received special treatment after he was sued for delinquent credit-card debt. He says he has paid for all of his legal expenses personally, and that he has paid his debt in full.

Martin in his news conference called on Daudt to pass a "no-strings-attached" bill that would provide unemployment benefits to laid off steel workers on the Iron Range. Republicans have insisted the economic aid include a tax cut for businesses. Martin also asked for support from Republicans on measures to address high student loan debt and reducing racial economic disparities.