| It’s decision time for Democrats about who will lead the party after a 2024 letdown. Dana Ferguson is in Maryland today and through the weekend for the Democratic National Committee chair vote (other officers will be elected, too). It’s a big local angle story because Ken Martin, the erstwhile Minnesota DFL chair, is in contention. While there are several candidates, it might be a two-man race between Martin and Wisconsin Democratic Chair Ben Wikler. Don’t expect the next party leader to go toe-to-toe with President Donald Trump. But what the party’s rebuild looks like could be different based on who gets the job.
The DNC meeting isn’t very far from the plane crash near the main Washington airport, a tragedy that marks the first domestic test for President Donald Trump in his new term. He spoke about it yesterday, calling it “a tragedy of terrible proportions.” He declared, “We are a country really in mourning.” The passengers included an athletic contingent from Russia. Given that a U.S. military helicopter was involved in the crash, this also has geopolitical implications. But his remarks quickly spiraled into recriminations and suggestions that the crash resulted from DEI policies at the staff-strapped FAA. He didn’t provide evidence and discarded questions about his assertion.
It’s back to court for the Minnesota House. GOP leaders asked the Minnesota Supreme Court for a sequel to their ruling that 68 members be present for the chamber to do business. The Republicans say their efforts to break a stalemate during a DFL boycott have been stymied by DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon. They say he is refusing to recognize their members to take steps to compel attendance, which the new lawsuit argues is a separation-of-powers violation in itself. Democrats say they’ve tried to negotiate a solution but haven’t found a willing negotiation partner. The Supreme Court previously issued its limited ruling on the quorum standard but didn’t require any other action, leaving lawmakers to strain for a solution on their own. It’s unclear what more, if anything, justices will do to invigorate a stalled session.
The House sessions have been short this week. About seven minutes on Monday and just a three-minute session yesterday. The routine opening prayer has been whittled down to a moment of “silent reflection in your own traditions” and the Pledge of Allegiance. The roll is taken and without any of the 66 Democrats (some of their staff has been on the floor, though), Secretary of State Steve Simon declares the quorum requirement unmet and gavels out. Monday is the next meeting. Lawmakers, lobbyists, reporters, staff and others know there will be a payback period once the House is back in regular order. Deadline weeks will be even more consuming, the Easter/Passover break could get scaled back and the May 19 adjournment deadline will likely be preceded by spring weekends of work.
During the ongoing boycott and stymied House, lawmakers are collecting their paychecks. Ryan Faircloth of the Star Tribune checked in on the $130,000 Democrats have collected so far . Lawmakers make about $51,000 a year. They note that they’ve been meeting with groups and constituents about legislative issues even though they’re not at the Capitol. Republicans haven’t been able to push legislation forward and are also collecting pay. Daily expense allowances for food and travel have not been distributed as normal, according to the House controller.
The Senate ended its week, and perhaps the last time where Republicans hold the presiding gavel this session, with a short and smooth meeting. Republicans had one member absent so there wasn’t any reason for them to push resolutions or motions that would be defeated. A tie vote would do that, too. DFL Sen. Doron Clark could be sworn in by midweek so Democrats will again have a 34-33 advantage. | 
