I’m always interested when Michael Brodkorb asserts that a couple Republican State Reps and a staffer agreeing with him constitutues, ‘concern’ in St. Paul. By that definition,
MDE’s argument is that the creation of the Minnesota Heritage Finance Committee coinciding with Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher being elected Speaker is a conflict of interest for Rep. Kelliher, since her husband, David Kelliher, is currently serving as legislative liason for the Minnesota Historical Society.
As per usual,
Fact 1) Recusals. Since her husband began working for the MN Historical Society, Rep. Kelliher has recused herself from any vote having to do with the MN. Historical Society.
Fact 2) No Discosure Required. Under Minnesota law, legislators are not required to disclose anything that is not of direct economic benefit
Fact 3) Role. David Kelliher is Legislative Liason for the Minnesota Historical society, his function is to inform elected officials and the public about the legislative activities of the MSH - NOT lobby elected officials.
This isn’t the first time Brodkorb has made a mountain out of a molehill and invented impropriety…
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JD: Are you sure you want to make this claim:
“Fact 1) Recusals. Since her husband began working for the MN Historical Society, Rep. Kelliher has recused herself from any vote having to do with the MN. Historical Society.”
hmm, no “concern” here
Hold all cards, we have a B-I-N-G-O!
Someone must have thrown a rod over at Speaker-elect Kelliher’s office for there to be any hub-bub about Michael Brodkorb’s post.
There must be something to the suggestion that the newly annointed dems formation of a committee that specifically and directly benefits Kelliher’s husband could cause indigestion for Madame Speaker.
JD’s assertion that Legislative Liason Kelliher does not lobby for the Historical Society is outright poppycock. JD ist guilty of the exaggeration charge he himself foists against his nemesis at MDE.
The good news is that you blog whizzes are talking about this potentially volatile issue. It bodes well for disclosure and transperancy — two things we dearly need in Saint Paul.
The disclosure requirements are ridiculous. Denise Dittrich’s husband owns an interest in Northstar Corridor land. But it’s her husband and not to her direct benefit? Again poppycock!!!
If Margaret wants out from under this one she needs to come forward and explain why the committee-happy dems needed to form a specific committee to handle the brudensome workload of the historical society.
Are you sure it’s not the hysterical society? If this wasn’t such a blatantly conflicted act on the dems part it might be funny.
How would you liberals have responded if Speaker Swiggum had done something like this for his wife?
What a bunch of hogwash.
When was the last time a “Minnesota Heritage Committee” existed in the MN House or Senate? Has it ever?
1) Recusals don’t matter in this instance, it’s the fact that a committee was created that expressly benefits her husband’s employer. To create a committee for that purpose is odd, especially when it occurs only when she is set to become Speaker.
2) No economic benefit to her husband? Um, how about the budget that supports his salary?
3) The role of a legislative liaison is to follow legislation that will affect the state agency the liaison represents. Another role is to advocate. To assert that he will not lobby elected officials is absurd. And, if he does not serve as an advocate, then he’s not doing his job.
I have a new post responded to the false claims of MN Publius.
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http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2006/12/04/mde-exclusive-new-committee-created-by-dfl-house-leadership-raises-concerns-about-connection-between-speaker-designate-and-legislative-liason-3
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According to information sent to MDE, Kelliher only recused herself one time.
still no “concern here,” wait is my teapot boiling over?
In the scope of things its not that big a deal, but its pretty lame of Kelliher. I think a big reason the Democrats did so well in the last election is people recognized just how corrupt the Republicans had become. The Democrats would be well-advised to avoid the mistakes the Republicans made. Instead of making excuses about recusals, etc., why don’t we try to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Do we really need a “Heritage Finance Comittee?”
Precisely Dan.