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Democrats are asking the Minnesota Supreme Court to settle the disputes they have with the Republicans regarding control of the state House. The court should refuse to decide, forcing the two parties to resolve this and disputes among themselves. This is their constitutional duty.
The Minnesota Constitution was written to enshrine and promote a functioning state government, including a Legislature. It provides language about matters such as how a bill becomes a law and quorums to do business. It describes the duties of legislators, and the size and composition of our House and Senate. It also provides for, as every student learns, three branches of government, each with their respective duties.
Generally, this means each branch is responsible for conducting its own internal affairs, subject to some outer constitutional limits. For nearly 168 years the Constitution served the state well, mostly because of the willingness of the parties and public officials to follow the rules and work together.
Now Minnesota is facing extraordinary and unprecedented challenges not seen since 1857 when the drafting of our Constitution split this state into rival Republican and Democratic Party conventions. Political polarization, winner-take-all and a take-no-prisoners approach to governing has pushed legislators to test the legal limits of their actions — not because they should but because they can.
We see now a variety of moves aimed simply at retaining or securing power. These include decisions to question quorum, refuse to show up for session, challenge the seating of duly elected legislators and defiance of court options. Neither the Democrat nor the Republican parties have the high moral ground here.
Both parties are now involving the Constitution and the law — as both a sword and shield — as cover or justifications for their power grabs. They are now turning to the Minnesota Supreme Court to resolve their disputes. This is not a surprise.