A farmer called us earlier today to share an anecdote that possibly illuminates why state representative Tim Miller, NP-Prinsburg, felt less than appreciated by Republican House leadership.
As Brian Bakst reported in Renegade House members split from GOP caucus,
In a message to his Republican colleagues Miller wrote, “I have come to the conclusion that the attitudes and actions by the HRC (House Republican Caucus) leader and some of his supporters have become too hostile toward me and has made it impossible to properly serve my District first and the State of Minnesota second. Those are my priorities.”
“As we move into session my hope is that all of us Republicans will work together to defend the people in our districts from radical liberalism,” Miller’s message continued. “I for one will certainly not be working against any of you.
At the April 26, 2018 meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee, House Ag Policy Committee Chair Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, presented HF3719, Rod Hamilton's Omnibus agriculture finance bill.
Hamilton, R-Minnesota Lake, had been suspended as chair of the Ag Policy Committee following charges of sexual assault right around that time.
Miller served as the vice-chair of the Ag Finance committee.He had chaired the committee at times when Hamilton, who lives with MS, had not been able to chair the committee. One would have anticipated Miller presenting the bill, but such was not the case.
Here's the Youtube of the meeting; Anderson is first to testify:
Viewers can see Miller seated behind Anderson. A reader who was in the room at the time told Bluestem that Miller appeared to be upset--and our source thought that under the circumstances, the Prinsburg Republican might have good reason.
Is this more evidence for the reasons the Republicans expelling themselves? We've looked at the back story in
New Republican Caucus members support single-topic bill amendment--mostly
Not so gracious now: Tim Miller, 3 running buddies expel selves from MNHouse GOP caucus
Moreover, we covered Miller's bid for Minority Leader on November 12, in Tim Miller gracious in minority leader bid defeat; vows to work toward reopening private prison.
We hopes this helps readers understand Miller's frustration. He'd had to drop his congressional bid because raising money is hard--and he'd not been called to present the Ag Finance bill as acting chair.
Screengrab: Miller lurks behind Ag Policy Committee Chair Paul Anderson as he presents the ag finance bill to the Ways and Means committee.
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