We're not close enough to know what ticked off the Minnesota New House Republican Caucus to part ways with Representative Erik Mortensen, R- Shakopee, as we reported in Tabke: New House Republican Caucus and newer member state rep Erik Mortensen part company.
We'll wait for caucus leader Steve Drazkowski to explain.
And while we're not close enough to know exactly why the New Republicans are so mad, we can understand Daudt's reluctance to take Mortensen back into the regular old Republican fold.
Consider the fruits of a letter-to-the editor writing campaign in Republican House districts across the state; in each letter, Mortensen's name is evoked. A few headlines and links: Rep. Igo must support impeachment in Grand Rapids. In Marshall, Representative Swedzinski must hold Walz accountable. An anti-Pfarr letter in the Belle Plaine Herald, Rep. Pfarr Is Not Fighting For Us. Onthe western prairie, in the Fergus Falls paper, Rep. Backer must back impeachment. In Chaska, there's Sign petition to impeach, attacking Chaska Republican Greg Boe.
Since the impeachment petition is a North Star Liberty Alliance joint, we think the letters were suggested or possibly even drafted as part of this campaign. Bring Me The News' Melissa Turtinen reported on Mortensen's involvement with the group in DFL files campaign finance complaint against Shakopee state rep, political nonprofit:
The Minnesota DFL party has filed a campaign finance complaint against Rep. Erik Mortensen, R-Shakopee, and a nonprofit political organization.
The 13-page complaint, filed March 29, accuses the North Star Liberty Alliance (NSLA) of failing to register as a political committee with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, hiding from the public the contributions it has received and its expenditures. Political groups are required by law to register and report activities to the campaign finance board.
It also alleges Mortensen of coordinating the group's activities. Candidates are prohibited from having direct or indirect control of any political committee other than their own campaign committee.
The NSLA website says it is a nonprofit organization created "for the purpose of advancing the cause of liberty" in Minnesota, adding that it's "focused on educating Minnesotans on liberty issues," it conducts candidate surveys and "does not endorse any candidates for office."
The complaint alleges a different story, saying the NSLA's actions show it is a "hyper-partisan organization focused on opposing 'the radical left' and exposing 'RINOs' (Republicans in name only)" noting it focuses on attacking political opponents and is supported by Mortensen, who signed a fundraising letter on behalf of the organization.
One of the group's top priorities, according to its website, is to impeach Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, over his use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group has also called House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, a "poser" and Rep. Eric Lucero, R-Dayton, a "lapdog," while showing support for Mortensen and his work at the state Capitol. . . .
After the complaint was filed, Mortensen took to Facebook to call the complaint "false and meritless." He also accuses Rep. Daudt of gathering the information for the complaint and giving it to the DFL to file against him, without offering any specific evidence.
We don't think it mysterious for Daudt to defend his caucus from Mortensen and his allies. And frankly, calling Lucero a "lapdog" suggests they''ve never watched The Right View (latest episode here), the Facebook video show Lucero hosts with Alexandria Republican state representative Mary Franson.
We can't make this stuff up.
Screenshot: Representative Erik Mortensen's Facebook post about Daudt and the DFL scheming against him.
Related Posts:
- Mortensen warned Shakopee about busloads of paid protesters with riot gear coming to MN
- Mort gave followers colleague's personal phone number, but no bill number to call about
- [VIDEO] MN Reformer: Newbie Erik Mortensen jokes about getting HR complaint on first day
- Letter: MN Attorney General Keith Ellison declines invitation to Erik Mortensen's party
- Newest New House Republican to hold back yard party in Shakopee, invites Walz and Ellison
- Facebook fundraising: Jeremy Munson cashes in on "Give to the Max Day" for political campaign
- MAGASOTA's surprising speakers list for Northfield Trump Rally Minnesota 2020 Saturday
- MN55A: Mortensen deletes fake news about Tabke's views after area hunter calls him out
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