DFLers File Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Michel

Prominent Senate DFLers are accusing Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina) of "betraying the public's trust" by failing to take appropriate action after learning about the alleged inappropriate relationship between former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch and a staffer.

Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) filed an ethics complaint against Michel Monday, Mar. 19, to the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct. 

The complaint says Michel, who was Deputy Majority Leader at the time, violated Senate Permanent Rule 56, by failing to swiftly address the matter upon first learning about it.

"Senator Michel brought the Minnesota Senate into dishonor and disrepute by failing to take appropriate action to fully and swiftly address the alleged inappropriate relationship between the Senate Majority Leader and a subordinate senate employee until its public disclosure was imminent," the complaint reads. "(He) betrayed the public's trust by making false and clearly misleading public statements regarding when he became aware of (it) ... which he corrected only after being confronted with a contradictory statement by another party."

Reached Monday afternoon, Michel said he believes the complaint was "totally motivated by partisan politics."

"The DFL wants a few more headlines," Michel added, in a statement. "The conflict of interest has been resolved. The workplace environment has improved. And, we did this while protecting whistleblowers and staff."

Michel has asked for an immediate hearing to resolve the matter, which he said could take place as early as Monday afternoon.

The complaint comes only two weeks after this fall due to familial and work obligations.

"It’s time for me to return their support and focus on a family future that is getting busier every year and may include four college tuitions," he said.

Michel has served in the Senate for 10 years.