DFL Hypocrisy at its Finest: Calling for Sen. Mitchell's Resignation Now That the Session is Over
In a striking display of political convenience, Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin and DFL Governor Tim Walz called for the resignation of state Senator Nicole Mitchell, following her burglary charges. The call for resignation comes suspiciously after the close of the Minnesota legislative session, where Sen. Mitchell’s vote was crucial for pushing through many of the Democrats' priority spending bills and policies.
Martin's statement emphasized that while Sen. Mitchell deserves her day in court, her continued refusal to take responsibility for her actions has become a distraction for her district and the Legislature. He asserted that now, with the legislative session over, Mitchell should resign to focus on her personal and legal challenges. This sudden sense of urgency raises questions about why such calls weren't made sooner when Republicans were demanding her resignation following the news of her arrest weeks ago.
The timing is particularly telling. During the session, Mitchell's vote was indispensable for maintaining the DFL’s one-vote majority, enabling them to pass key legislation. Now that her vote is no longer needed, the Democrats are eager to distance themselves from her scandal.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy has previously insisted on allowing Mitchell the chance to defend herself in court and through ethics proceedings. However, with Walz and Martin’s recent calls for resignation, it’s clear that the Democrats’ leadership is feeling the pressure to act – but only now that their legislative goals have been secured.
The push for resignation also aligns with strategic electoral considerations. If Mitchell resigns promptly, a special election could be held alongside the regular election in November, likely ensuring higher voter turnout. This timing could be beneficial for the DFL in maintaining their Senate majority.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson criticized the Democrats for their delayed action, accusing them of abusing their political majority for strategic gain. Johnson’s condemnation highlights the evident hypocrisy: Democrats shielded Mitchell when it was politically expedient and now seek her resignation only when her vote is no longer critical.
“Democrats abused their political majority and embraced Sen. Mitchell because it served their political purposes instead of working in a bipartisan way for Minnesotans,” Johnson stated. “Anyone paying attention could see this coming — now that they no longer need her vote, they are ready to cast her aside.”
Sen. Mitchell, through her attorney, has stated that she does not plan to resign, citing support from her community and the principle of due process. Yet, with Democrats’ split on calling for her resignation, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting.
The Democrats’ delayed call for Sen. Mitchell’s resignation highlights a clear case of political expediency over principled leadership. By waiting until the legislative session concluded, they ensured their legislative agenda was secure before addressing the ethical concerns surrounding one of their own. This maneuvering not only undermines public trust but also sets a dangerous precedent for how political scandals are managed.
As we move forward, it’s crucial for Minnesotans to demand accountability and transparency from their elected officials, ensuring that governance is conducted with integrity, irrespective of political convenience.