When Al Franken vacated his U.S. Senate earlier this year, Gov. Mark Dayton tabbed then-Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to replace him. While the move filled the vacancy in Washington, D.C., it created an unusual issue in St. Paul.
Senate President Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville) is constitutionally required to fill the vacancy left by Smith, but has been unwilling to give up the Senate presidency. That has led to a dispute over whether she can hold both offices.
This week on Starting Line we learn more about a proposal from Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL-New Brighton) to change the way a lieutenant governor would be chosen. Find out how HF3176 proposes to change the process and why Kunesh-Podein decided to offer this proposed legislation.