Bakk sends Senjem congrats, advice

Posted at 11:09 AM on December 28, 2011 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: MN Legislature

Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, has sent a letter today to Sen. Dave Senjem, R-Rochester, offering congratulations on his election as the new majority leader.

Senate Republicans selected Senjem Tuesday night to replace Amy Koch, who resigned the leadership post two weeks ago amid revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a male staffer. In his letter, Bakk wrote that the integrity and honor of the Minnesota Senate have been called into question by recent events. He offered Senjem some advice on dealing with the lingering issues.

"Right now our first priority must be restoring the public's trust in our institution," Bakk wrote. "I urge you as the new majority leader to take this responsibility very seriously and ensure that all ethical and legal questions surrounding the recent allegations concerning Senate members' conduct are addressed in a transparent and expeditious manner."

Bakk also urged Senjem to take swift action on the financial challenges facing the Senate. Under last summer's budget agreement, the Senate must soon cut $2 million from its operating expenses.

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