Senjem: Koch should remain in Senate

Newly elected Senate Republican Majority Leader Dave Senjem says he thinks his predecessor, Amy Koch, should continue to serve in the Minnesota Senate through the end of her term.

Senate Republicans elected Senjem Tuesday to replace Koch, who resigned the leadership post two weeks ago amid revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Koch also said at the time that she would not seek re-election to her Senate seat next fall.

During an interview on MPR's Midday program Wednesday, Senjem said Koch is a good legislator who represents her district well. He said Koch was well-received by her GOP colleagues during Tuesday's closed-door caucus meeting.

"Given what happened, there was forgiveness that was offered to her," said Senjem. "She graciously accepted her role in all of this, and offered that she had responsibilities here as well. So in my view, I hope she stays, and I will urge her to do that."

Senjem said Republican senators spent a lot of time Tuesday rehashing the events that led to Koch's resignation. But he said he has no plans to share those private discussions.

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