(AP) In a court hearing Tuesday that lasted less than a minute, state Rep. Mark Olson pleaded not guilty to domestic assault charges.
Olson left the courthouse in Sherburne County without commenting to reporters. Last week, the House Republican caucus voted to suspend the GOP representative from Big Lake, who was elected in November to an eighth term.
Olson is due back in court on Jan. 19.
According to a criminal complaint, Olson's wife told sheriff's deputies that her husband pushed her to the ground three times during an argument Nov. 12 at their home. Deputies spotted a fresh bruise.
Olson has said he grabbed his wife by the shoulders before "placing her on the ground," according to the criminal complaint.
If Olson is convicted, House GOP leaders say they would demand his resignation. If he doesn't comply, they could seek to expel him.