Mark Olson: What’s next?
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Mark Olson was found guilty today of one count of misdemeanor domestic assault. Sentencing is scheduled for August 8th. So the next question is: What action lawmakers will take?
There have already been calls for him to resign after the charges were filed. GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert told MPR in December that Olson should be removed from office if he is found guilty. Gov. Pawlenty also said at the time that it would "inappropriate for him to be serving in the Legislature" if he's found guilty.
DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher released this statement after Olson was found guilty:
The Minnesota House of Representatives respects the verdict reached by jurors in the case against Representative Mark Olson. The judge has indicated he will impose his sentence at a later date.
The Rules of the Minnesota House of Representatives allow for the punishment of a member who brings the House into dishonor or disrepute. A complaint must be signed by at least two members and submitted to me for referral to the Committee on Ethics. That bi-partisan panel is made up of six members, two of whom serve as alternates. Any recommendation for disciplinary action by the Ethics Committee will be reported to the entire House body for final disposition.
Olson will not be removed from office without a fight. He told MPR in February that he will not resign if he's found guilty.
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