State senator apologizes for staffer's e-mail to lobbying group

A freshman state senator is apologizing for an e-mail sent by his staff to a lobbying group.

Republican Sen. Scott Newman of Hutchinson recently turned down a meeting request from the Minnesota Nurses Association. His assistant told the group in an e-mail that Newman does not see organizations that gave money to his DFL opponent in last year's campaign.

Newman defeated Hal Kimball for the vacancy created by the retirement of Sen. Steve Dille of Dassel.

Newman issued a statement apologizing for the confusion and frustration caused by the message, which he said was sent without his knowledge. He said it is not his policy to reject meeting requests on a political or partisan basis.

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