Federal agents are executing warrants at Twin Cities daycare providers

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Sen. Barb Goodwin, DFL-Columbia Heights, says she may file an ethics complaint over something Sen. Gretchen Hoffman, R-Vergas, 

The only problem is that isn't what Goodwin said.  Goodwin was talking about the history of developmental disabilities and mental illness in Minnesota (Senate Democrats supplied 

 of Goodwin's comments) during a debate over the Health and Human Services budget bill.

Goodwin later stood up to demand an apology from Hoffman.

 on the Senate floor.  "This is an ethics violation in my opinion and I expect a public apology.  I have worked with people with mental illness a lot of my life."

The spokesman for the Senate Republican Caucus, Michael Brodkorb, did not return a message to explain why Hoffman made her initial comments on Twitter.  Brodkorb also 

 Hoffman's tweet which means his 2,500 followers also read what Hoffman wrote.  

This isn't the first time a lawmaker has gotten in hot water for something written on Twitter.  An 

 was filed after then DFL Rep. Paul Gardner wrote tweets about two Republican lawmakers.  Gardner later

Hoffman released this statement through a spokeswoman:

  Republicans are putting out video of the comments that they say Hoffman is concerned about.  You can watch those partial comments 

The spokeswoman for Hoffman said she was just "sending along the full remarks" when asked via e-mail whether she was suggesting that Goodwin intended to demean people with mental health problems and disabled people.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Tom Scheck

Author

A comment on Twitter prompts a call for a public apology.

DFL Senator may file complaint over Republican tweet

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox