Minnesota's political landscape has been shaken by the recent conviction of Democratic state Senator Nicole Mitchell on two felony charges.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Mitchell has announced her intention to resign, but not until August 4th, a decision that has sparked criticism from various quarters.
According to Minnesota Public Radio, Mitchell's resignation will take effect by 5 p.m. on the specified date. This delay has drawn sharp rebuke from Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash, who criticized Mitchell's decision to remain in office for an additional two weeks.
"Nicole Mitchell was convicted of felony burglary last week. Instead of doing the right thing and stepping down immediately, she now plans to stick around for another two weeks just long enough to collect another taxpayer-funded paycheck," Plechash remarked. He further condemned her actions as "not public service its self-serving. And its disgraceful."
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, also a Republican, expressed his discontent with the situation, emphasizing that Mitchell should have been expelled from the state Senate following her arrest on April 22, 2024. "Sen. Mitchell was convicted of two felonies; she doesnt get to give the Senate two weeks notice," Johnson asserted. He accused Democrats of shielding Mitchell for over a year to maintain their political power, while a jury swiftly confirmed her unsuitability for office.
Mitchell, in her statement, cited personal reasons for her delayed resignation. She mentioned the need to maintain health insurance coverage for her son and to provide her staff with time to seek new employment. Additionally, she expressed a desire to complete ongoing legislative projects and address constituent service issues.
Dane DeKrey, one of Mitchells attorneys, explained that the possibility of resignation was not considered prior to the conviction. "It didnt make sense for us to do these things in advance because that would essentially be, I think, admitting or thinking you might lose," DeKrey stated. He added that following the trial's outcome, Mitchell aims to leave her position in a responsible manner for her successor.
The charges against Mitchell stem from an incident on April 22, 2024, when she was apprehended at her stepmother's residence. Mitchell claimed she was there to retrieve her deceased father's ashes and other belongings, which she alleged her stepmother, Carol Mitchell, was withholding. During the trial, Mitchell admitted to trespassing but argued her actions were motivated by concern for her stepmother, who suffers from Alzheimers disease.
The convictions for burglary and possession of burglary tools carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days in jail, as reported by CBS. Mitchell's sentencing is scheduled for September 10, according to Minnesota Public Radio.
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