Senate Maj. Leader Amy Koch Resigned Over Alleged 'Inappropriate Relationship' Read more: Amy Koch
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned Thursday and said she wouldn’t seek re-election in 2012, while on Friday her fellow Republicans dealt with shocking allegations that led to her decision.
At a Capitol news conference Friday, Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina) said Senate staff recently brought up allegations of an “inappropriate relationship between Majority Leader Koch and a Senate staffer.”
"We sit here with a lot of humility, sadness, and shock,” Michel said.
'Inappropriate' relationship, 'conflict of interest'
Michel said multiple staffers reported allegations to Senate leaders. He said he doesn’t know how long the relationship was going on and legally cannot discuss the name of the Senate staffer involved with Sen. Koch. The Edina senator could only specify that it was “inappropriate” a “conflict of interest” and created an “unstable work environment for staff.” On whether or not the relationship was sexual, Michel said "I think there's only two people who could fully characterize that,” but GOP leaders said they never heard the word “sexual” used when the allegations surfaced.
Michel said the allegations were brought to him weeks ago, and that he checked with human resources and colleagues before moving forward. He said the Senate is "potentially" at a legal risk as a result of these allegations, which is why leaders are speaking and proceeding so carefully.
Koch proposed resignation in 'tough conversation'
Michel senator said Republican leaders confronted Koch about the allegations Wednesday night, and she brought up idea of her own resignation. In a written statement, Koch said she didn’t want to be a "lame duck" in the 2012 legislative session.
“We were as surprised as the rest of you to get Sen. Koch's resignation yesterday,” Michel said. “She gave us no notice it was coming, adding it was a “long and tough conversation.”
"This was agonizing and painful,” Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester) said. “She did what was appropriate given the circumstances"
Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley) said Koch never confirmed or denied the allegations.
Now what?
Michel said the Republican leadership wishes Koch and her family well, and that there is a succession plan in place.
”We're ready to move forward,” he said.
Source
Love it when family values are so important. She may end up being investigated by the ethics committee. She was also one of the most influential people in getting the marriage amendment on the 2012 MN ballot.
At a Capitol news conference Friday, Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina) said Senate staff recently brought up allegations of an “inappropriate relationship between Majority Leader Koch and a Senate staffer.”
"We sit here with a lot of humility, sadness, and shock,” Michel said.
'Inappropriate' relationship, 'conflict of interest'
Michel said multiple staffers reported allegations to Senate leaders. He said he doesn’t know how long the relationship was going on and legally cannot discuss the name of the Senate staffer involved with Sen. Koch. The Edina senator could only specify that it was “inappropriate” a “conflict of interest” and created an “unstable work environment for staff.” On whether or not the relationship was sexual, Michel said "I think there's only two people who could fully characterize that,” but GOP leaders said they never heard the word “sexual” used when the allegations surfaced.
Michel said the allegations were brought to him weeks ago, and that he checked with human resources and colleagues before moving forward. He said the Senate is "potentially" at a legal risk as a result of these allegations, which is why leaders are speaking and proceeding so carefully.
Koch proposed resignation in 'tough conversation'
Michel senator said Republican leaders confronted Koch about the allegations Wednesday night, and she brought up idea of her own resignation. In a written statement, Koch said she didn’t want to be a "lame duck" in the 2012 legislative session.
“We were as surprised as the rest of you to get Sen. Koch's resignation yesterday,” Michel said. “She gave us no notice it was coming, adding it was a “long and tough conversation.”
"This was agonizing and painful,” Sen. David Senjem (R-Rochester) said. “She did what was appropriate given the circumstances"
Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley) said Koch never confirmed or denied the allegations.
Now what?
Michel said the Republican leadership wishes Koch and her family well, and that there is a succession plan in place.
”We're ready to move forward,” he said.
Source
Love it when family values are so important. She may end up being investigated by the ethics committee. She was also one of the most influential people in getting the marriage amendment on the 2012 MN ballot.