Minnesota House DFL caucus expels embattled state Rep. John Thompson
The Minnesota House DFL caucus voted Tuesday night to expel embattled state Rep. John Thompson from its ranks amid past domestic violence accusations and questions about his residency. The move isolates Thompson and leaves him without access to DFL legislative staff and resources. House leaders also reiterated calls for Thompson to resign from the Legislature.
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Thompson, a St. Paul Democrat, was embroiled in a series of controversies over the summer. He accused a St. Paul police sergeant who pulled him over for driving without a front license plate of racially profiling him. Thompson, who was cited for driving under suspension, presented a Wisconsin license at the time of the stop, raising questions about whether he lives in the legislative district he represents. Soon after, details of past domestic abuse accusations against Thompson surfaced.
Thompson has denied the allegations.
Thompson also faced criticism for a profanity-laced appearance at a Black Lives Matter protest outside the home of Minneapolis Police Federation President Bob Kroll last year. Video of the event captured Thompson and others beating piñata effigies of Kroll and his wife, a Twin Cities journalist.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and Gov. Tim Walz have called for Thompson's resignation but he has refused.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-house-dfl-caucus-expels-embattled-state-rep-john-thompson/600097243/