ST PAUL, Minnesota — Minnesota Republicans in Congress have signed a letter alleging that Democratic Representative Angie Craig is potentially violating House rules. Craig described the accusation as “really rich.”
Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), and Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) signed the letter, which was sent to the House Ethics and House Administration Committees.
In the letter, the Representatives accuse Rep. Craig of possibly violating the House Ethics Manual and the Members’ Handbook by holding town halls in a Republican-led district.
Rep. Craig wrote an op-ed and shared it on her official social media pages earlier this month, announcing that she would hold town hall meetings in her own district as well as Minnesota’s four Republican-led districts, saying, “If your representative won’t listen to you, I will.”
The Minnesota Republican Representatives in the letter express concern that she has also promoted these town halls on her campaign’s social media accounts, including an RSVP link to her campaign website.
“Misusing public funds for campaign activity undermines the confidence of our constituents and the principle that elected office should be used to serve the people, not advance one’s own political ambitions,” the letter states. Rep. Craig is reportedly considering a run for the US Senate.
Craig was in St. Cloud on Thursday and told the Star Tribune about the accusation, saying, “Well, that’s really rich.”
“Not one dollar of taxpayer money is being spent here. Now I’m going to ask where the hell they are,” she exclaimed.
Town hall meetings have become a political flashpoint since President Trump’s inauguration. According to the Associated Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson encouraged Republican lawmakers to skip town halls packed with anti-Trump protesters in early March. The speaker’s advice came as Republican lawmakers struggled to explain recent federal cuts, while Democrats seized the opportunity to shed light on the situation.
Republican representatives are urging the House Ethics Committee and the Committee on House Administration to look into the potential rule violation. Click here to read their entire letter.