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STAR TRIBUNE “HIGH COURT TO DECIDE WHETHER DAYTON’S DISMISSAL OF AIDE WAS ‘LEGISLATIVE ACT’”
By Michael B. Brodkorb | April 25, 2007
"WASHINGTON – To ensure robust debate, the U.S. Constitution protects members of Congress from lawsuits rising out of their legislative duties. But does that provide immunity from an aide's claims of discrimination?
The U.S. Supreme Court took up a Minnesota case Tuesday that could answer that question.
The case involves former Minnesota Sen. Mark Dayton, who was sued by staffer Brad Hanson for discrimination after he was fired in 2002.
Dayton said he dismissed Hanson, who directed his Minnesota office, for poor performance; Hanson claimed it was because he had a heart condition and needed time off.
A lower court allowed the lawsuit to go forward, but the case has never been tried, pending higher court rulings on whether it should be." Source: Star Tribune, April 24, 2007
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One Response to “STAR TRIBUNE “HIGH COURT TO DECIDE WHETHER DAYTON’S DISMISSAL OF AIDE WAS ‘LEGISLATIVE ACT’””
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April 25th, 2007 at 9:28 AM
I hate to say this, but as a former congressional staffer for four different Members of Congress of both parties, I have to side with Dayton.
The rules, as I understand it, give Members of Congress and Senators the right to fire staffers whenever they want and for whatever reason (or no reason). That’s why they call Capitol Hill “The Last Plantation”.
Every day I left my office on Capitol Hill, there was a long line of people waiting outside in the hall, anxious to take my job. “Sorry, folks,” I would tell them, “I survived the day, but come back tomorrow and see what happens.”
That’s the way it should be. Office holders in D.C. (or here for that matter) should have the staff they want.