ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican Minnesota senators on Wednesday unsuccessfully pushed to speed up an ethics investigation and expulsion of a Democratic-Farmer-Labor senator facing a felony burglary charge. But for now, it appears the DFL will hold onto control of the chamber — at least for the rest of the session.

The GOP is asking for an ethics investigation just days after Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, was arrested for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes, Minn., home, throwing into question whether her party can keep its one-seat majority in the Senate

But more immediately, it presents a potential hurdle for bills backed by DFLers in the final weeks of the legislative session. Votes on several major policy bills have already been delayed.

GOP senators filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell on Wednesday citing the felony charge as a major concern, but also discrepancies in what 49-year-old Mitchell said in criminal charges versus a statement about the case on social media.

In criminal charges filed in Becker County District Court, Mitchell admitted to police that she entered her stepmother’s home through a basement window, saying she hoped to retrieve her father’s ashes and other items of sentimental value.

But in a post to social media on Tuesday following her release, Mitchell said she was checking in on her stepmother out of concern for her well-being, and denied allegations she was there to steal.

34-33 margin

In the 34-33 Senate, Republicans seized on the opportunity to call for Mitchell’s resignation and removal. Under the current Senate ethics investigation rules, the process can take up to 30 days to begin, meaning it could start after the session closes May 20.

In urging members to vote no, Democrats said lawmakers should respect due process before removing a colleague from office.

“It’s important to acknowledge we don’t have all the facts, but this obviously is a very tough and challenging moment for this institution,” Senate Majority Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, told reporters after Wednesday’s floor session.

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