House 5A representative Matt Bliss is joining a growing list of Republicans and DFLers alike calling for the Minnesota GOP chair to resign.
Jennifer Carnahan has previously said she will not step down after a major donor and campaign strategist Anton Lazarro was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges.
Bliss wrote, “a dangerous, toxic environment has festered under her watch, particularly for women.”
Former staffers accuse Carnahan of creating a toxic work environment, especially concerning allegations of sexual harassment among employees.
Bliss went on to say that the future of the Minnesota Republican Party is at stake and that Carnahan should step down before any more damage is done.
Bliss, from Pennington, represents portions of Beltrami, Cass and Itasca counties.
Four former chairs of the MN GOP have also called for Carnahan’s resignation.
Chair of the MN DFL Ken Martin wrote:
“The crimes that Republican strategist and donor Anton Lazzaro was indicted and arrested for are absolutely horrifying. It is also extremely disturbing that a man arrested for sexually trafficking six minors has such deep ties to so many Minnesota Republican officials, candidates, and organizations, particularly Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan and her husband, Congressman Jim Hagedorn.
“Carnahan, who also invited Lazzaro to co-host the Minnesota Republican Party podcast, must denounce Lazzaro immediately. However, it is not enough for Carnahan and other Minnesota Republicans to just denounce and disavow Lazzaro after collectively accepting over $190,000 from him. As such, I am calling on each and every elected official, candidate, and organization that received a cent from this predator to donate those funds to an anti-trafficking organization.”
