State Democratic Party chair gives Keith Ellison tepid backing amid allegation

Minnesota Democrats are cautiously standing by U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison amid allegations from an ex-girlfriend that he once physically abused her, as the state’s party chairman said Thursday he supported Ellison “at this point.”

Ellison on Tuesday won a crowded primary for attorney general just days after the accusation surfaced. Karen Monahan said that in 2016, Ellison dragged her off a bed by her feet while screaming. Ellison has called that allegation false and said he still plans to run in November.

The episode has unsettled Democrats nationally and in Minnesota, where they’d rather focus on a pivotal midterm election where the governor’s office, two U.S. Senate seats, four competitive congressional districts and control of the state House are up for grabs.

“This is a developing story, and we don’t know where it’s going,” Democratic-Farmer-Labor party chairman Ken Martin said. “Keith is our nominee. We stand with Keith at this point.”

Read more: https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/16/keith-ellison-minnesota-democratic-party-domestic-assault-allegation/