GOP files ethics complaint against Minn. Senate President Bobby Joe Champion amid conflict-of-interest concerns
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion said he would temporarily step down as chair of the chamber's ethics committee in the wake of concerns that he did not disclose a conflict of interest when bringing forward legislation that would send grant money to a local nonprofit.
On Friday, Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Champion over the concerns, accusing him of "sponsoring legislation appropriating money to a legal client without disclosing the client relationship," in violation of Senate rules.
The Minnesota Reformer first reported the connection last week. The nonprofit online news outlet said Champion, a Democrat representing north Minneapolis, in 2022 worked in his private capacity as an attorney for Rev. Jerry McAfee and his nonprofit Salem Inc. — a connection he did not share when he brought forward legislation this session that would steer a $1 million state grant to McAfee's 21 Days of Peace violence prevention organization.
Champion told the Reformer he did the work pro bono and that he didn't need to disclose it because it preceded the 2023-2024 legislative session, during which he also advocated for funding for 21 Days of Peace.
"With what we know, at a minimum this is a conflict of interest that warranted disclosure," Republican state Sen. Michael Kreun of Blaine said. "At worst, it's an abuse of public office for personal and professional gain."
Champion responded to the complaint in a statement on Friday.
"I was not paid for the legal work in question, and have a practice of not charging churches that ask me for legal support or advice. The Supreme Court encourages lawyers to provide pro bono services as a part of our practice," he said. "Our conflict of interest rules cover situations that directly and financially benefit individual legislators. Because my work in this matter occurred in the past, and was unpaid, there was no potential conflict to disclose."
In an earlier statement, Champion said he would temporarily step aside as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Ethics pending advice from the panel, which Senate rules allow members to do should an issue arise.
"I understand that questions have been raised about a potential conflict of interest regarding my work as a senator and a private practice attorney. Out of an abundance of caution, I have asked the Senate Ethics Subcommittee for an advisory opinion," Champion said.
During a Monday afternoon meeting of the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Champion, who is the chairman, walked through the draft of the budget bill that includes grants for community organizations offering workforce development and job training.
Sen. Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, asked Champion if, in light of the Reformer report, he could assure the committee that he "had no legal contracts with any of the named organizations in this bill."
Champion replied that it's "challenging" when "someone tries to smear your name with what's written in the papers," but that he "1,000%" did not represent anyone in the large budget proposal that will be worked on through the end of the session.
"I just want to make sure that I assure you I am not representing anyone that is outlined on our sheet — not pro bono, not for a fee, nothing," Champion said.
Republicans submitted their complaint to the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct Thursday afternoon, requesting a review. DFL Sen. Sandy Pappas is leading the subcommittee in Champion's absence.
