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Sviggum returning to Capitol as communications chief for Senate Republicans

Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum is the new communications chief for the Senate GOP. Sviggum's folksy style will contrast with his predecessor, the more combative Michael Brodkorb. Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem says the caucus values Sviggum's experience and knowledge of the press.
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Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum is the new communications chief for the Senate GOP. Sviggum's folksy style will contrast with his predecessor, the more combative Michael Brodkorb. Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem says the caucus values Sviggum's experience and knowledge of the press.

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U of M to decide how to handle Sviggum's new Senate job

The Pioneer Press reports regents Chair Linda Cohen is expected to announce steps to determine if there is a conflict of interest with Steve Sviggum's position on the Board of Regents and his new job as Senate GOP communications chief. The former Minnesota House speaker insists there isn't a conflict with the two positions, pointing to the board's ethics policy that only prohibits pursing elected office.

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Two legal opinions conclude Sviggum must choose between U, Capitol

Lawyers inside and outside the University of Minnesota found a conflict of interest in Steve Sviggum's dual roles as university regent and staff member for state Senate Republicans. The university's General Counsel says when U of M business comes up at the Capitol, Sviggum will have competing loyalties. Sviggum sees no conflict because he has no policymaking authority in the Legislature.

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Sviggum stepping down from the University of Minnesota Board of regents

The Star Tribune reports Steve Sviggum gave an emotional statement at Thursday's board meeting before handing out his letter of resignation. After Sviggum left, the full board still passed a motion that the former House Speaker needed to choose between his job as communications director for the Senate GOP and his seat on the board.

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U of M regents chairwoman asks for legal review in Sviggum case

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A group of regents is asking Steve Sviggum to step down from the University of Minnesota's board, saying his other job as communications director for the Senate GOP creates a conflict of interest. Earlier this week, an outside attorney and a lawyer for the regents issued a similar opinion. Still, Sviggum says the two jobs are not in conflict and that he will not step down, at least until the full board weighs in.