PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Suspended Republican state Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller of Rapid City says she was given no notice about her suspension, and the move has disenfranchised the voters in District 30.
Her district is much of Rapid City and the surrounding area.
Sen. Frye-Mueller has filed a lawsuit today (Monday) in Federal District Court in Pierre to reinstate her and prevent any further action against her pending Senate proceedings against her.
Former Republican Rep. Steven Haugaard from Sioux Falls represents Frye-Mueller.
In the request for expedited proceedings, Haugaard says the Senate action violates her free speech rights.
He also alleges that the Senate’s action violated her due process rights.
The suspension occurred last week after a Legislative Research Council member filed a complaint about her conversation with Sen. Frye-Mueller.
As of 3:30 p.m. (CT) today (Monday), the federal online access portal called PACER did not indicate that Sen. Schoenbeck or anyone else with the State of South Dakota had been served yet.
There also were no orders from Judge Roberto A. Lange regarding the case.
SD.net will broadcast the first meeting of the Select Committee on Discipline and Expulsion this afternoon today (Monday) once the Senate adjourns.
This is a developing story.
