Expulsion Vote Looms for MN Senator After Teen Prostitution Sting

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Senate is scheduled to vote today on a motion to expel Grand Rapids Republican Justin Eichorn.

The 40-year-old State Senator was charged yesterday in both federal and state court in connection with his arrest on Monday by Bloomington Police. The charges allege that he had arranged to pay for sex with a 17-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover law enforcement officer participating in a teenage prostitution sting investigation.

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He is scheduled to be formally arraigned in Hennepin County Court today on a felony prostitution-related charge. He has also been charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in federal court.

Republican legislative leaders immediately called for Eichorn's resignation following his arrest and Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson has now issued a statement indicating that a resolution calling for his expulsion will be taken up by the full Senate today.

"There is no question that these charges merit expulsion. We owe it to the public to hold our members to the highest standards, and this violation of the public trust is so severe we must act. It is my hope that this quick resolution gives Senator Eichorn time to focus on his family."

The Republicans have 33 votes in the State Senate and 45 votes are needed to attain the two-thirds majority needed to expel a member of the legislative chamber.

Republican efforts to oust Democrat Senator Nicole Mitchell after the Woodbury lawmaker was charged last year for allegedly breaking into the home of her stepmother in Crow Wing County failed.