Feb 18, 2008 6:58 pm US/Central
Minn. Lawmaker Apologizes For Domestic Assault
ST. PAUL (AP) ―
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It stems from a November 2006 incident in which he was accused of pushing his wife down three times during an argument. He was convicted of one misdemeanor charge and acquitted of another. (File)
Courtesy Sherburne County Sheriff's Dept.
A state lawmaker who was convicted last summer on a domestic assault charge is asking for forgiveness from his Minnesota House colleagues.
Republican Mark Olson of Big Lake addressed the chamber Monday, telling lawmakers that he accepts responsibility for his "personal failure" and has fulfilled court requirements.
It stems from a November 2006 incident in which he was accused of pushing his wife down three times during an argument. He was convicted of one misdemeanor charge and acquitted of another. He was placed on probation and ordered to pay almost $400 in fines and court costs.
During his brief remarks, Olson asked of lawmakers: "Will you forgive me for bringing dishonor and disrepute to you as my colleagues and to this institution?"
He received tepid applause after the speech. Olson has been formally expelled from Republican caucus ranks, meaning he is on his own during the session and the upcoming election.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, said in a prepared statement that she accepts his apology.
"Representative Olson's completion of a counseling program ordered by the court is a sign that he understands the serious nature of this case," she said. "It is my hope that he can now begin to repair the damage done to his relationship with his family and friends."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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