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Rep. Mark Olson Pleads Not Guilty To Assault

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Dec 12, 2006 12:54 pm US/Central

Rep. Mark Olson Pleads Not Guilty To Assault

Elk River, Minn. (AP) ― In a court hearing Tuesday that lasted less than a minute, state Rep. Mark Olson pleaded not guilty to domestic assault charges.

Olson left the courthouse in Sherburne County without commenting to reporters. Last week, the House Republican caucus voted to suspend the GOP representative from Big Lake, who was elected in November to an eighth term.

Olson is due back in court on Jan. 19.

According to a criminal complaint, Olson's wife told sheriff's deputies that her husband pushed her to the ground three times during an argument Nov. 12 at their home. Deputies spotted a fresh bruise.

Olson has said he grabbed his wife by the shoulders before "placing her on the ground," according to the criminal complaint.

If Olson is convicted, House GOP leaders say they would demand his resignation. If he doesn't comply, they could seek to expel him.

(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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