State Senate Receives Final Bill For Brodkorb Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate has received its final legal bill in a now-settled lawsuit filed by a fired staffer that cost more than $400,000 to defend against.

The invoice due for ratification Wednesday by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee lists $7,252 in remaining legal fees. The lawsuit by ex-GOP communications aide Michael Brodkorb alleged he was improperly fired after his affair with a leading state senator became known.

The case was settled in September, with the Senate agreeing to pay Brodkorb $30,000 in severance without conceding any wrongdoing on the institution's part. That's separate from the lawyer bills.

The Senate paid a Minneapolis law firm to fight the employment claim.

Brodkorb hasn't revealed what he paid his attorneys. The Senate's billing was considered public because it involved taxpayer money.