Fact Check: MNGOP Executive Director Lies About Jeff Dotseth’s Domestic Violence Charges and Arrest

ST PAUL – On Oct 24th, Minnesota GOP Executive Director Anna Matthews went on Northern News Now to defend domestic abuser Jeff Dotseth and told an outright lie, claiming that the bombshell domestic violence charges, arrest, and Dotseth guilty plea deal were something that “his constituents had been aware of, and they supported him regardless.”

Dotseth’s arrest records, charging documents, and sworn affidavits detailing his years of domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse were not reported on until last month. Multiple House GOP legislators, however, were aware of Dotseth’s arrest and withheld it from the public – including Rep. Paul Novotny, who responded to the 911 call placed by Dotseth’s- ex-wife.

“Minnesota Republicans know that Jeff Dotseth’s violent criminal record is indefensible, which is why they are now resorting to lying about it,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin. “Unfortunately for them, no amount of misdirection will change the fact that the appalling violence and domestic abuse that led to Dotseth’s arrest is disqualifying for an elected official – and so is his decision to conceal it from the public.”

Weeks after Dotseth’s history of domestic violence and child abuse became public, Minority Leader Lisa Demuth still has not taken any questions about Dotseth or why she is applying a different standard to Rep. Dotseth than the one the House GOP has applied to other legislators in identical scenarios.