Minn. Republicans face eviction from HQ

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ST. PAUL, Minn., April 24 (UPI) -- The owner of the headquarters of the Republican Party of Minnesota has filed eviction papers, saying the party organization owes $96,000 in back rent.

Hub Properties Trust, which is based in Massachusetts, said in court papers the party owes more than $111,000 on the office space in St. Paul, politicsinminnesota.com reported Monday. The landlord filed the eviction action last week.

The party owes about $1.23 million plus another $700,000 in legal fees from the 2010 gubernatorial campaign. Tony Sutton, a former restaurant executive who had been state party chairman since 2009, resigned in December as the party's financial disarray came to light.

The Federal Elections Commission is investigating the party's finances, the report said.

Pat Shortridge, who has taken over as chairman, said in an e-mail to party activists the party is paying above-market rates for more space than it needs in St. Paul. He said the state committee hopes to negotiate new terms and a payment schedule with the landlord.