The debate over whether Minnesota House Republicans acted lawfully when they elected a speaker is headed to the state Supreme Court. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Secretary of State Steve Simon and the House DFL have filed lawsuits to stop Republicans from taking control of the House for the next two years,

The unprecedented start of the legislative session went on with the usual pomp and formality of years prior. As if the Democratic half of the chamber weren’t empty, and the rules on how to proceed not the source of vehement dispute.

Did Republicans have the power to do House business and elect a Speaker? Was there actually a quorum? “There’s a good chance the Supreme Court is going to strike down what the Republicans have done,” predicts Political Science Professor Larry Jacobs.