A Minnesota Democrat is in deep trouble as revelations of a sexual encounter with a 17-year-old young man have come to light. Neither State Representative Kerry Gauthier, a Democrat representing Duluth, nor the young man engaged in anything illegal since no money changed hands and the young man is over the age of consent.  Gauthier ran into problems over the fact that he was seeking anonymous sexual partners and meeting up for sex at public rest stops.  The young man lied to Gauthier and said he was 18.  Gauthier is not married.

Gauthier has not responded to questions from reporters, but did admit to the police that he did engage in sex with the young man.

Erik Simonson has launched a wright in campaign to try and keep the seat in Democratic hands. House Minority Leader Paul Thissen and Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin have both called on Gauthier to withdraw from the race. Thissen is looking to see if Gauthier can be replaced ont eh ballot if he formally withdraws from the race. Thissen stated “I think that would be the fairest thing for the people of Duluth.”

Gauthier may break his silence on Friday when the Minnesota Legislature meets to vote on a flood relief package for Duluth and other parts of the state damaged in June flooding.

Martin has stated that party activists are waiting to hear from Gauthier about his future plans, but Senate District 7 DFL Chairman John Schwetman has stated that the party is weighing its options regarding the first term Representatives. Schwetman stated “We’re all waiting to hear what Rep. Gauthier chooses to do.”

So, perhaps the question is…why is there an uproar?