Keith Ellison Gets DFL Committee Endorsement Despite Abuse Allegation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison won his party's endorsement today for his attorney general bid in the midst of domestic abuse allegations.
Democrats took a vote this afternoon at the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party State Central Committee in Cambridge.
Inside a packed auditorium at Cambridge-Isanti High School, Ellison received a standing ovation from half the crowd while others stayed seated
"I want you to know that I take what has happened last week extremely seriously," Ellison said.
Ellison again denied the domestic abuse allegations that surfaced days before the election.
He said he would not drop out of the race.
"If you will stick with me in this moment, I promise I will be that attorney general," Ellison said.
Ellison's former girlfriend, Karen Monahan, said he abused her during their relationship.
She described an incident in 2016 where Ellison allegedly tried to drag her off a bed by her legs and feet.
Monahan told CBS on Thursday that a video of the incident exists, but that she would not share it because it is traumatizing.
Ultimately, a motion was approved to allow the delegates to vote on written ballots for privacy.
After 40 minutes of counting ballots, the committee announced Ellison won the DFL endorsement.
Ellison needed 60 percent of the votes to receive the endorsement.
He easily passed that requirement with 82 percent when he received 326 votes.
Read More: Keith Ellison Addresses Abuse Allegations In WCCO Exclusive
