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St. Cloud, Minn.

Olson's House status under fire after arrest

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(AP) - A leading House Republican said he would seek the resignation of a fellow Republican if he is convicted of assaulting his wife.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum of Kenyon issued a statement Tuesday about the allegations of domestic abuse facing seven-term Rep. Mark Olson of Big Lake.

"The allegations brought forward against Representative Mark Olson are very serious and will be treated as such," Sviggum said. "If Representative Mark Olson is found guilty of these gross misdemeanor charges, I will personally recommend that he resign from the Minnesota House of Representatives."

Olson could be subject to an ethics complaint by fellow House members, Sviggum said.

Olson spent two nights in jail after his Sunday arrest. According to a criminal complaint, Olson's wife, Heidi, told sheriff's deputies that she and her husband had an argument and he pushed her to the ground three times. She had a fresh bruise, deputies noted.

In his first appearance in Sherburne County District Court, Olson did not offer a plea and was released without bail. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 12.

Olson, 51, told reporters he would not resign.