Minnesota: Lawsuit asks court to toss out Two Harbors Mayor recall

A Republican County official has filed suit to toss out the recall of Two Harbors Mayor Chris Swanson

Petitioners claim they have 997 signatures for the recall They need about 450 valids. They recall is seemingly over claims that he used a podcast to discuss an underwater hotel in Lake Superior, thereby using his title as mayor to attract investors, and plans to fund city projects with cryptocurrency. 

The lawsuit is over Minnesota's strict malfeasance standard/judicial recall rules, which has led nearly all petitions (but one!) that I've seen have been rejected at that stage. The City Attorney wrote an opinion that he used the position for personal benefit, which could allow them to overcome the malfeasance standard. Interesting provision in the charter -- if there are less than two years in the term, the council appoints a replacement. If there are more, than there is a special election.