If the requisite number of signatures is obtained within 90 days, a recall election will be held. The number of signatures needed is 25 percent of the votes cast for the subject office at the last election. We are at the initial stage of the preliminary screening process described above in which the chief justice, sitting individually, must determine whether the proposed petition alleges specific facts that, if proven, would constitute grounds for recall of the governor. Petitioners assert only the ground of malfeasance as the basis for their proposed recall petition. Malfeasance is expressly defined in Minn. Stat.
Petitioners make four allegations.
First, they allege that the use of state security personnel to protect the governor on a book promotion tour constituted illegal use of state property for personal gain. Second, petitioners allege the governor used his official position to secure benefits or advantages different from those available to the general public. Specifically, petitioners allege the governor used the prestige of his office to extract an increased price for his book, to increase sales of the book, and to increase his fee for refereeing a wrestling match. Third, petitioners allege the governor's acceptance of gifts and favors from outside sources, including the book publisher and promoters of the wrestling match, violated laws prohibiting the receipt of outside compensation by state employees. Finally, petitioners allege a conflict of interest between the governor's official duties and his personal financial interests.