Lawmaker asks state mediation bureau to investigate Swanson Eds: APNewsNow.

ST. PAUL (AP) A state legislator is asking the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services to investigate labor issues in Attorney General Lori Swanson's office.

Representative Tom Emmer wants the bureau to look into allegations that Swanson been an obstacle to employees attempting to organize a union.

Swanson put an assistant attorney general on leave earlier this week, but denied that the suspension was punishment for speaking with news media about the union drive.

Messages left for Bureau of Mediation Services Commissioner James Cunningham were not immediately returned.

Emmer, a Republican, has been pushing DFL House leaders to investigate Swanson, who is also a Democrat.

He is asking House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (KEL'-uh-her) and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (POHG'-uh-mill-er) for a formal inquiry into Swanson's office.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-12-08 1708CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list