Frye-Mueller says female staffer sought advice for an issue as a young mother

Suspended senator addresses accusation that her behavior was inappropriate

Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller, center, addressed reporters on Jan. 26. She was suspended later that day. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

Suspended state Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller addressed supporters in her home town of Rapid City on Saturday, telling them that a private conversation she had with another woman should not have led to her suspension.

“I wish I were not in this situation at all,” she said. “I think this is a serious moment in our history.”

Frye-Mueller addressed a press release issued Friday by Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree that outlined the subjects of a conversation she had with a Legislative Research Council staffer. The subjects included childhood vaccines and breastfeeding, and the staffer reported the conversation as inappropriate.

Frye-Mueller acknowledged that she had a conversation with a young mother whom she considered a friend. She said the staffer came to her with her concerns, and Frye-Mueller offered her advice, the same advice she says she received as a young mother.

NEWS: Frye-Mueller complaint involves 'childhood vaccines and breastfeeding'