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The state's legal bills for a lawsuit brought by ex-Minnesota Senate employee Michael Brodkorb have topped $200,000.

Brodkorb is suing the Senate over his 2011 dismissal, which came in the wake of his affair with then-Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. He is claiming gender discrimination, alleging that female employees who had affairs were permitted to keep legislative jobs.

The latest bill, which has yet to be approved for payment, of $27,700 will add to the more than $196,000 the state has already paid.

The Senate has not yet scheduled a Rules Committee meeting to approve the most recent bill. The case is scheduled for trial in 2014.

Last week, Brodkorb revealed that he had recorded conversations with senators and staff members about his firing.

Rachel E. Stassen-Berger