A candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner who was charged with assault this week after allegedly throwing a tarantula at a woman she was renting a room to has lost the support of local Republicans.
Marisa Simonetti, 30, was charged with the misdemeanor assault of Jackie Vasquez, an attorney staying with her in Edina while studying for the California bar exam.
Details of the charges suggest their relationship broke down, culminating with Simonetti allegedly attempting to force Vazquez to leave by throwing items down a staircase at her – including a live tarantula.
Simonetti, is running as a conservative candidate to become Hennepin County Commissioner in the 6th District. While the election is nonpartisan, her candidacy has been disavowed by 3rd Congressional District Republicans.
“In consultation with our Nominating Committee, I am announcing that the 3rd Congressional District Republicans do not endorse or recommend Marisa Simonetti for any elected office in this district,” said Randy Sutter, chair of the 3rd Congressional District Republican Party.