The Minnesota Senate faces an ever-growing legal bill thanks to a scandal involving a former Republican leader and her senior aide.

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the legal costs associated with a lawsuit filed by senior staffer Michael Brodkorb had nearly doubled to approximately $200,000.

Minnesota Republican Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned from her leadership position in December 2011 after facing accusations that she had an “inappropriate relationship” with Brodkorb. One day later, Brodkorb was fired from his position.

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Brodkorb later sued the state Senate on grounds of wrongful termination and gender discrimination, claiming he was treated differently than female staffers who had affairs with male legislators.

“Mr. Brodkorb has evidence that similarly situated female legislative employees, from both political parties, were not terminated from their employment positions despite intimate relationships with male legislators. It is clear that Mr. Brodkorb was terminated based on his gender,” his lawsuit read.

The spike in legal costs reflects the Minnesota Senate’s push to have the case settled or dismissed, a source familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.