After nearly four months of speculation, there is documented proof that the "inappropriate relationship" that led to Wright County Sen. Amy Koch's resignation and removal as the Senate Majority Leader was with former Senate GOP spokesperson Michael Brodkorb.

According to reports filed by several news outlets yesterday, Brodkorb's attorney, Phil Villaume, detailed the relationship in briefs he submitted in court this week as part of a possible/pending wrongful termination suit Brodkorb is expected to file against the Minnesota State Senate.

In mid-December, three Senators confronted Koch about the affair, leading her to submit her resignation as majority leader and to announce that she would not be seeking another term as the Senator from District 19 in 2012 (now District 29).

A day later, Brodkorb, who also sereved as Koch's executive assistant was fired from his position with the GOP Senate. The reason was never given. Senate Secretary Cal Ludeman said Brodkorb was an "at-will" employee, and could be removed at any time.

Both Koch and Brodkorb were thrust into the spotlight during the 2011 session's tense budget negotiations, which ultimately led to the temporary shutdown of the state government. Brodkorb and Koch teamed up for media briefings after negotiation meetings with Gov. Mark Dayton, and Brodkorb was the main source for media updates when both sides agreed on a no-comment police during negotiations after the shutdown began.

Koch issued a letter of apology for her role in the relationship back on Dec. 22, stating she "made some mistakes and errors in judgment, for which I am deeply sorry, by engaging in a relationship with a Senate staffer."

Secretary Ludeman also said Wednesday the state would not mediate any sort of rift between Brodkorb and the Senate.

*This story has been corrected to state the Secretary of the Senate would be responsible for any mediation between the Senate body and Brodkorb. St. Michael Patch regrets the error and any confusion.