ST. PAUL — State legal expenses associated with former Senate aide Michael Brodkorb’s lawsuit now top $226,000, according to an invoice made public Wednesday.

The Minnesota Senate is paying a private firm to fight claims it mishandled Brodkorb’s termination. The latest $27,700 invoice covers expenses from February through April in a case that has now stretched on for almost 18 months.

The former chief GOP communications aide was fired after reports surfaced of an extramarital affair he was having with then-Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, who no longer holds office.

Brodkorb is suing over what he regards as a wrongful dismissal. He argues that women staff member involved in Capitol affairs were treated differently than he was.

Senate attorneys contend his firing was legitimate and have succeeded in narrowing other lawsuit claims, including allegations of defamation.