MOLNAU DOWN TO ONE JOB
02/29/08
Senate Transportation Chair Steve Murphy (DFL-Red
Wing) has been threatening to oust Transportation
Commissioner/Lt. Governor Carol Molnau from her
Department post for a while now. He, and the majority
of the Senate, made good on it Thursday when they
voted to not confirm Molnau by a vote of 44-22. It
wasn't the first time one of Governor Pawlenty's
appointees was not confirmed, but with Molnau also
serving as Lt. Governor, it was an especially
personal jab.
Criticism of Molnau increased after the 35W bridge collapse this summer, whose tenure as Commissioner has been dogged by accusations of ineffectual management. It was thought the Senate would take up her confirmation vote the first days of session, but they held off until this week. Governor Pawlenty called the move "disappointing" and accused the Senate Democrats of playing partisan politics. He appointed Molnau's chief deputy, Bob McFarlin, as acting commissioner until a successor is chosen. Molnau will retain her elected position as Lt. Governor.
Criticism of Molnau increased after the 35W bridge collapse this summer, whose tenure as Commissioner has been dogged by accusations of ineffectual management. It was thought the Senate would take up her confirmation vote the first days of session, but they held off until this week. Governor Pawlenty called the move "disappointing" and accused the Senate Democrats of playing partisan politics. He appointed Molnau's chief deputy, Bob McFarlin, as acting commissioner until a successor is chosen. Molnau will retain her elected position as Lt. Governor.