Sen. Leo Foley, DFL-Coon Rapids, said he's unaware of any member of the DFL Senate caucus who would support keeping Molnau as Mn/DOT commissioner.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has indicated he expects the Senate to fire his lieutenant governor from her duties at Mn/DOT.
by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter
The Minnesota Senate could take up the confirmation of Lt.Gov./Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Carol Molnau on Thursday (Feb. 28).
Sen. Leo Foley, DFL-Coon Rapids, said he's unaware of any member of the DFL Senate caucus who would support keeping Molnau as MnDOT commissioner.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has indicated he expects the Senate to fire his lieutenant governor from her duties at MnDOT.
Molnau recently explained she had no intentions of resigning as commission because she hadn't done anything wrong.
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, explained on Wednesday afternoon the majority of the DFL caucus indicated they'd rather have the confirmation hearing sooner than later.
"I think the majority of our caucus would like to do it tomorrow," he said.
Sen Rick Olseen, DFL-Harris, said it's his personal perception the confirmation hearing will take place on Thursday.
LT. GOV./MN/DOT COMMISSIONER CAROL MOLNAU
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, plans to talk to the governor and Senate Minority Leader David Senjem, R-Rochester, prior to the hearing, Murphy explained.
Murphy, though saying no one can doubt his opposition to the Molnau remaining Mn/DOT commission, added he personally did not see a need to rush.
"But we don't want this issue upsetting the apple cart in such a fashion that it's impossible for us to get the budget balanced and get some other things taken care of," he said.
Murphy expressed empathy for the governor. "He's visibly shaken," Murphy said of what he perceived on the television news. "We want to give him enough time to catch his breath and think about maybe what's he's going to say next," he said.
"I think there's only so much bad news a governor can take in a week," he said, referring to the Legislature's recent override of a Pawlenty transportation finance bill veto and the pending release of the state budget forecast set for tomorrow.
It's generally assumed the state budget picture has worsened.
Murphy explained because the confirmation of Molnau has been delayed, it doesn't need to start in his committee but go directly to the Senate floor.
Foley indicated DFL caucus members view it as a piece of leftover business best to get over with.
The Senate previously fired a Pawlenty commission, former Eduction Commissioner Cheri Yecke.
(Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)
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