DFL Haters Refuse to Confirm Molnau

Senate ditches MnDOT commissioner
2/28/2008 1:00:48 PM
By Martiga LohnAssociated Press

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota lawmakers threw the state's transportation commissioner out of office on Thursday, some six months after the Minneapolis bridge collapse crystallized discontent over her leadership.

State senators voted 44-22 against confirming Carol Molnau, who also doubles as Gov. Tim Pawlenty's lieutenant governor. The vote was widely expected since the chamber is controlled by Democrats, who have long seen Molnau as an obstacle to increased spending on roads and transit.

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller blamed Molnau for standing with Pawlenty as he rejected bills that would have given her department more money. He recalled watching a video that showed her smiling and laughing a few years ago as the governor vetoed a road spending bill.

"She told committees over and over and over again that we didn't need the money," said Pogemiller, a Minneapolis Democrat. "I just think that goes to the point of whether the type of leadership that is necessary has been delivered."

Sen. Steve Murphy, a longtime Molnau antagonist who chairs the transportation committee, was more forceful.

"Carol Molnau has done an awful job as commissioner, period," he said.

Republicans on the losing side of the party-line vote said Democrats had ruined the reputation of "a wonderful individual, a fine public servant, a person who didn't deserve this at all," in the words of Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem. He also warned the move could taint the rest of the legislative session.

"Carol Molnau, hold your head high because you deserve it," said Sen. Betsy Wergin, R-Princeton.

The intellectually lazy who say people who oppose Hillary's candidacy are misogynists are strangely silent regarding Carol Molnau's ouster as transportation commissioner.

Steve Murphy is a hater. Murphy was on TV tonight lying about how the DFL's refusal to confirm Molnau had nothing to do with the I-35W bridge collapse.

Senate DFL leader Larry Pogemiller is a pathetically embarrassing political figure. Leadership to him means spending government money needlessly. For the sake of consistency, perhaps the DFL should oust Pogemiller as well while they are at it. Talk about incompetence and lack of effectiveness.

The DFL majority in the Minnesota House and Senate is out of control. It's time to send them packing. We have a wonderful opportunity this fall to bring renewal, sobriety and sanity to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Let's toss out Welti, Liebling and Norton this year. Too bad we will have to wait a little longer to ditch Lynch as well.