Recent reports reveal Commerce Commissioner Rothman had been warned for years about mismanagement of government grant funds at the disgraced non-profit Community Action of Minneapolis, and despite this knowledge, employed political favoritism to renew the group’s state contract because it was led by a DFL ally. According to MPR, employees at the Department of Commerce claim they were told the decision was made because of its “political ramifications.”

“Commissioner Rothman used the power of his appointed office to funnel taxpayer money to a group led by a political pal, even after a DHS audit exposed rampant misuse of funds within the organization and Rothman’s own employees within the Dept. of Commerce blew the whistle on fraud,” said Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake).

“This is the second time in recent history the commissioner attempted to cover up a political bombshell that would have harmed Governor Dayton’s reputation. It’s a blatant misuse of his position of authority as the head of the Department of Commerce, and a perfect example of why the public distrusts government officials.

Commissioner Rothman should come before the Senate for reconfirmation immediately, where he can be questioned in-depth about these revelations of dishonest political maneuvering. A full-blown investigation is warranted, but opening up an official investigation will not excuse Commissioner Rothman from honestly answering tough questions from the legislature.”

Catch up on this developing story:

• Read the Star Tribune article that broke the story on $800,000 of fraudulent spending at Community Action of Minneapolis

• Read the MPR follow-up investigation that caught Commissioner Rothman funneling money to Community Action of Minneapolis, even though he knew about the fraud

• Read the Senate Republicans ethics complaint against Senator Jeff Hayden for accepting gifts from Community Action of Minneapolis