Senate Republican members of the Senate Commerce committee sent a letter to Commissioner of Commerce Mike Rothman outlining the questions he will be asked at his upcoming confirmation hearing. Topics range from inaccurate claims regarding MNsure premium increases to a decision not to investigate misconduct by a state-funded organization because of political ramifications.

Every commissioner appointed by Governor Dayton must be confirmed by the Senate this year. Rothman is one of only four commissioners who have not been brought before a committee for questioning. Senator James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), Chair of the Commerce Committee that would oversee the confirmation hearing, was copied on the letter to Rothman.

Senator Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) added, “It’s time for Commissioner Rothman to come before members of the Senate to explain several instances of questionable conduct during his tenure at the Department of Commerce. The Senate has a duty to thoroughly vet and approve the people the governor appoints to run state agencies, and I take that duty seriously. I have doubts about the commissioner’s ability to maintain transparency and accountability at the Department of Commerce, but the purpose of this letter is to give him every opportunity to prove me wrong.”

Senate Republicans put Rothman on notice regarding his upcoming confirmation by Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus