WASHINGTON -- A Minnesotan was officially nominated today to be ambassador to Norway.
Sam Heins, a lawyer and human rights advocate, was nominated today by President Barack Obama. In addition to being a senior partner in a Minneapolis law firm, Heins founded both the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights and the Center for Victims of Torture.
Heins' nomination will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Obama's first pick, George Tsunis, sparked controversy among Minnesota's Norwegian community because he had never visited the country. He also delivered rocky testimony in his confirmation hearing.
Heins earned both a bachelors and a J.D. at the University of Minnesota. He is active in politics and has been a big donor and bundler for Democratic politics and causes.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said it was only appropriate that the nominee be from Minnesota.
"Minnesota is home to more people of Norwegian heritage than anywhere except Norway itself, so it is only fitting that the nominee to be the United States ambassador to Norway hails from our state," she said, in a statement.
