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Ex-legal partner of Pawlenty's joins high court as its leader
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TODAY: The swearing-in of Eric Magnuson as Minnesota's next chief justice marks the first time since the 1930s that someone other than a current or former Supreme Court associate justice has led the high court.
Magnuson's swearing-in is scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Landmark Center in St. Paul.
HIS SELECTION: Magnuson, 57, was appointed in March by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The appointment gives Pawlenty's choices a majority on the panel.
Also, as head of the judicial selection board for the past five years, Magnuson has had a hand in shaping the court by recommending Pawlenty's previous three appointments.
An expert in appellate law, Magnuson has written several texts on the subject.
RÉSUMÉ: Magnuson is an attorney and shareholder at Briggs and Morgan in Minneapolis, specializing in appellate law. He was a partner and 30-year attorney at the Rider Bennett firm before it disbanded last year. Pawlenty once toiled there as a young associate. The two were later partners in the firm together.
Magnuson replaces Russell Anderson, who stepped down, in part, to care for his ailing wife.
PAUL WALSH
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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