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Home | Politically Connected | State Politics | The I-35W bridge collapse
Sorel wins transportation panel's endorsement
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Minnesota bridges rated: An interactive map of bridges that are "structurally deficient," "functionally obsolete" or have gusset plates like those on the I-35W bridge.
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After describing everything from his strategic vision to his efforts to revamp the state's pavement-selection process, Tom Sorel won unanimous endorsement Thursday as Minnesota transportation commissioner from the state Senate's Transportation Committee.
The committee's chairman, Steve Murphy, a DFLer from Red Wing, offered praise not just for Sorel but also for Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "I really believe that in your case he made the best possible choice that he could make," Murphy told Sorel, who has been in the job since April.
"We are so fortunate to have you here in Minnesota," said Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka, who recalled hearing Sorel speak about the Interstate 35W bridge collapse at a high-speed-rail conference in St. Louis where "there was hardly a dry eye in the room."
Not everyone was effusive. Two Republican senators, Dick Day of Owatonna and Julianne Ortman of Chanhassen, expressed disappointment that they had not yet met Sorel.
"I have to say that your goal of transparency is a very good one, but I hope that you mean what you say," Ortman said, adding that citizens in her district are concerned and confused by the process that the Department of Transportation recently used to select the location of a new Hwy. 41 bridge.
But Sen. Kathy Saltzman, DFL-Woodbury, praised Sorel for improving morale at the beleaguered agency and said she had had no communication problems. "If I need to contact you, I pick up the phone and call," she said.
Full Senate confirmation of Sorel is expected this session.
JIM FOTI
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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
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- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
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