There is no shortage of candidates for DNR commissioner.
About 60 people have either applied or have been nominated for the high-profile job. And one name that continues to pop up is Tom Landwehr, assistant state director of the Nature Conservancy in Minnesota and a former DNR wetlands wildlife program leader. Landwehr, 55, of Shoreview, also was state conservation director for Ducks Unlimited.
Some insiders have suggested Landwehr could be named as soon as this week. But Gov.-elect Mark Dayton's advisers said Tuesday that he hasn't personally interviewed any candidates. And Landwehr said he hasn't talked to Dayton or heard anything from Dayton's staff for two weeks since he had initial interviews.
Other names that have been mentioned as possible candidates are Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, who didn't seek reelection last fall, and former Rep. Frank Moe, DFL-Bemidji.
The new administration takes over Jan. 3.
DOUG SMITH
