Meet the new boss…

Democrats in control of both the House and Senate have been urging Gov. Pawlenty to appoint someone to manage the the expected federal stimulus money that will be given to the state. Pawlenty announced this morning that he was appointing Tom Hanson, Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, to the post. In a news release, Pawlenty said Hanson is best suited to lead the effort, since he works closely with state agencies and the federal government as the state's top finance official.

Democrats aren't pleased with the pick. DFL House Majority Leader Tony Sertich said Hanson already has his hands full managing the state's budget deficit. He said "The task of keeping an eye on the spending of federal recovery dollars should be handled by someone who does not already have a full plate."

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