GOP-Led Senate Has Say On Dayton Cabinet

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Making it through Gov.-elect Mark Dayton's selection process might not be the toughest part for the next generation of state agency heads.

Their fate ultimately lies with the new Republican majority in the Minnesota Senate, which has veto power over the Democratic governor's cabinet.

Some GOP senators haven't forgotten how the Democratic-led Senate fired two of Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's commissioners.

The Senate rejected Education Commissioner Cheri Pierson Yecke in 2004 and dismissed Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau from her second job as transportation commissioner in 2008. Those votes still leave an aftertaste for some Republican senators.

Incoming Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel says Dayton should get his picks "barring anything that's radioactive or barring felonies." He says appointees could have a hard time if they are "anti-jobs."

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