ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov.-elect Mark Dayton has chosen a longtime Minnesota Senate attorney as his lawyer in the governor’s office.

Dayton’s transition team announced Friday that Peter Wattson will serve as the new governor’s general counsel.

Dayton says Wattson’s experience will help as he pushes for a construction projects bill in the upcoming session and as lawmakers redraw legislative boundaries.

Wattson is considered an expert on issues including redistricting, legislative procedure and elections.

He currently serves as Senate Counsel and shares the job of Secretary of the Senate with another senior staffer. Wattson has advised the Senate Finance Committee for 35 years.

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