Dayton appointee Commissioner Rothman abused his office to funnel taxpayer money to political allies

commissioner rothmanRecent reports reveal Commerce Commissioner Rothman had been warned for years about mismanagement of government grant funds at the disgraced non-profit Community Action of Minneapolis, and despite this knowledge, employed political favoritism to renew the group’s state contract because it was led by a DFL ally. According to MPR, employees at the Department of Commerce claim they were told the decision was made because of its “political ramifications.”
“Commissioner Rothman used the power of his appointed office to funnel taxpayer money to a group led by a political pal, even after a DHS audit exposed rampant misuse of funds within the organization and Rothman’s own employees within the Dept. of Commerce blew the whistle on fraud,” said Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake).
“This is the second time in recent history the commissioner attempted to cover up a political bombshell that would have harmed Governor Dayton’s reputation. It’s a blatant misuse of his position of authority as the head of the Department of Commerce, and a perfect example of why the public distrusts government officials.
Commissioner Rothman should come before the Senate for reconfirmation immediately, where he can be questioned in-depth about these revelations of dishonest political maneuvering. A full-blown investigation is warranted, but opening up an official investigation will not excuse Commissioner Rothman from honestly answering tough questions from the legislature.”
Catch up on this developing story:
Help us kick Commissioner Rothman out of the Commerce Department – call or email the Democrat Senators on the Commerce Committee today!

Call these Senators:

Jim Metzen: 651-296-4370
Vicki Jenson: 651-296-9457
Jim Carlson: 651-297-8073
Kevin Dahle: 651-296-1279
Barb Goodwin: 651-296-4334
Ron Latz: 651-297-8065
Sandy Pappas: 651-296-1802
Roger Reinert: 651-296-4188

Read this phone script:

“I am calling because of the revelations regarding Commerce Commissioner Rothman’s involvement in funneling taxpayer money to Community Action of Minneapolis. The commissioner was well aware of fraud at the agency, and it’s shameful that he wasted hardworking taxpayer money to protect his Democrat friends. I understand the Senator is on the Commerce Committee and will be involved in Commissioner Rothman’s reconfirmation hearing. The Senator needs to question Rothman in-depth about using his appointed office for political favors during his reconfirmation hearing. The Senator should then vote to strip Rothman of his post at the Commerce Department.

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