Dayton Chooses Mpls. Attorney As Commerce Chief

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- An attorney who has been on both sides of insurance industry fights has been chosen to lead the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which regulates the insurance, banking and other key industries.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Wednesday gave the commissioner's job to Michael Rothman, a shareholder at Minneapolis-based Winthrop and Weinstine. Rothman, an expert in insurance and campaign law, was part of Dayton's legal team during the governor's race recount.

The Commerce Department is one of the main regulatory agencies in state government, with a role in real estate, financial services and telecommunications licensing and oversight.

Rothman has been practicing law in Minnesota since 1988. He lives in Minnetonka with his wife and three children.

His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. The chamber is led by Republicans.

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