The former Senator made the comments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Higher Education Committee after Senator John Carlson, a Republican, raised the question. Pogemiller, who is a Democrat, says he is open to thinking way outside the box.
For 30 years, Senator Pogemiller was the one asking the questions of appointees. Today, Former Senator Pogemiller said it was a little strange to sit “on the other side” of the table during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Pogemiller resigned his Senate seat when Governor Mark Dayton asked him to take the Higher Education position. Senate Republicans recently rejected Dayton’s choice for Public Utilities Commissioner Ellen Anderson, who also was a Senator who resigned her seat to take the job.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend Pogemiller be confirmed as Higher Education Director.
Full video of Pogemiller confirmation hearing: