Saint Paul – The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the vote by Democrats in the Minnesota Senate to remove Lt. Governor Carol Molnau as Commissioner of Transportation.

“Over the past five years, under Lt. Governor Molnau’s leadership, Mn/DOT has completed more road and bridge projects than in any other comparable period in the state’s history. We accelerated a number of major projects around the state, from the expansion of I-494 to Highway 14 to Highway 53 and many in between.

“The DFL’s decision to remove the Lt. Governor from her post at Mn/DOT is disappointing. It also shows they’re more interested in partisanship than working together on the important issues facing our state.”

Governor Pawlenty today appointed Bob McFarlin as Acting Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.