ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Republican power play to oust members of Democratic Governor Tim Walz’ cabinet fizzled. The Republican-controlled Senate was worn out after six months of wrangling and, at Democratic urging, decided to adjourn without further action. There was blood on the floor, however. The Senate had been ready to reject Laura Bishop as commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, but Tuesday she resigned first. In a somewhat confusing gesture, Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said he was ready to approve Sarah Strommen as Walz’ new commissioner of natural resources and Dean Compart as president of the state animal health board. The adjournment came to soon.
Bishop. Former Best Buy sustainability officer, whom Walz appointed as state pollution control chief. In her two years, she drew GOP ire for advocating tougher California-style vehicle emission rules and other anti-pollution initiatives.