Michael Rothman, a politically active Twin Cities attorney who worked on the Mark Dayton recount team, will be the new state commissioner of Commerce.

Rothman, an attorney with Winthrop Weinstine, is listed as a contributor to the law firm's Inside the Minnesota Capitol blog that updates state politics.

The firm's website — which will have to be changed — says:

Mike co-chairs the Insurance & Financial Services practice group of Winthrop & Weinstine. He has a unique blend of expertise in government, litigation and transactional matters.

Mike has an "insider’s" view of Minnesota government. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, working for the Hon. Gary L. Crippen, and then staff in the Minnesota State Senate.

He also represented Melanie Ford in a 2006 recount in the St. Louis County Attorney race; Ford, a political newcomer, appeared to have lost on Election Night, but ending up beating the 28-year incumbent by 88 votes after the recount.

The Commerce Department has many duties:

"Our mission is to ensure equitable commercial and financial transactions and reliable utility services by: regulating and licensing business activity in more than 20 industries; investigating and resolving consumer complaints; advocating the public's interest before the Public Utilities Commission; and, administering various state programs."