Larry Pogemiller

Lawrence "Larry" J. Pogemiller (born September 18, 1951) is an American politician from Minnesota, and the Commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.[1] A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, he represented northeast Minneapolis districts in the Minnesota Legislature from 1981 to 2011, and served as the Senate's 9th majority leader from 2007 to 2011. As majority leader, he was chair of the Senate Rules Committee and its subcommittees, and also served on the Senate Tax Committee.[2][3]

Larry Pogemiller
Director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Incumbent
Assumed office October 28, 2011
Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate
In office January 2007 – January 4, 2011
Preceded by	Dean Johnson
Succeeded by	Amy Koch
Minnesota State Senator from the 59th District
In office January 1993 – November 7, 2011
Preceded by	Allan Spear
Succeeded by	Kari Dziedzic
Minnesota State Senator from the 58th District
In office January 1983 – January 1993
Preceded by	Eric D. Petty
Succeeded by	Carl W. Kroening
Minnesota State Representative from District 55A
In office January 1981 – January 1983
Preceded by	Stanley J. Fudro
Succeeded by	Connie Levi
Personal details
Born	(1951-09-18) September 18, 1951 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Domestic partner	Jill
Children	Sky Li and Jia Xin
Residence	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Alma mater	University of Minnesota, Harvard University
Occupation	system project analyst, legislator

Pogemiller was born in Minneapolis and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1969. He was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1980, serving as the representative of District 55A from 1981 to 1983. After serving one term, he was elected to the Senate in 1982, serving the old District 58 prior to the 1992 redistricting and, thereafter, District 59. He was re-elected in every general election. He was appointed Director of the Higher Education office in October 2011 by Governor of Minnesota Mark Dayton.[2][4]

Pogemiller is known for his outspoken, assertive leadership style and his strategic thinking.[5] Reporter Tom Scheck of Minnesota Public Radio called him "a brilliant and combative political tactician who often speaks his mind".[6] Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum called him "a very frustrating individual as he runs the clock past midnight all the time." Pogemiller had a rocky relationship with former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty.[7]