Harry A. Sieben, Jr. Press

Pawlenty names Sieben acting head of Guard

Published: August 12, 2003
Section: NEWS
Page#: 03B

By Associated Press

Until a permanent adjutant general is found, Brig. Gen. Harry Sieben Jr. will be in charge of the 12,500-member Minnesota National Guard.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty elevated Sieben to acting Guard leader on Monday. He takes over for Maj. Gen. Eugene Andreotti, who retired Friday amid a state investigation into unspecified complaints against him. The Air Force is also conducting a probe of Andreotti.

Pawlenty's office had intended to detail its investigation of Andreotti publicly once the retirement took effect, but last week a Ramsey County judge issued a restraining order that will temporarily keep the file sealed. The judge also barred anyone connected to the case from commenting to reporters at least until another court hearing is held Aug. 22.

Also last week, Pawlenty formed a panel to screen candidates for the job, which is the top state military assignment. The Republican governor has said he hopes to pick a successor within a month. Until then, the position will be held by Sieben, a former Democratic legislator and House speaker from Hastings. Sieben has been a Guard member since 1975, and most recently served as the staff judge advocate of the Minnesota Air National Guard and deputy adjutant general.

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