St. Paul, MN -- The Office of the Governor has retained former U.S. Attorney David Lillehaug as Special Counsel to advise the Governor on issues relating to the potential government shutdown. Lillehaug's representation is limited to that subject and is pro bono (without cost to the state). He will not be acting as General Counsel or representing other state officers and agencies.

Lillehaug, who served as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota from 1994 to 1998, is experienced in federal and state constitutional litigation. Last year he represented the Minnesota House of Representatives in Brayton v. Pawlenty, the Supreme Court case on appropriations unallotment.