Saint Paul, MN - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today it is recommending three candidates to Governor Mark Dayton for consideration to fill the two current vacancies in Minnesota's Fourth Judicial District which consists of Hennepin County.

Nancy Brasel: Brasel is currently an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Department of Justice in Minneapolis, where she handles cases related to economic crime, narcotics, and firearms. Previously, she was a partner at Greene Espel PLLP conducting cases related to business and employment litigation matters. Brasel is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Domestic Abuse Project. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Women Lawyers.

Phil Carruthers: Carruthers is the Director of the Civil Division at the Ramsey County Attorney's office where he represents several departments including the Charter Commission and Budgeting and Accounting. He served as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives while maintaining a private law practice. He was a board member of Project Remand, the president of the North Hennepin Mediation Program and treasurer of the Brooklyn Historical Society.

Elizabeth Cutter: Cutter is a senior assistant Hennepin County Attorney where she is responsible for supervising felony domestic violence prosecution. She previously served as a special assistant attorney general for the Minnesota Attorney General's office. Cutter is the outgoing president of Minnesota Women Lawyers and is a member of the enrollee appeals panel for Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association.

An announcement of the final appointments will be made following an interview process that will take place over the next few weeks.