“It’s gonna be very problematic,…very difficult,” says Governor Mark Dayton after meeting with Republican leaders of the legislature about the state budget. The governor isn’t speculating whether the legislature will be able to get its work done on time — or whether a special session will be needed or whether there could be government shutdown — but he does say, “There’s a lot to resolve, both policy — which shouldn’t be in those budget bills, but they are.”
Dayton adds, “If they’re gonna be unyielding — and the House especially when you got people who are running for governor next year — it puts them in a difficult position because if they are reasonable and rational, they’ll lose their right-wing fanatical support.” Dayton is referring to House Speaker Kurt Daudt’s expected run for governor, although the Republican from Crown has made no announcement and brushes off speculation. About two months remain in the legislative session.