Dayton Skips Caucus As Minn. Dems Ready For Fall
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton sat out caucus night, although his fellow Democrats were gearing up for his re-election campaign.
Dayton's sore hip that is due for a surgical repair flared up, his campaign manager said. That prompted Dayton to cancel a Tuesday evening visit to a St. Paul school, one of thousands of caucus sites around the state.
In Dayton's place, newly named running mate Tina Flint Smith made the rounds. She recited positive steps in Dayton's first term and warned fellow Democrats about the risks of complacency this fall.
Democratic caucusgoers expressed confidence in Dayton's election chances while acknowledging a tough fight is ahead.
Sen. Al Franken, who is also up for re-election, was in Washington where the Senate has been in session.
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