Dayton faces reporters (again)

Last week Mark Dayton held a press conference to announce what everyone already knew: that he’s running for governor. But the former U.S. Senator annoyed reporters by only answering three questions after publicly declaring his candidacy.

So today Dayton held another Capitol press conference to answer every question that reporters cared to articulate. The 43-minute session, however, yielded few new revelations about his gubernatorial plans.

Dayton reiterated his intention to run in the DFL primary no matter who receives the party endorsement. He again stated his plan to raise income taxes on the wealthiest 10 percent of Minnesota residents. And the department-store heir declined to detail how much of his personal wealth he expects to spend on his second campaign for the state’s top office.

“Asking me that question is like asking Brad Childress for his playbook,” Dayton said. “That’s something that’s part of a campaign strategy that I’m just not prepared to disclose.”

At the end of the press conference, Dayton addressed the odd impetus for the gathering: his decision to end the previous media avail after just three questions. “I thought it was understood that I was making an announcement of my candidacy,” he said. “I prided myself in the years I was a senator of being responsive to the press. I think that’s a responsibility and one I certainly intend to fulfill.”

Then he provided his home phone number to the assembled reporters.

2 Responses to “Dayton faces reporters (again)”

1. mnh20man Says:
   January 26th, 2010 at 2:04 pm

   Twenty bonus points to anyone who can name one accomplishment Dayton had as Senator. Anyone? Anyone? Didn’t think so.

2. Colleen Morse Says:
   January 28th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

   I’m appalled at the ignorance of your post. Mark Dayton was a Senator who did many things that benefitted the people of Minnesota. You obviously did not research your topic before making your post. Read these two websites:

   Mark Dayton’s Senate Years:
   http://aprilknight.blogspot.com/2009/12/mark-dayton-senate-years.html

   Tribute to Mark Dayton by another Senator.
   http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=266762
   This tribute is part of the Congressional Record.