Dayton opts for paycheck as Minn. governor

Minnesota won't be getting free service from its new governor, the same politician who passed on a paycheck as a U.S. senator.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton intends to accept the position's $120,303 per year salary.

Dayton spokeswoman Katie Tinucci said Thursday the governor decided to take a salary "out of financial necessity."

As a U.S. senator for six years, Dayton donated his salary to a senior citizens group that arranged bus trips to Canada for people seeking cheaper medication.

Dayton comes from a family that founded the Dayton's department store chain. He has spent millions of dollars on bids for political office, including at least $3.3 million during the recent campaign.

Dayton released tax forms last summer showing he sold pieces of fine art to help finance his campaign.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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