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Former Senator Mark Dayton, a DFL candidate for governor, says he wants Gov. Pawlenty to reapply for a key federal education grant.

Dayton is also calling on the Republican governor to stop blaming others for the failure of state's initial application. Pawlenty wants the legislature to pass a package of school reforms, including alternative teacher licensing, before making a second application for money under the federal "Race to the Top" initiative. He's often said the state teachers union is the main hurdle to those reforms. During a Capitol news conference today, Dayton said Pawlenty should work with teachers, not against them.

"Unfortunately, Gov. Pawlenty shows every sign that he's more interested in political blame games and wooing support for his presidential aspirations from anti-public school right-wing zealots than he is with improving the quality of Minnesota's public education," Dayton said. "That must end."

Dayton said his position was not aimed at winning favor with the teachers union. Education Minnesota has not yet endorsed a candidate for governor.

Gov. Pawlenty is scheduled to meet this afternoon with legislative leaders to discuss Race to the Top and other issues.

Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung issued the following statement in response to Dayton:

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Tim Pugmire

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