Minn. budget fight shifts from Capitol to court

The budget dispute between Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican state lawmakers is moving away from the Capitol and into a Ramsey County courtroom.

Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin hears arguments Thursday from attorneys for Dayton and others about the size and scope of the shutdown.

Dayton is asking the court to give him discretion to decide which state services would continue if government shuts down July 1, while Attorney General Lori Swanson is asking for the appointment of a judge to make those decisions.

Dayton is also asking Gearin to appoint a mediator to work with him and Republican legislators to help settle their dispute over taxes and spending. The government shutdown hits July 1 if a new, two-year state budget is not in place.

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

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