Dayton: Negotations with GOP going south

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton says end-of session negotiations with Republican legislative leaders are headed in the wrong direction.

Dayton told reporters Wednesday that he thinks the gap actually widened after a series of closed-door meetings Tuesday. Those discussions focused primarily on a bonding bill and tax policy changes.

Dayton said he told GOP leaders that he would be disappointed if a bonding bill isn't passed, but he also said there's really nothing that has to be done this session.

"I said, 'If this is where you are and this is as far as you're willing to go, unlike last year when we had to wrangle it out, this time we don't. So let's just agree respectfully to disagree and let them conclude,' " Dayton said.

Dayton said he still remains hopeful that he can find some common ground with Republicans. He also wants lawmakers to figure out a way to revive the Viking stadium bill before they go home.