Dayton Backs Off on Auditor Role to Clear Special Session Path

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton says he will no longer insist on the repeal or modification of a new law regarding the state auditor's duties as a condition for him calling a special session.

Dayton said Monday he would "with great reluctance" back away from a position that a change to a new auditor law be undertaken in a special session. House Speaker Kurt Daudt has said the GOP won't budge on a law that will eventually let counties hire private auditors for financial reviews now done by the state auditor.

He says he didn't want that standoff to force a partial government shutdown.

The governor said there are four to seven remaining items in budget bills that must be sorted out before he will call a special session, which could occur later in the week.