Dayton Criticizes Lawmaker’s Letter on Harassment Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is criticizing remarks by a state lawmaker who asked the administration to review sexual harassment policies in state agencies.

Dayton said Wednesday that GOP Rep. Peggy Scott is "swallowing whole" the allegations of a disgruntled employee who accused an official in the Commerce Department of unwanted sexual advances. Dayton says if he was the accused official, he'd file a defamation lawsuit against Scott.

Scott's letter didn't name the accused official. Instead, it largely took aim at Commissioner Mike Rothman's response to the lawsuit.

Scott said Dayton's comments "prove the point" in her letter. She said his defense of the commissioner before having all the facts raises concerns about how seriously he takes allegations of harassment and misconduct.