Dayton Has Healthy Approval Rating

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A new poll shows Gov. Mark Dayton has some of his best approval rating numbers since he was first elected in 2011.

A poll finds the DFL governor has the support of 54 percent of likely voters. Thirty-six percent disapprove, while 10 percent are undecided.

The healthy approval rating comes as the governor prepares to defend his budget plans that include significant spending increases on education and transportation.

The poll shows Dayton's support comes from all age groups and he did particularly well with those 18 to 34, garnering a 67 percent approval rating.

Dayton's approval rating dropped below 50 percent last fall as he campaigned for a second term.

The poll is based on phone interviews with 625 Minnesotans conducted March 16-18 and has an error margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points.