ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Now that Democrat Mark Dayton is the winner in the governor's race, he'll have to deal with Minnesota's huge budget deficit.

Dayton just became the winner in the governor's race Wednesday, when Republican Tom Emmer conceded. Emmer abruptly halted a recount process nearing conclusion and ruled out suing over the election that left Dayton with an 8,770-vote win out of 2.1 million ballots.

The state is facing a projected $6.2 million deficit. And Republican majorities in the Legislature have made clear they oppose the new governor's campaign pledge to tax the wealthy to solve the deficit.

Incoming House Majority Leader Matt Dean previewed the battle ahead, saying the upcoming legislative session is likely to be as challenging as the election. The Legislature convenes in January.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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