Dayton Starts New – and Last – Term of Long Career

ST. PAUL (AP) - Term two of Democrat Mark Dayton's run as Minnesota governor has arrived.

With Monday's inauguration, Dayton begins his final stint in elective office after an up-and-down career dating to his failed 1982 bid for U.S. Senate. Since then he's been state auditor and got to the Senate.

The noon ceremony at Landmark Center also initiates third terms for Attorney General Lori Swanson and Auditor Rebecca Otto. Tina Smith becomes lieutenant governor and Steve Simon takes over as secretary of state. All are Democrats.

Dayton plans to use his inaugural address to preview education initiatives he'll push in the legislative session, which begins Tuesday.

He's the oldest governor Minnesota has had and turns 68 in a few weeks.

Dayton won another four years by defeating Republican nominee Jeff Johnson.