Dayton Takes Message Around Minnesota, Republicans Attack

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton is taking his push for a top-tier tax hike around the state Thursday as a budget standoff with Republicans continues.

The Democratic governor is visiting Austin, Mankato, Moorhead and Duluth to highlight local cuts he says would result from the GOP's budget.

Minnesota is headed for a special session and potential government shutdown after Dayton vetoed that budget.

Instead he wants to raise income taxes for the top earners to spare the rest of the taxpayers from paying more.

Dayton's tour comes two days after top Republican lawmakers flew around the state.

Back in St. Paul, the state GOP has unveiled a new website blaming Dayton if a shutdown happens. GOP Chairman Tony Sutton says Republican lawmakers are united against Dayton's position.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)