Mediation Falls Apart in GOP’s Veto Battle With Dayton

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders have
abandoned mediation in their months-long legal battle.

Top legislative Republicans and the Democratic governor met for closed-door
sessions starting on Thursday. The Supreme Court-ordered mediation stems from
the case surrounding Dayton's decision to zero out operating budgets for the
House and Senate.

Dayton wanted to slim down tax breaks and remove other measures from budget
bills he signed this spring. But Republicans sued, calling his action
unconstitutional.

But the two sides couldn't bridge their differences and ended mediation Friday
afternoon after Republicans say Dayton walked out. Dayton was expected to
address the situation Friday afternoon.

Gazelka hopes the Supreme Court will look at the case again and permanently
restore its budget. If not, the Legislature may have to lay off some staff.