ST. PAUL  (AP) - A Minnesota judge has ordered that a limited number of key government functions must keep operating if state government shuts down on Friday.

Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin acted Wednesday because of the ongoing stalemate between Democratic Gov. Mary Dayton and the GOP-controlled Legislature over a new two-year budget.

Gearin's order largely uses a limited list of services deemed essential by Gov. Mark Dayton rather than a longer list proposed by Attorney General Lori Swanson. She also appointed former state Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz to hear disputes.

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

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