MN Dayton To Make Spurt Of Cabinet Picks

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Gov.-elect Mark Dayton plans to name his lead budget adviser as he makes a spurt of picks to a mostly empty cabinet.

Dayton told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his choice for the Minnesota Management and Budget Department would be announced the following day.

The Democrat also indicated that he was likely to temporarily retain a top official from Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration at the Revenue Department. Dayton says he has asked deputy commissioner Dan Salomone, who previously led the department, to stay on until a replacement is found.

Dayton says there will probably be a half-dozen more slots filled by Friday to join the four department heads so far. He says uncertainty over the election result slowed his appointment process down.

Dayton takes office Monday.

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