Dayton Gets Ready To Take Over, Set Tone For Minn.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - There are only 50 words Mark Dayton has to say upon taking his oath as Minnesota governor. What comes next is up to him.

Monday's inaugural speech will set the tone for Dayton's
administration. It marks a Democratic return to power after 20 years on the outside.

But it comes amid tough times with a state budget shortfall pegged at $6.2 billion for Dayton's first two years.

Dayton says he will use his address to spread a message of conciliation in a divided government. Republicans assume full control of the Legislature for the first time in 40 years.

Still, the sides are braced for turbulence. Chief among them is taxes: Dayton wants to raise some but Republicans consider taxes off limits.

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