Congresswoman McCollum Welcomes Minnesota Governor-Elect Mark Dayton

Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Pledges to Work with New Governor

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement, regarding Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton's win. After several weeks of recounts, GOP gubernatorial candidate State Rep. Tom Emmer conceded the race today. Governor-elect Mark Dayton will be sworn in January 3, 2011.

"I congratulate Governor-elect Mark Dayton on his hard-earned victory. Minnesotans have waited a long time for this result, and State Rep. Emmer's concession allows our state to move forward and address the real needs facing families today. Tackling economic challenges and severe budget shortfalls requires all partners at the table, including Mark Dayton as our next governor.

"Dayton's nearly 9,000 vote margin has remained consistent since election day. I commend Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and all statewide election officials for their fairness, diligence, and professionalism throughout this transparent process.

"We have a job to do - to work for the people of Minnesota - and I look forward to working with Governor-elect Mark Dayton to get our state's priorities back on track."

Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
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