Gov. Dayton Reels One In at Opener

The Governor Caught a Smallmouth Bass

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) Gov. Mark Dayton caught a 3-pound, 17-and-a-half-inch bass during the annual Governor’s Fishing Opener.

The Democratic governor shared a pontoon boat with Republican legislative leaders on Saturday. They went out on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud.

Dayton told reporters that no one discussed the budget, after talks stalled last week. He says budget talks will resume Monday.

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith was out on her own boat, along with Rep. Ilhan Omar, the country’s first Somali-American legislator, and other female lawmakers.

The ladies got bragging rights, catching a total of 35 fish. Omar caught 13 of those herself.

House Speaker Kurt Daudt says Saturday was the best weather he’s seen for the event since he’s been a part of it.