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Minn. Dems Aim To Have Dayton's Back In Statehouse

Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature spent years objecting to Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's tough-guy dealings with lawmakers.

If Democrat Mark Dayton emerges as the state's next governor, they're hoping he will borrow some of Pawlenty's steel.

And they're willing to help -- the same way Republican legislative minorities strengthened Pawlenty by blocking Democrats from overriding his vetoes.

Dayton leads Republican Tom Emmer in unofficial results in a race that may be headed for a recount.

In the Legislature, Democrats will be without a majority in either house for the first time since 1972, after losing 16 Senate seats and at least 22 House seats. DFL candidates are trailing in three more close House races subject to recounts.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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