Will New Governor Be Ready Once Recount Is Complete?
ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- Democrat Mark Dayton, who's leading in the vote count for Minnesota governor, has opened his transition office to the public -- online.
But a spokesman for Republican Tom Emmer calls it "presumptuous" and Emmer has yet to open a transition office of any kind.
Dayton's transition staff is operating, with private funds, out of a St. Paul office building, but much of the work will be at the Capitol.
Transition chief Lee Sheehy said he's connecting with lawmakers with whom Dayton might be working and collecting names for a possible Dayton administration.
"People want to serve," said Sheehy. "We are the state of -- as Garrison Keillor would say -- above average people who are civically committed."
Dayton's transition website is asking for ideas and includes a section to submit resumes for job applications.
Dayton is working with Gov. Tim Pawlenty administration on budget numbers and has met with former finance commissioners of the last three governors.
And his staffers are poring over detailed briefing books provided by every state department.
By contrast, Emmer's transition appears invisible. No office. No fundraising. No staffing. No job interviews.
Emmer insiders say they don't need a transition office right now, because Emmer's ready to govern. He told reporters last week his budget is ready -- the same one he campaigned on.
"We were doing the work," Emmer told reporters on Nov. 9, his only press conference since the Nov. 2 election. "We were prepared in the event we were successful to do exactly what you need to do to govern the state of Minnesota."
For Dayton staffers, it's a seven-day a week job. If he wins a recount on Dec. 14, they say he'll be ready on Dec. 15.
"For us, that reality is a 12- 13- 14-hour-a-day reality," said Sheehy.
Dayton's office said he'll be attending staff meetings this weekend.
Emmer's got plans to go hunting.
"It's presumptuous to be hiring staff and raising money, but it's irresponsible not to be prepared," said an Emmer spokesperson.
