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Governor Dayton Begins Vikings Stadium Bill Push

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Vikings stadium bill is ready for prime time, and Gov. Mark Dayton is already promoting it.

First order of business: Try to get legislative leaders to support the plan, which apparently calls for a $975 million stadium to be built near the current Metrodome site. The bill is expected to be introduced early next week.

Dayton told Newsradio 830 WCCO's Chad Hartman he talked to legislative leadership Friday about the Vikings bill. The state's portion of the stadium is nearly $400 million, funded by profits from electronic pull tabs. But Dayton said other funding sources may be considered.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Chad Hartman Interviews Gov. Mark Dayton

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"It's certainly possible," Dayton said. "There are very limited options, but anything's possible. I've been around here long enough to know that any member can bring up (other options) in committee or on the floor."

Gov. Dayton says three numbers are key in getting the stadium deal done: 68, 34 and 7. The 68 votes are needed to pass the House, 34 in the Senate and seven votes is a majority of the Minneapolis City Council.

Dayton said if the Minneapolis City Council doesn't approve of the plan, the deal is off.

"If the majority of the council members don't approve, it's a dead deal," said Dayton.

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