Boat Diplomacy: Capitol's Top 3 Headed On Joint Fishing Trip

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's center of political power is moving north for the weekend.

Gov. Mark Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and House Speaker Kurt Daudt plan to share a boat Saturday on Lake Vermilion for the annual fishing opener. The outing comes at a critical time in state budget negotiations, so there could be some business combined with the recreation.

Dayton and Bakk are heading north sooner to take part in a ribbon-cutting for at Minnesota's newest state park. It was established years ago but picnic areas, campsites and trails have been added at the otherwise rustic Vermilion park.

Dayton said former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican who pushed for the park's creation has confirmed he will attend Friday's ceremony.

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