Watch CBS News

2 Days After Fainting Incident, Gov. Mark Dayton Returns To Work

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Less than 24 hours after he was released from Regions Hospital, Gov. Mark Dayton fielded questions about his health.

The governor was hospitalized Sunday after fainting at a political event in Woodbury.

At a morning news conference, Dayton said doctors determined after extensive tests that dehydration was the culprit.

"This is my new best friend," Dayton said, holding up a water bottle. "I have been stripped of my last vice: Diet Coke."

WCCO's Ashley Roberts posted a video of Dayton on Twitter showing him at the STEP-UP Achieve Annual Partners Breakfast at Target Field Tuesday morning.

The governor mingled at the morning event walking with the help of a cane. He is also still recovering from elective back surgery in December.

"As Mark Twain said reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated," he said. "I am fine. I feel fine."

Since 2012 he has had three other major procedures, including another back surgery and hip surgery.

"That is what life comes to at 69. Happy Birthday," he said.

The governor is the oldest governor in Minnesota history.

"I know I am not 39 years old, but my mental acuity is good, my stamina is good," he said.

The governor was also asked about persistent rumors that he planned to step aside before the end of his term so that Lt. Governor Tina Smith can take over.

In response, he said there is only way that would happen.

"Only if the good Lord takes me away from here," he said. "But if I am living, breathing, I will be hear until January 2019, sorry to disappoint people, but that is the way it is."

The governor said being a senior citizen shouldn't bar someone from holding office.

He pointed out that Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at 74 is older than he is and Hillary Clinton is just a few months younger.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.