Last Chance For Governor Candidates To Get Digs In

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The engagement level of Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has provided sparks in his final debate with Republican nominee Jeff Johnson.

On public television Friday night, Johnson was asked to explain his closing TV ads where he accuses Dayton of being disengaged. In the debate, he cited flaws with Vikings stadium legislation and false starts on new taxes.

Dayton shot back that Johnson was acting like a "desperate candidate" who is clearly behind.

The pair also clashed over Minnesota's year-old health insurance exchange, which Dayton supported and Johnson opposes.

Dayton is bidding for a second term. Johnson is a Hennepin County commissioner and former state lawmaker.

The Independence Party's Hannah Nicollet took part in the campaign's first two debates but wasn't invited to the remaining three.

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