Republican Legislators Steer Clear Of Dayton Inaugural

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An all-Democratic cast of statewide elected officials has taken the Minnesota oath of office without Republican lawmakers in attendance.

Monday's ceremony at Landmark Center was before an audience of 500 dignitaries, Democratic lawmakers and supporters of Gov. Mark Dayton and other statewide officials.

Republican legislators were invited but weren't represented. House Speaker Kurt Daudt was at a previously scheduled GOP House fundraiser a hotel across the street and planned to congratulate Dayton at a reception later in the day. Daudt says he called Dayton earlier Monday to wish him well but the two didn't connect.

Daudt says he is committed to working to find common ground with Capitol Democrats.

Republicans haven't held a statewide post in Minnesota government since Gov. Tim Pawlenty left office in 2011.