Dayton Talks Stadium, Senate GOPers Noncommittal

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov.-elect Mark Dayton says he is willing to work on a Vikings stadium bill but incoming Senate Republican leaders are noncommittal.

Dayton and Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch held a news conference after meeting privately Thursday.

Dayton says he is willing to get involved early on in the stadium debate instead of weighing in at the end. He says the deflated Metrodome roof underlines the facility's age.

Deputy Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel says the deflated economy is more important.

Michel says the stadium got about 90 seconds of discussion in a meeting focused on jobs, including some agreement on streamlining regulations for businesses.

Dayton is also urging lawmakers to pass a major construction projects bill next year instead of waiting until 2012.

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