Minnesota Dem Gov. Fights GOP's 'No New Tax' Stance

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota governor whose state has shut down in part because of his demand that taxes be raised on the rich is a man who was born into money.

Mark Dayton says growing up in that environment made him sure of something. "I know people can afford it," he told The Associated Press in an interview.

The Democratic governor and legislative Republicans are deadlocked over a $5 billion budget deficit. Republicans have refused to consider any tax hike.

Dayton's checkered career included a low when he quit the U.S. Senate in 2006 after one term. He surprised many when he ran for governor three years later -- and won.

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