Pawlenty To Meet With Would-Be Minnesota Governors

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is moving ahead with the transition to a new administration, even though he doesn't know who will lead it.

Pawlenty said Thursday that he will meet separately and privately next week with Democrat Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer, whose unsettled race appears headed for a recount.

The two-term Republican governor might have to stay in office longer if the winner isn't declared prior to Jan. 3.

Pawlenty said he has instructed his cabinet to work with both would-be governors.

The biggest task for the new governor is preparing a two-year budget by mid-February, a tough task given a projected shortfall of almost $6 billion.

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