Dayton comes to Fair for first time as governor

Mark Dayton has been to the State Fair nearly every year for 58 years, but Thursday was the first time he walked through the gates as Minnesota's governor.

"Hi, I am Mark," he told morning well-wishers at the DFL booth on the fairgrounds.

Dayton, who last attended the fair as a candidate for the state's highest office, appeared to hav

e not perfected the skill of the quick handshake and then move on.

Instead, the governor would strike up a conversation with each person, sometimes for more than a minute – often to the consternation of his spokeswoman, who was trying to keep him on schedule for several live television appearances.

One man wanted to governor to do more to protect the state's lakes and streams.

"I take my responsibility to be a steward of our resources very seriously," Dayton said.

The crowd quickly grew as Dayton shook hands. Many thanked Dayton for ending the shutdown and for standing up to Republicans.

"You keep those Republicans on their toes," said Marvin Olson, 67, of Blaine. "Thanks for taking a stand."

Dayton kept a pocket full of note cards and a marker in case constituents had problems he could address.

When one woman said she was having trouble with her health and human services benefits, Dayton took down her name and phone number.

He said the health and human services commissioner would get right on it. "I will have her call you tomorrow."

Cindy Guisto stood off to the side with her niece, Mia, 7.

"That's the governor," Guisto said to Mia. "He runs the state."

Dayton, who admits to somewhat of a sweet tooth, said his favorite Fair food is the chocolate malts at the dairy barn. But sometimes, "when I am really slipping," he goes for the French fries.

As the day dragged on past noon, Dayton went from television booth to television booth doing live interviews. He answered questions about a new Minnesota Viking stadium, the government shutdown and his favorite Fair foods.

Then he told his staff he wanted a malt.

But the huge number of people who wanted to shake hands was slowing him down. Suddenly, a small group near the Grandstand started to applaud.

"Good job, governor Dayton," one shouted.

Dayton walked over and extended his hand.

"Hi, I am Mark," Dayton said. "Hi, I am Mark."

While he chatted, one man walked briskly past and said loudly, with biting sarcasm: "Thanks for the shutdown. Good job with that."

Dayton continued walking, stopping for an unscheduled interview with a local radio station.

More questions about the Vikings stadium and the tone at the Capitol.

It was getting close to 1 p.m. and Dayton again began heading toward the dairy barn. He shook more hands and greeted attendees.

Eventually, Dayton did get his malt -- but no fries.