DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders Monday afternoon restarted their budget talks in attempt to reach agreement before government shuts down on Friday.

"I'm looking forward to another discussion with the leaders," Dayton said in very brief comments before entering a Capitol conference room.

He refused to say why talks broke off after just an hour Sunday.

"We've agreed to a 'cone of silence' because it is conducive to our working things out. I remain committed to finding a fair and balanced budget that will benefit the state of Minnesota and avoid a shutdown. We'll see if that's possible," Dayton said.

Since he and Republican leaders have refused to divulge any substantive details of their talks, Dayton was asked how anxious Minnesota were supposed to judge their progress. He replied: "When (Minnesotans) elected me, they entrusted me with the office of governor and I take that responsibility very seriously and all the legislators to do. That's what representative democracy is supposed to be."