DFL Gov. Mark Dayton said Wednesday he would not rule out calling a special legislative session to approve a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
The governor said he has always preferred a special legislative session to deal with something as large and complex as the nearly $1 billion stadium project. A special session would force legislators to remain focused on a single topic, without the distraction of legislators' wish-lists that tend to clog the end of regular sessions, he said.
"I'd give it consideration, but I would have to talk to the legislative leaders," Dayton said.
The governor said he has no interest in calling a special session until it's clear there is an agreement.
"I don't see going through another round of this," he said, acknowledging that the stadium plan's failure in a recent House committee and lack of movement in the Senate is a significant setback.
Dayton said he plans to call NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to explain why the stadium project has stalled in the Legislature and might not get approved this year. Dayton he plans to reiterate his pledge that if it doesn't get done this year, it will get done next year.
Dayton said he'd still like to see the current proposal get a floor vote in the House and the Senate so everyone knows where legislators stand.
"So if the Legislature turns it down, so be it," Dayton said.
Dayton said the stadium proposal will require legislative leaders from both parties to win approval.
"If we share the responsibility, we will get it done. If we don't, we won't," he said.
