Governor Dayton in Good Spirits After Announcing Cancer Diagnosis

Governor Dayton says he doesn't think his prostate cancer diagnosis and fainting spell are linked

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer but will finish the final two years of his term.

Dayton made the announcement just hours after collapsing while delivering his State of the State address in St. Paul.

The 69-year-old Democrat traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester after today’s press conference for tests on why he fainted.

He doesn’t believe the two issues are connected.

He’ll return to Mayo next week to discuss his prostate cancer treatment options.

“I don’t feel anything I wouldn’t know I had prostate cancer if it weren’t for the tests I don’t feel any effects,” said Governor Dayton. “Well, if I’d known it was going to result in the Republicans not criticizing the speech, I would have tried it years ago,” he added with a laugh.

Dayton joked that he learned his speech was too long.

He also unveiled his $45.8 billion budget proposal calling for more money for education.

Republican House Speaker Daudt says they’ll press for lower spending and more tax cuts.