Dayton clarifies campaign staff size

Minnesota Public Radio and several other news outlets reported yesterday that Democrat Mark Dayton listed 21 people on his payroll on his 2009 fundraising report.

Today, Dayton sent out a clarification on that number. He said several were college and high school interns. Here's the release:

Dayton Clarifies His Campaign Staff Numbers

"My campaign's report of receipts and expenditures for 2009 accurately stated that 21

individuals were paid during the year. However, our report did not place in proper perspective that 9 of those individuals were high school and college interns, some of whom worked for us during their summer vacations and others of whom have worked part-time during their fall and winter semesters.

"I am proud to have continued during this campaign my long-time practice of paying high school and college interns, and also paying them a "living wage" of $10 per hour. As a United States Senator, I was one of only two members, who paid their interns. In an era when young people have to borrow many thousands of dollars to pay for their college educations, I believe on principle in paying them fairly for the terrific work they do on my campaign.

"For the record, my campaign now has 7 full-time campaign staff members. They are: Dana Anderson, Campaign Manager; Katie Tinucci, Deputy Campaign Manager and General Counsel; Brian Klaas, Deputy Campaign Manager and Policy Director; Katie Clark, Finance Director; Becky Jergenson, Director of Scheduling; Brian Wietgrefe, Office Manager; and Chelsa Nelson, Northern Minnesota Field Director."

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