Dayton says AFL-CIO process unfair

DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton cried foul today when the Minnesota AFL-CIO sent out a news release announcing its endorsement of Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor.

The AFL-CIO says the release was a test sent out by mistake a few hours before the endorsement screening interviews were scheduled. During a speech to the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association before heading to his screening, Dayton said he had expected the process would be fair and open.

"It's disappointing to me not to be given a fair screening and a fair opportunity," Dayton said. "I've always been a strong friend and supporter of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, of the pipe fitters, and all of your members and the causes of the working men and women across this state throughout my career."

Here's the audio of the speech:

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Afterwards, Dayton said he was still going to his scheduled interview, and he dismissed the explanation that the news release was a mistake. He pointed out that Kelliher was quoted in the release, but no one had contacted him for a similar quote.

"I think it's very unfair," he said.

Kelliher addressed the Pipe Trades event a short time after Dayton. Following her speech, Kelliher told reporters she had not already been told of an AFL-CIO endorsement.

"I'm going to go earn the endorsement," Kelliher said.