Dayton: Walleye special session sleeps with fishes

The prospect for a walleye special session appears to be sleeping with the fishes.

Gov. Mark Dayton said today he's doubtful there will be a special session to help business owners harmed by an early end to the walleye season on Lake Mille Lacs. Dayton said legislators on a walleye working group haven't cooperated with his plan to help resort owners, bait shops and other businesses that are suffering financially. The Department of Natural Resources ended the walleye season on Mille Lacs earlier this month because the annual harvest limit has been exceeded.

Dayton said lawmakers turned the issue into a "political spectacle" and weren't willing to help the area.

"Unless I hear otherwise, I assume the legislative bodies do not want to have a special session and don't want to provide special assistance to the people of Mille Lacs who are in very serious need of it," Dayton told reporters.

House and Senate leaders held three hearings on the issue but said Dayton has not come up with a specific plan to help the businesses.

Update: A spokesman for Gov. Dayton says officials within the administration have repeatedly offered specifics but lawmakers have not been interested in finding a solution.

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