Dayton's radio show a no-go for now

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Gov. Mark Dayton has decided against hosting a weekly radio show for now after rejecting proposals from several radio stations.

The Democratic governor tried to follow the tradition established by former governors Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty, who both hosted Friday morning programs on WCCO-AM. Dayton received bids from five broadcasters, including WCCO.

Dayton spokesman Bob Hume said none of the five offered what the governor was looking for.

"We were very clear that we were looking for a vehicle for people in every corner of the state to have access to the governor," Hume said. "None of the proposals that we got back gave us that opportunity. So we have decided not to proceed with contract negotiations."

Hume said Dayton might decide to request a new round of proposals from radio stations at a later date.