Minnesota Gov. Dayton, 69, collapses during speech
ST. PAUL- Gov. Mark Dayton collapsed while delivering his State of the State speech on Monday, striking his head on a lectern. The 69-year-old Democrat appeared to be conscious as he was helped into a back room several minutes later, and three colleagues and his son said he seemed to be OK.
Dayton spokesman Linden Zakula said the governor walked out of the Capitol under his own power. House Speaker Kurt Daudt said that Dayton was "up and about" minutes after the incident and that the governor would be all right. Sen. Dan Schoen, who is also a paramedic, was among those who went to Dayton's aid; he said Dayton was acting normally within 20 minutes of the collapse and poking fun at himself.
Dayton's son Eric, who was watching the speech from the House gallery, tweeted that his father was with him and he was "doing great." Eric Dayton also tweeted that the governor was doing "a very advanced puzzle" with his grandson Hugo, "so that has to be a good sign!"
The governor's office said more information on his condition would be released shortly. Nearing his 70th birthday on Thursday, Dayton has a history of health problems.
