Statement about running for governor: "We have a crowded field and a campaign is a proving ground, and my job is to go out and tell Democrats and then citizens in general why I'd be a better governor than the final field, and that's what the next two years are about." — Jan. 16, 2009

"I always assumed it would be a hard-fought election [in 2010] and I would expect the Republican candidate to be largely a proponent of Gov. Pawlenty's policies, so in that sense some of the issues won't change." - June 2, 2009

Party: DFL

Current government position: No

Elected: (Former U.S. Senator, elected in 2000)

Term: Served one term as U.S. Senator

Occupation: Served in several elected and appointed public-service positions, has also been a legislative assistant, teacher, youth counselor

Birth date: Jan. 29, 1947

Home: Minneapolis

Education: B.A. Yale University

Website: Mark Dayton for a Better Minnesota

E-mail: Email form at Mark Dayton for a Better Minnesota

Key issues and priorities: According to Dayton's website, his goals as governor would be to improve the state's schools and universities, provide affordable health care for everyone and restructure the state's tax system to help fund needed services such as highway maintenance and public school classrooms. He writes on the website, "There has been too little executive leadership in St. Paul for too long, and the state you and I love is starting to fall behind. Minnesota needs someone to get our economy moving again, to make our schools and universities the envy of the nation, and to provide quality, affordable health care for everyone. We need a governor whose policies extend beyond the current fiscal year, a leader with a plan and vision to keep Minnesota's future bright. I believe I have what it takes to get the job done, and I'm ready to go to work for you."

Political experience: U.S. Senator (2001-2007), member of the Armed Services, Agriculture and Homeland Security Committees; Co-chair of Hillary Clinton's Minnesota Presidential Campaign; Minnesota State Auditor 1991-1994; Commissioner of Energy and Economic Development, 1983-1986; Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Economic Development in Perpich administration (1978); Legislative assistant to Minnesota Sen. Walter Mondale (1975).

Background articles:

"Mark Dayton plans bid for governor's post in 2010"

Mark Dayton: The Minnesota Brown interview

"Mark Dayton: Taking on tax fairness"

Check out questions readers have for Minnesota's candidates for governor (and some answers) at 10Questions.com