Minnesota Governor collapses during speech

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton collapsed while delivering his State of the State speech, 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 a top staffer said he walked out of the Capitol under his own power.

Dayton's chief of staff Jaime Tincher said Dayton quickly recovered after fainting roughly 40 minutes into his annual address yesterday.

Tincher said he was spending time with his son and grandson after a routine check by emergency medical technicians at his home.

She said he still plans to release a detailed budget proposal today.
 

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!"

Monday night's episode raises new questions about Dayton's health as he is about to turn 70 - his birthday is Thursday - and as he moves into his final two years in office facing a newly GOP-controlled Legislature. He is not seeking re-election.

Dayton was hospitalised in February 2016 after he fainted at a hot and crowded event. His office said at the time that he had been feeling pressure in his lower back - he had undergone elective back surgery the previous December - before he lost consciousness. Dayton spent just a day in the hospital, and said afterward he had been treated for dehydration.

In addition, a series of back and hip surgeries in recent years has left him with a permanent limp.