Gov. Mark Dayton faints at event, hospitalized overnight as a 'precaution'

Gov. Mark Dayton fainted while at an event Sunday, and will remain in a hospital overnight "as a precaution."

According to a statement from Chief of Staff Jamie Tincher, Dayton was at an event in Woodbury "that was very crowded and hot."

While speaking, he "began to feel increased pressure in his lower back," the statement says.

He then fainted, and was taken to Regions Hospital for testing. Dayton will stay there overnight for observation as a precaution.

Bob Hume, the governor’s senior advisor, told BringMeTheNews the "most likely culprit" is dehydration, though doctors haven't made an official determination.

Dayton, 69, had back surgery at Mayo Clinic in early December to fuse vertebrae – he'd had a similar procedure done in 2012. Hume said that was "talked about" with doctors.

The event was sort of a house party, a volunteer recognition event for state Rep. JoAnn Ward, Hume said, and the governor was chatting and milling about when he fainted.

Tincher notes he's "resting comfortably and joking with family, doctors, and staff.”

Hume said Dayton is "great," and acting like his "regular self."

The governor does intend to keep his schedule for Monday.

https://twitter.com/bobhume/status/694005736175726592