Citing Terror Threat, Senator Closes Capitol Office, Leaves DC
Citing concerns for the safety of his staff because of the threat of terrorism, Senator Mark Dayton, Democrat of Minnesota, announced on Tuesday that he was closing his Capitol Hill office until after the election. Mr. Dayton said he was basing his decision on classified information provided to members of Congress a few weeks ago, though he would not disclose the details. The senator said he felt obligated to let his staff leave now, as Congress is in recess and he will not be in the office. "I do so out of extreme, but necessary, precaution to protect the lives and safety of my Senate staff and my Minnesota constituents, who might otherwise visit my office in the next few weeks," Mr. Dayton said a statement. " I feel compelled to do so, because I will not be here in Washington to share in what I consider to be an unacceptably greater risk to their safety." Senate officials said they believed that Mr. Dayton was the lone lawmaker to take such a step, though some staff members said other offices had discussed closing. [more