 Governor Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders have abandoned mediation in their months-long legal battle. Top legislative Republicans and the Democratic governor met for closed-door sessions starting on Thursday. The Supreme Court ordered mediation stems from the case surrounding Dayton's decision to zero out operating budgets for the House and Senate. Dayton wanted to slim down tax breaks and remove other measures from budget bills he signed this spring, but Republicans sued calling his action unconstitutional. But the two sides couldn't bridge their differences and ended mediation Friday afternoon after Republicans say Dayton walked out, Dayton accused GOP leaders of drawing him, the state, and the Minnesota Supreme Court into a charade in which they concealed information about the legislature budget to try to score political points. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka hopes the Supreme Court will look at the case again and permanently restore its budget. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.