ST. PAUL, MN - The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton on the passing of former US Senator Rod Grams.

"Minnesota mourns the passing of former United States Congressman and Senator Rod Grams. Senator Grams served our state with great distinction, as a member of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate."

"After his return to Minnesota, he continued to be active and influential in civic and political affairs, right up to the end of his life. On behalf of our state's grateful citizens, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Senator's family and friends."