Perseverance (A Memoir)

An entertaining, insightful, and revealing account of a man born into social prominence who dedicated his life to public service. A candid look behind the curtain at contemporary politics in the state and the nation.  

The scion of a legendary department store family, Mark Dayton could have chosen any profession. He grew up in an environment of business savvy and social largesse, inspired by the belief that great privilege demands social responsibility and community commitment—a belief that led him to a life in public service.

In his own words, Perseverance tells Dayton’s life story, from his childhood in a dysfunctional household to his political awakening, his early life in politics, and his friendship with Senator Paul Wellstone, whose call, “We all do better when we all do better,” served as a lodestar for Dayton’s ongoing work. 

Readers follow Dayton from his first elected state office, to his time in the US Senate, to his two terms as Minnesota’s governor. As pointed in his assessments of himself as in those of his colleagues, Dayton discusses mistakes as well as achievements. He gives credit where it is due, regardless of political affiliations. 

The book ends with a postscript on our current moment in public life. In addition to providing an enduring record of recent political history, this memoir offers case studies of problems being remedied swiftly under leadership motivated by empathy. Perseverance provides occasion for conversations of consequence and substance, today and for years to come.