Vikings’ lobbying efforts topped $100,000

Lobbyists reported $115,000 in expenses this year for the Vikings, the majority of it going toward advancing efforts for a new stadium.

Lobbyists for the Minnesota Vikings are reporting $115,000 in expenses this year through May, when the Legislature approved a $975 million stadium.

The disclosures came in lobbying reports filed last week and posted Monday by the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

Almost all the expenses went toward winning legislative approval of the stadium deal, with less than $1,000 going toward influencing Gov. Mark Dayton's administration. Dayton was the project's chief cheerleader as the stadium stalled for months in the Legislature, before a final push that resulted in its approval in May.

Lester Bagley, the team's vice president and main lobbyist, reported $105,000 in lobbying expenditures, including $54,000 for salary and administrative costs and $44,000 for communications. Four other lobbyists reported minor amounts.