A Minnesota lawmaker whose father’s death could have affected last-minute budget negotiations decided to stay at the Capitol to see the job through, because, she said, that’s what her father would have wanted.

Norman Huse, Republican Sen. Carla Nelson’s father, died Monday morning — deadline day for lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton to reach an agreement on a $46 billion state budget.

Earlier this month, Huse’s ailing health forced Nelson to leave St. Paul, prompting the Senate to halt passage of budget bills. She also departed Saturday. Without her present to cast votes, Republicans lacked their one-vote majority and couldn’t pass controversial legislation.

Personal empathy trumped political expediency, so the Capitol took a mournful pause.

Lawmakers will be working through the night Monday — and Nelson will remain at the Capitol for the action.

“This morning, my father entered the gates of heaven,” she said in a statement Monday. “While heartbroken, I’m at peace because I know he is in a better place. One of his favorite sayings was, ‘I know my Savior and I’m ready to meet my Maker.’ What a glorious meeting that must have been!”

The Senate paused for a moment of silence in honor of Huse Monday afternoon.

“I appreciate your concern and compassion, and I thank you for that,” Nelson said.

In a speech to the Senate, Nelson paid tribute to her father as a devoted educator and longtime high school principal and superintendent.

“Education was his life,” Nelson said.

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Dayton expressed admiration for Nelson.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Senator Nelson for the loss of her Father,” Dayton said in a statement. “Her devotion to him and her dedication to her Legislative responsibilities during the past two weeks has been extraordinary.”

David H. Montgomery contributed to this report.