ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s tax collections came in $46 million short of expectations for the last three months, state officials said in a report issued Friday that Republicans quickly worked into campaigns against the Democrats who lead government.

The Department of Minnesota Management and Budget analysis said total revenue of almost $4.3 billion for July through September was 1.1 percent below estimates laid out in a February forecast used by lawmakers in budget-setting.

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said the report is proof “Minnesotans can’t afford tax-and-spend, all-Democratic rule at the Capitol.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson said it was a sign people were making and spending less, costing the state income and sales tax money. “Mark Dayton’s economic policies are hitting Minnesotans where it hurts: their pocketbooks,” he said in a statement.

Tax collections missed marks in more months this year than they’ve been ahead of projections. But the last fiscal year ended in June with the state having $186 million more than it needed to cover expenses.