A group of elected Democrats in northern Minnesota are breaking ranks.
They’re speaking out against a resolution supported by the party’s State Central Committee to seek a moratorium on copper-nickel mining in northeastern Minnesota’s watersheds.
The northern reps, which include State Representative Rob Ecklund and State Senator Tom Baak, both who represent Koochiching County, say there has always been a small anti-mining group within the party, and the action wasn’t unexpected.
They say it doesn’t change their commitment to supporting, promoting or defending mining in the area.
