Dayton wants other governors to join steel fight

Gov. Mark Dayton is seeking the help of his fellow governors to protect the struggling U.S. steel industry.

Dayton told reporters Wednesday that he’s already partnered with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad on the effort to restrict foreign steel imports. They plan to enlist others during this weekend’s National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, DC.

Dayton said he’s still trying to convince President Obama to curtail the kind of imports that have hurt Minnesota’s Iron Range.

“It’s having a devastating effect on the steel industry all over the country, and we really need stronger action by the administration,” Dayton said

A similar message was delivered to White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough during a meeting in December on the Iron Range.

Dayton said he’s disappointed that the Obama administration hasn’t taken a “more aggressive stance.”

He said he’ll have a chance to meet with the president as part of the NGA activities.