Dayton Aims to Pressure Obama for Steel Industry Help

ST. PAUL - Gov. Mark Dayton is teaming up with other governors to press for federal trade measures that would help an ailing steel industry.

The Democratic governor and other Minnesota officials have pushed President Barack Obama's administration to block some foreign steel imports that have triggered an unprecedented downturn on the Iron Range. Thousands of Minnesota steelworkers have been laid off amid a tide of mine closures.

Dayton said Wednesday he's already got Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's backing and hopes to enlist other governors at a national gathering this weekend. Dayton says he's disappointed the president's administration hasn't acted faster.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough visited Minnesota's Iron Range in December. Dayton says he's been told the administration is still studying the problems.