Dayton Calls GOP PolyMet Talk Distraction To Avoid Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton isn't playing along with House Republicans' call to link a PolyMet project pledge to a special session for unemployed steelworkers.

Dayton is aiming to call a special session to extend unemployment benefits for miners in northeastern Minnesota. A tide of closures at Iron Range mines mean some those benefits may expire soon as this month. Minnesota's Legislature isn't set to return until early March.

House Speaker Kurt Daudt says Dayton should vow not to interfere in the PolyMet mine review and an oil pipeline in planning. Dayton said Monday his administration isn't delaying the copper-nickel mine or Sandpiper pipeline.

He calls the talk about those projects an excuse not to help laid-off workers. A spokeswoman for Daudt did not immediately return an email requesting comment.