Another DM&E poll

Most Minnesotans and South Dakotans Oppose DM&E Railroad's $2.5 Billion Federal Loan

Tuesday August 22, 11:19 am ET

ROCHESTER, Minn., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of registered voters in Minnesota's First Congressional District - and more than two-thirds of Rochester residents - oppose the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's (DM&E) request for a $2.5 billion federal loan, according to a newly released scientific poll. The same poll conducted statewide in South Dakota found a plurality of residents there also opposes the railroad's loan request, which would be among the largest federal loans to a private company in American history.

Specifically, 67 percent of respondents in Rochester/Olmsted County and 52 percent of First District respondents overall oppose DM&E's $2.5 billion loan request. Forty-seven percent oppose the loan in South Dakota, with 13 percent being undecided. In Brookings, where a referendum will be held in November to consider overturning the city's agreement with the railroad, 53 percent oppose the loan.

(The press release from the Mayo Clinic is here.)