House District 03A

100% rural. 3A includes International Falls, headquarters of cold weather testing and "the nation's icebox." It's also the home of football legend Bronco Nagurski. There are many small communities in this extremely rural, forested area that has many lakes and rivers. Outdoor recreation is big and sports groups are active here. There is a vast system of snowmobile trails plus the district is home to the most popular entry into Voyageurs National Park. The park's administrative headquarters is in International Falls. Bovey is home to the picture "Grace," painted by Eric Enstrom in 1918. In 2002, the Legislature designated "Grace" as the official state portrait. Major employers are iron and paper industries. With a major border crossing into Canada, the area has become increasingly concerned with security. The area has been seeking additional federal and state funding to increase border patrols and create a regional homeland security center. People here are independent - they are opposed to big government and government intrusion into management of their forested areas. Local high school hockey teams go to state tournaments almost every year, creating much civic pride. Politically, the district is very DFL with the primary election functioning as the "real" election. Party endorsement, however, is not always the key to winning the primary. Strong labor is present due to Boise Cascade.