Iowa state senator wants state to buy 9 MN counties

Republican Iowa state senator Mike Bousselot says he plans to introduce a bill in the Iowa Legislature to purchase nine southern Minnesota counties that border the Hawkeye state. 

However, some Minnesotans living in those counties are doubtful.

READ MORE: Ontario premier jokes Canada should buy Minnesota, Alaska

Iowa lawmaker wants to buy Minnesota counties

The backstory:

According to reports, Bousselot announced the idea at the Land Investment Expo in Des Moines. According to reports, the purchase would target nine Minnesota counties: Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston.

However, it doesn't appear Bousselot has filed any proposal in the Iowa legislature. Even if it were, its unlikely Minnesota would ever accept any sort of deal.

Minnesotans react to proposal

What they're saying:

FOX 9 went to Albert Lea, in Freeborn County along the Iowa border, to get reaction from locals.

"I thought it was really bizarre. I’ve never heard of such a thing before," Tally R. said.

Others living in Albert Lea are more open to new ideas.

"I’d definitely take the lower taxes for sure," Willis Marks said. "I’m all for it."

"I’d be fine with Iowa," Max added.

More context:

FOX 9 reached out to senator Bousselot for comment on Wednesday, but he did not respond.

Related

Ontario premier jokes Canada should buy Minnesota, Alaska

In response to President-elect Donald Trump's comments that Canada should become part of the United States, Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested Canada should instead buy Minnesota and Alaska. 

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