Wis. Senate mining debate stretches on

It looks like the state Senate debate on a divisive Republican bill that would overhaul Wisconsin's mining regulations is going to stretch on for hours.

Minority Democrats have proposed a dozen amendments. They've spent an hour and a half debating the first one and it was unclear when the body might vote on it. Republicans control the chamber, which means all the Democratic changes are almost certainly doomed.

The bill is designed to ease the regulatory path for a huge iron mine near Lake Superior. Republicans maintain the mine will create hundreds of jobs. Democrats and conservationists contend the bill relaxes environmental protections.

Senate approval would send the bill to the Republican-controlled Assembly. That chamber is expected to pass the measure next week and send it to Gov. Scott Walker.