<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>15
<FILENAME>rexhibit23b.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23(B) CONSENT OF GENERAL COUNSEL
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)


                           CONSENT OF GENERAL COUNSEL


     The statements of law  and  legal  conclusions  under "Item 1. Business" in
ALLETE's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2003 have
been  reviewed by me and are set forth therein in reliance upon my opinion as an
expert.

     I hereby  consent to the  incorporation  by reference of such statements of
law and legal conclusions in Registration  Statement Nos.  333-02109,  333-41882
and 333-57104 on Form S-3, and Registration Statement Nos. 333-16445, 333-16463,
333-82901, 333-91348, 333-105225 and 333-110740 on Form S-8.

Deborah A. Amberg

Deborah A. Amberg
Duluth, Minnesota
March 10, 2004

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
