Dean Phillips to Erik Paulsen: Voters Deserve Open, Accessible Forums

Pressure mounting as Erik Paulsen refuses to commit to appear in public

Excelsior, MN – Dean Phillips today reiterated his call for open and accessible public forums where voters would have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of both candidates. Dean has already accepted invitations from several organizations planning to host such free and open public forums, including local chapters of the League of Women Voters, a local church and local Chambers of Commerce.

Despite saying “we’ll have other debates” on WCCO Sunday Morning, Paulsen has yet to commit to any other than the TwinWest Chamber debate, which costs non-members $60.

“Candidates running for public office should participate in open forums at which they take questions from the public, and such forums should be free of charge and accommodate all those who wish to attend,” said Dean Phillips. “My entire campaign is based on the notion that representation begins with listening, and I am eager to do just that. Erik Paulsen should listen to his constituents, who are rightly demanding the opportunity to hear from the two of us and share their perspectives with us – without having to pay. We are all awaiting his response.”

While Congressman Paulsen has town hall meetings once every seven years, Dean Phillips has made accessibility a hallmark of his campaign. In April of 2018, he invited Congressman Paulsen to do the same by signing The Minnesota Way pledge, a mutual pact which includes a promise to hold two public events per month – while also committing to no PAC funding or self-financing, and to limiting or eliminating spending by outside groups.