Category: Dean Phillips

I support Dean Phillips because he listens

To the Editor:

Dean Phillips is my choice for Minnesota’s Third Congressional District. Our part of Minnesota needs someone new in that seat, and judging by the groundswell of excitement around Dean, change is coming!

I’m a mother of six, work full-time as a marketing director at a nonprofit and have lived in this area most of my life. Excelsior is my hometown; Minnetonka is my current residence. My heart and priorities and values are deeply rooted in this community. I’ve always voted, but never gotten involved in politics or a campaign, until now.

Why? Because Dean Phillips is the guy you see at the co-op, on his bike around town, at the kids’ games and events and talking to people he meets on the street. He listens. I had the chance to test that out this winter when my husband, 15-year-old daughter and I visited his ice house in Excelsior. There, we sat down face-to-face and talked about healthcare, sensible gun reform, taxes, support for vulnerable members of our community, robust and inclusive education, the environment and more. Dean listened, asked questions and listened some more. He was particularly interested in what my daughter had to say and ask. Dean knows the spirit of these kids and that their way of getting things done is key to the future of change at home and in Washington. He’s a dad, and he gets it. Continue reading “I support Dean Phillips because he listens”

Dean Phillips represents the people

To the Editor:

I never thought I would get into politics. It always seemed boring and unnecessarily argumentative. My parents are both conservative but not politically active, and I guess I never was one to choose sides. The year 2016 was the first time I realized that elections have consequences. Before then, elections were just a horse race. Someone wins, someone loses and my life went on the same as it had before.

This time was different, people around me were scared, and shocked that we ended up here. We were all angry. We were too young to vote and we wanted to scream at the people that could vote but didn’t.

Instead, we found a more productive way to channel our energy, by supporting Dean Phillips. About 100 or so high school and college kids are campaigning for Dean. We knock on doors, we march in parades and we spread the word that there’s a new candidate in town who is providing hope to those who feel helpless because of the current administration. Continue reading “Dean Phillips represents the people”

For Paulsen-Phillips debate, the price of witnessing democracy is $60

As a concerned citizen who has recently become involved in local politics, I am dismayed to hear that incumbent Congressman in District 3, Erik Paulsen, and his challenger, Democrat Dean Phillips, will be participating in the first debate of this election season at a luncheon, in a private venue with a $60 price tag attached on August 21.

This debate is hosted by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by KSTP’s Tom Hauser. A discounted cost of $35 is available to Chamber of Commerce members, which comes with a $400-$4,000 annual membership fee.

Political debates for any seat should be free and open to the public. An exclusive, private debate perpetuates the notion that civic engagement is only for the well-connected and wealthy.

Continue reading “For Paulsen-Phillips debate, the price of witnessing democracy is $60”

Dean Phillips takes his campaign on the road — and lakes — hoping to unseat Rep. Erik Paulsen

The following article by Kelly Smith was posted on the StarTribune website July 25, 2018:

Dean Phillips hopes his campaign tactics boost energy — and votes.

Credit: Leila Navidi, Star Tribune

He’s campaigned in a fish house on frozen Lake Minnetonka, a revamped 1960s milk truck and now, Dean Phillips is taking his message to voters aboard a pontoon boat.

Wrapped in blue campaign signs, American flags and July 4th decorations, the boat the DFL contender for Congress dubbed the “Government Repair Pontoon” circled Excelsior Bay last week as Phillips waved to boaters.

“This is the first campaign pontoon,” said the 49-year-old businessman and first-time political candidate.

View the complete article here.

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.” Continue reading “Dean Phillips to Erik Paulsen: Voters Deserve Open, Accessible Forums”

Congressman For Sale: Erik Paulsen is Bought and Sold

www.erikpaulsen.org reveals what the special interests are getting for their money

Excelsior, MN – A new online resource, “Congressman for Sale,” was launched today to help voters in Minnesota’s 3rd District understand the influence that powerful special interests have over Rep. Erik Paulsen – now the 6th largest recipient of special interest money among all 435 members of Congress.

The site exposes Paulsen’s $8,269,936 in special interest contributions by industry, showing what each received for their money through Congressman Paulsen’s votes. It provides voters with a report card from nationally-known advocacy groups, showing how out of touch Congressman Paulsen’s voting record is as a result of special interest influence, and a survey for those interested in learning more. The site also links to End Citizens United’s “Erik the PAC Man” game, where players can try to raise more money than Erik Paulsen while avoiding the constituents he all but ignores. Continue reading “Congressman For Sale: Erik Paulsen is Bought and Sold”

Trump Could Be “Blessing” To US, Democrats, Says Phillips

The following article by Bill Sorem and Michael McIntee was posted on the Uptake website July 16, 2018:

“This is no longer a time to sit on the sidelines,” says Dean Phillips, the DFL-endorsed candidate running against Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN). “It’s a time to participate.” Phillips is encouraging that participation at his Excelsior “conversation cottage,” otherwise known as his campaign office in this western Minneapolis suburban swing district.

Phillips says President Donald Trump’s election “activated” him to get involved in politics and ultimately launch his campaign for congress. He says a lot of people are getting involved for the same reason, with more than a thousand volunteering for his campaign. Continue reading “Trump Could Be “Blessing” To US, Democrats, Says Phillips”

Dean Phillips Announces $0 Raised From PACs and Special Interests

Phillips fundraising The Minnesota Way, with more than 8,000 individual contributors

Excelsior, MN – Today, Dean Phillips for Congress announced having raised more than $2.2 million this election cycle, far more than any previous Democratic candidate has ever raised in this district at this point in a race. All $2,253,204 was raised from individuals, as Dean is the only congressional candidate in the country that refuses to take money from PAC’s, special interests, federal lobbyists or members of Congress.

“Out of 435 members of Congress, Erik Paulsen has raised the 8th most money from special interests – including another $500,000 in the last three months alone. Simply put, his votes are being bought and sold,” said Dean Phillips. “I am proud that more than 8,000 individuals have invested in our campaign – and last week I began personally thanking many of them in person at their doors. One of them was Norbert – and it’s people like him that fill me with hope.” Continue reading “Dean Phillips Announces $0 Raised From PACs and Special Interests”