Following the release of divorce records of DFL Congressman and candidate for Attorney General Keith Ellison and Kim Ellison today, DFL Senior Advisor Charlene Briner issued the following statement:
“For months, Keith Ellison put his concern for his ex-wife and his family above his own political career. His responses may have frustrated those who wanted him to be more forthcoming about his divorce, but it is admirable that his instincts to protect his family took a higher priority than his own political aspirations.
“The Ellison family has been subjected to unforgivable violations of privacy fueled by the most extreme elements of the right wing.
To exploit the worst, most painful time in a family’s life in pursuit of political gain is unconscionable. Moving forward, we hope the Ellison family is given the privacy they deserve and the compassion we all would hope for if facing similar circumstances.”
Statement from Keith Ellison
MINNESOTA – Congressman Keith Ellison, candidate for Minnesota Attorney General, today released the following statement in response to the unsealing of the divorce file of Keith and Kim Ellison.
“I am extremely disappointed that the Court has gone back on its agreement to seal Kim and my divorce file, agreeing to open it at the request of a far-right propaganda outlet with a history of racism and religious bigotry, Alpha News, and the Star Tribune.
“I understand perhaps better than most that as a public official, my personal life falls under higher scrutiny than others. But to pry into the details of a sealed divorce file that the Court previously ordered closed, on the eve of an election, is shameful and outrageous.
“Kim Ellison is a wonderful person. We met in driver’s training as teenagers and raised four beautiful children together, who are now awesome adults. We had a storybook marriage until the onset of her illness, which was not diagnosed until long after she was suffering the effects of it. One of the great regrets of my life is that I did not appreciate the debilitating effects of Kim’s illness until the doctors told us that it was Multiple Sclerosis and major depression. I attribute the difficulties in our marriage to the disease and my failure to understand it. I was not nearly sensitive enough to the symptoms of her medical condition at the time, and for that I am deeply sorry.
“Kim and I have rebuilt a strong friendship as parents to our four wonderful children. I am proud of the person Kim is. We are family, and I stand by her.”
About Keith Ellison for Attorney General
Keith is running to be the People’s Lawyer, to hold those in power accountable and protect and defend all Minnesotans. To learn more about the campaign and get involved, visit KeithEllison.org.