Hamel, MN – At a hastily noticed town hall meeting that was held at 10:00 AM on a work day and restricted to randomly-selected ticket-holders, Erik Paulsen was challenged by several of his constituents on issues related to campaign finance reform, and asked why he has so far refused to sign The Minnesota Way pledge that includes proposals he himself has supported as recently as 2016.
Paulsen’s response was that he “doesn’t have the latitude of inheriting millions of dollars and spending it on his own campaign” – an apparent reference to Dean Phillips, who has to date contributed $5,400 to his campaign, the maximum allowed by an individual, and in-kinded a total of $19,596.52.
What’s more, Phillips has already stated publicly that if Congressman Paulsen signs The Minnesota Way pledge, he will agree to forego any self-financing of his own campaign.
Therefore, if Congressman Paulsen is concerned about the prospect of self-funding, it is entirely within his power to stop it. And he is already on the record supporting the main components of The Minnesota Way pledge. So, why won’t Erik Paulsen sign it?
Background Material:
The Minnesota Way pledge can be found here. Dean Philips signed it on April 19, 2018. Erik Paulsen has so far refused to do so, despite having publicly stated his support for all three provisions over his career:
Erik Paulsen on PAC Contributions: “Two years later, he authored a bill to prohibit candidates from receiving money from political action groups. “We must act to negate the very perception that special interest money controls the way our government is run,” he explained.” The Cowardly Lion: Minnesota needs a hero. It has Erik Paulsen instead. City Pages, October 14, 2017.
Paulsen challenges Senator Bonoff to sign the People’s Pledge in 2016: “Paulsen said he signed a pledge to reject campaign spending from outside third-party political groups and challenged Bonoff to do the same. “The people of this district deserve a race that’s going to be about issues and about our records,” he said.” Congressional candidates square off in Chamber debate. Southwest News Media, August 17, 2016.
Erik Paulsen said he “will continue to prioritize communication with constituents.” Protesters call on Rep. Paulsen for more accessibility. Laker Pioneer, February 11, 2017.