When I began volunteering with Dean Phillips’ campaign to represent Minnesota’s 3rd District about eight months ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Discussions about politics have become so polarizing, I was leery about getting involved. Still, I was (and remain) concerned enough about the direction of Washington that I felt I needed to act.
I’m so glad I did. Like Dean, I’m concerned about the corrupting influence of dark money and corporate interests in politics. With many elected officials taking millions of dollars from lobbyists and special interests, it’s difficult to believe they’re acting in their constituents’ interests, rather than their donors’ interest. Dean’s accepted no PAC or special interest money. Instead, he’s supported by about 65,000 individual donors.
I believe politicians should run on the strength of their ideas and accomplishments, without attacking their opponents. One of the most despicable ads running against Dean falsely claims he ignored a sexual harassment lawsuit against Allina Health, where he’d been a volunteer board member. Dean hasn’t been the subject of a lawsuit and wasn’t involved in the suit the ad references. Allina Health has stated it terminated the individual at the center of the allegations. Local business leaders have also said the claims are false.
Over the past 18 months, Dean has crisscrossed the district, meeting with and listening to residents at dozens of events. He’s brought together experts from various political backgrounds for forums on healthcare and gun violence, among other issues, and shown a willingness to listen to others and work to find solutions.
Dean’s gained support from Democrats, Republicans and independents. All are concerned about a Congress that’s increasingly dysfunctional and focused on protecting their careers, rather than serving their constituents, and they’re working to change it. I’m proud to be one of them.
Karen Kroll, Chanhassen
Chanhassen Villager, November 1, 2018