Tag: CD3

Paulsen Faces Backlash For Ducking Public Debates

Rep. Erik Paulsen, who is the 6th highest recipient of special interest PAC money in Congress, is notorious for dodging his constituents while gallivanting around the country with his special interest donors.

Now, Paulsen is facing fierce backlash back home for refusing to join his opponent Dean Phillips in a series of forums that are free and open to the public. To date, Paulsen has only agreed to a Twin Cities Chamber event that costs $60 to attend. This has riled up Minnesotans, with one local businessman angrily purchasing 60 tickets to give away to Paulsen’s constituents for free.

“If Rep. Erik Paulsen treated his constituents like his special interest donors, he’d give them all the time in the world,” said DCCC spokesperson Rachel Irwin. “Instead, Paulsen is turning his back on his constituents while doing the bidding of his special interest donors and party leaders in Congress. Paulsen clearly doesn’t want to face his record of voting with Trump 98 percent of the time to raise healthcare costs and gut protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions.” Continue reading “Paulsen Faces Backlash For Ducking Public Debates”

Erik Paulsen wants your vote, but refuses to debate for it

The following article by Hanna Jones was posted on the CityPages website August 16, 2018:

The League of Women Voters takes its candidate forums seriously, hoping to make sure voters are as informed as possible. Nothing cuts through the hype and noise like having all sides in the same room, answering questions with no filter.


Erik Paulsen has a growing history of avoiding his constituents at all costs. Credit: StarTribune

“Forums are one of the few ways to get a true response out of candidates,” Executive Director Michelle Witte says.

Only one thing tends to throw a wrench in the gears: candidates who want no part of a forum they can’t control. The League has sent out several invitations to Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen. He hasn’t responded.

“I’m pretty sure it’s a ‘no,’” Witte says.

View the complete article here.

Dean Phillips Invites Erik Paulsen to Participate in Public Voter Forums

Pressure mounts for Paulsen to appear as Phillips announces a series of free public forums

Dean Phillips at 2018 Candidate Forum

Excelsior, MN – Today Dean Phillips once again invited Congressman Erik Paulsen to join him at a series of public voter forums where people in Minnesota’s Third District would have the chance to hear from and ask questions of the candidates at a free and accessible event. An invitation to attend the first event in the series, held on Monday in Coon Rapids, was ignored by the Paulsen campaign.  

“Third District voters deserve to be heard by candidates seeking to represent them, not just through television ads, but side-by-side at open and public forums in their community,” said Dean Phillips. “I believe representation begins with listening, and I hope Congressman Paulsen will afford voters the chance to be heard.”

Several additional voter forums are planned in the coming weeks, including August 21st in Eden Prairie, August 27th in Edina, August 31st in Chanhassen, and continuing through Election Day. Continue reading “Dean Phillips Invites Erik Paulsen to Participate in Public Voter Forums”

Rep. Erik Paulsen is a Bought and Sold Politician

Paulsen’s Campaign Fueled by Special Interests, Votes Their Way 

Erik Paulsen is the 6th highest recipient of PAC money in Congress — and his record in Washington aligns with lining their pockets. Paulsen voted for the GOP Tax Scam that gives more than 80% of its benefits to the wealthiest 1% of Americans and a huge handout to large corporations. And because of how the tax scam blew up the deficit, it gives Erik Paulsen and Washington Republicans an opening to revisit their favorite topic: cutting Social Security and Medicare.

Like so many other suburban districts across the country, gun safety has been top of mind for Minnesotans. And while Minnesota students and teachers have called on Paulsen to take action on gun safety measures, he’s been in thepocket of the gun lobby. Paulsen has voted 21 times against legislation to prevent people on the terrorist watch list from buying a gun and opposed efforts to deny guns to individuals deemed mentally incompetent. Continue reading “Rep. Erik Paulsen is a Bought and Sold Politician”

The Case Against Erik Paulsen

Dean Phillips

“First-time candidate and successful businessman Dean Phillips is running an inclusive campaign that starts with listening,” said DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Luján. “While Dean tours the district in his 1960’s milk truck, his opponent has lost his way in Washington and is selling out to the highest bidder. Dean is bringing a refreshing approach to fix a broken Republican-controlled Washington and bring people together to flip this seat in November.”

The primary results in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District set up a competitive race between successful businessman and entrepreneur Dean Phillips and vulnerable Rep. Erik Paulsen.

Given Paulsen’s track record of putting special interests ahead of his constituents, it’s no wonder enthusiasm and energy is on the side of Phillips, who is running an innovative campaign centered on coffee and conversation.

Phillips believes our politics are broken and that representation begins with listening. While he’s been crisscrossing the district in his 1960’s Government Repair Truck, Paulsen has been gallivanting around the country with his donors. Phillips is making campaign finance a top campaign issue. He’s one of a handful of candidates in the country who refuses PAC money of any kind, while Paulsen is the 6th highest recipient of PAC money in Congress.

The contrast between Phillips and Paulsen couldn’t be more clear. While Paulsen desperately tries to paddle away from his loyalty to President Trump, he’s been voting to advance his agenda 98 percent of the time in D.C. This will be a huge liability in this suburban, well-educated district that voted for Hillary Clinton and is looking for a different direction in Washington. Continue reading “The Case Against Erik Paulsen”

For Voters Sick of Money in Politics, a New Pitch: No PAC Money Accepted

The following article by Farah Stockman was posted on the New York Times website August 12, 2018:

Dean Phillips, a Democrat running for Congress in Minnesota’s Third District, has foresworn all PAC donations, including those from labor unions and fellow politics. Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times

EXCELSIOR, Minn. — Like many political candidates, Dean Phillips spends hours each day fund-raising and thanking his donors. But because he refuses to accept PAC money from corporations, unions or other politicians, he has adopted a unique approach.

“Norbert?” he asked on the doorstep of a man who’d donated $25 to his campaign. “I’m here with goodies!”

Mr. Phillips, who is running for Congress in the suburbs of Minneapolis, handed over a gift bag containing a T-shirt and bumper sticker. The exchange was recorded in a video that was shared later with his supporters to encourage them to contribute as well. Norbert Gernes, an 80-year-old retiree, was impressed.

View the complete article here.

Dean Phillips Invites Rep. Erik Paulsen to Public Voter Forum in Coon Rapids

Phillips reinforces his commitment to answering questions from the public at free events

EXCELSIOR, MN – Dean Phillips will participate in a public voter forum on Monday, August 13 in Coon Rapids. Phillips has repeatedly called for open and accessible public forums where voters would have the opportunity to hear from and as questions of both candidates in the neck and neck race for Congress in Minnesota’s third district.

Phillips invited Congressman Erik Paulsen to join him in answering questions from the public at Monday’s free event. Neither Paulsen nor his campaign manager have indicated their intention to participate.

Despite saying “we’ll have other debates,” Congressman Erik Paulsen has yet to commit to any other than the TwinWest Chamber debate, a $60 ticketed event. In addition to Monday’s public forum in Coon Rapids, Phillips has accepted invitations from several organizations, including local chapters of the League of Women Voters, a local church, and local Chambers of Commerce who wish to host additional free public debates between the two candidates.

“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 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.”

In April of 2018, Phillips invited Congressman Paulsen to join him in 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.

WHAT: Free Public Voter Forum
WHERE: Coon Rapids Civic Center
11155 Robinson Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
WHEN: Monday, August 13, 2018
6:00 pm -8:00 pm

Paulsen is failing his constituents

To the editor:

This letter is a reply to Douglas Seaton’s recent letter, “Paulsen serves his constituents well.” While I can’t speak for Mr. Seaton’s personal experiences with the congressman, I will happily respond to his broader points.

Congressman Paulsen’s work on tax legislation hasn’t been good for Minnesota — far from it. He was an architect of the GOP tax bill, which capped the state and local tax deduction of $10,000. As a result, many 3rd District families who itemize their taxes have seen tax increases. And his relentless attacks on affordable healthcare have led to average premium increases in Minnesota of over $500 (bit.ly/2LutYwL).

And since when was Erik one to conduct an “independent review” of issues? In my time in this district, I’ve only seen two things change his mind, and neither one is facts. He either changes his mind because it’s election season (like his recent decision that he believes in climate change) or because he’s been given enough money (lobbying group FP1 Strategies once bragged to its clients about successfully influencing Erik).

Mr. Seaton says we ought to send letters to those we “really oppose.” Let me speak for myself when I say: I really oppose Erik Paulsen. And I won’t be quiet about it.

Miles Anderson, Minnetonka
Minnetonka Sun-Sailor, August 8, 2018

Phillips guided by constituents, not special interest groups

To the editor:

It is exciting to see so much agreement in the community about U.S. House candidate Dean Phillips’ refusal to take any campaign money from special interest groups, including PACs. I have been out door-knocking in our neighborhoods, and it is clear that people are eager for a representative who is guided by his constituents rather than by special interest groups.

The incumbent, Erik Paulsen, takes in more special interest money than almost all other House members. Only 5 out of 435 House members take in more money than he does (bit.ly/2KyphfZ).

What this means is that it is up to us, Dean Phillips’s future constituents, to show him that he was right to take this stand – that he was right to believe that we will donate our time, energy and money so that special interest money is no longer needed to win a race.

Let’s live up to Dean Phillips’ faith in our community and our country. Donate and volunteer at phillipsforcongress.org.

Kathy Christensen, Edina
Edina Sun-Current, August 8, 2018