Tag: Dean Phillips

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

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

Phillips is inspiring the next generation

To the editor:

In the past few years, we’ve seen an uptick in activism from our country’s young people.

Like many famous American movements, our nation’s youth are once again leading the way to a better more compassionate America. From immigration to gun violence to women’s rights, you can see these young people marching across the country. This political fervor can be felt in all corners of the country, including in our own community.

Volunteering on the Dean Phillips campaign has been an experience unlike any other campaign I’ve witnessed. There’s a different energy in the air with so many young people helping out. These high school students can be seen marching in parades, helping out at fairs and rallying support, even though many of them aren’t old enough to vote. Seeing this outpouring of political activism from young people gives me hope that the next generation will fight, even harder than we did, to preserve democracy and protect the rights of our most vulnerable citizens.

Carol Bush, Bloomington
Bloomington Sun-Current, August 5, 2018

Dean Phillips’ donations from individuals, not PACs

The Star Tribune reported the other day that the Paulsen-Phillips race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive in the state. As reported, this is largely thanks to the efforts of PACS (political action committees), who have poured millions into the race — over half of Erik Paulsen’s $3.7 million come from PACs. And no wonder they’re giving him so much money.

Congressman Paulsen has shown himself to be a reliable vote for his donors, as indicated by his support for bills that benefit Big Pharma, Big Oil, and the insurance industry.

Unlike with Erik Paulsen, the money funding Dean Phillips comes entirely from individuals. He’s refused every cent from PACs and special interests and takes six times the number of small money donations that Erik Paulsen does. Congressman Paulsen may call this a “gimmick,” but he’s received $2 million from PACs. Giving up that kind of fundraising isn’t a gimmick. It’s conviction — something Erik Paulsen could use a little more of in my opinion.

Heather Kurth Flesland, Maple Grove
Press & News, August 2, 2018

Paulsen mimics Mrs. Trump

To the editor:

Our congressman, Republican Erik Paulsen, had his own “Melania Moment” at the Edina Fourth of July parade.

Melania Trump made headlines a week earlier when she visited immigrant children, presumably to show them that someone cared.

But she wore a fashionable coat that said on the back, “I really don’t care; do U?” Continue reading “Paulsen mimics Mrs. Trump”

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”