Tag: Dean Phillips

For Paulsen-Phillips debate, the price of witnessing democracy is $60

As a concerned citizen who has recently become involved in local politics, I am dismayed to hear that incumbent Congressman in District 3, Erik Paulsen, and his challenger, Democrat Dean Phillips, will be participating in the first debate of this election season at a luncheon, in a private venue with a $60 price tag attached on August 21.

This debate is hosted by the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by KSTP’s Tom Hauser. A discounted cost of $35 is available to Chamber of Commerce members, which comes with a $400-$4,000 annual membership fee.

Political debates for any seat should be free and open to the public. An exclusive, private debate perpetuates the notion that civic engagement is only for the well-connected and wealthy.

Continue reading “For Paulsen-Phillips debate, the price of witnessing democracy is $60”

Dean Phillips takes his campaign on the road — and lakes — hoping to unseat Rep. Erik Paulsen

The following article by Kelly Smith was posted on the StarTribune website July 25, 2018:

Dean Phillips hopes his campaign tactics boost energy — and votes.

Credit: Leila Navidi, Star Tribune

He’s campaigned in a fish house on frozen Lake Minnetonka, a revamped 1960s milk truck and now, Dean Phillips is taking his message to voters aboard a pontoon boat.

Wrapped in blue campaign signs, American flags and July 4th decorations, the boat the DFL contender for Congress dubbed the “Government Repair Pontoon” circled Excelsior Bay last week as Phillips waved to boaters.

“This is the first campaign pontoon,” said the 49-year-old businessman and first-time political candidate.

View the complete article here.

Dean Phillips to Erik Paulsen: Voters Deserve Open, Accessible Forums

Pressure mounting as Erik Paulsen refuses to commit to appear in public

Excelsior, MN – Dean Phillips today reiterated his call for open and accessible public forums where voters would have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of both candidates. Dean has already accepted invitations from several organizations planning to host such free and open public forums, including local chapters of the League of Women Voters, a local church and local Chambers of Commerce.

Despite saying “we’ll have other debates” on WCCO Sunday Morning, Paulsen has yet to commit to any other than the TwinWest Chamber debate, which costs non-members $60.

“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 Dean 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.” Continue reading “Dean Phillips to Erik Paulsen: Voters Deserve Open, Accessible Forums”

Phillips at Edina parade inspires hope for district

To the Editor:

This Fourth of July, I participated in the Edina Independence Day parade. What I witnessed made me hopeful for our district.

Dean Phillips, who’s running for Congress in Minnesota’s Third District, had more than 200 people marching with him, each one cheering and chanting enthusiastically, thrilled just to be there. Some of these folks were lifelong Democrats; many others were Republicans. Some of them will vote for the first time this November; others cast their first votes for Hubert Humphrey. All of them came out to support their candidate, Dean Phillips, who joyfully high-fived and chatted with parade attendees.

To me, that’s what a representative should look like—happy to be surrounded by their constituents and excited to meet each one of them.

Hank Lee, Wayzata
Edina Sun-Sailor, July 19, 2018
Lee is a volunteer for the Dean Phillips campaign.

Trump Could Be “Blessing” To US, Democrats, Says Phillips

The following article by Bill Sorem and Michael McIntee was posted on the Uptake website July 16, 2018:

“This is no longer a time to sit on the sidelines,” says Dean Phillips, the DFL-endorsed candidate running against Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN). “It’s a time to participate.” Phillips is encouraging that participation at his Excelsior “conversation cottage,” otherwise known as his campaign office in this western Minneapolis suburban swing district.

Phillips says President Donald Trump’s election “activated” him to get involved in politics and ultimately launch his campaign for congress. He says a lot of people are getting involved for the same reason, with more than a thousand volunteering for his campaign. Continue reading “Trump Could Be “Blessing” To US, Democrats, Says Phillips”

Dean Phillips Announces $0 Raised From PACs and Special Interests

Phillips fundraising The Minnesota Way, with more than 8,000 individual contributors

Excelsior, MN – Today, Dean Phillips for Congress announced having raised more than $2.2 million this election cycle, far more than any previous Democratic candidate has ever raised in this district at this point in a race. All $2,253,204 was raised from individuals, as Dean is the only congressional candidate in the country that refuses to take money from PAC’s, special interests, federal lobbyists or members of Congress.

“Out of 435 members of Congress, Erik Paulsen has raised the 8th most money from special interests – including another $500,000 in the last three months alone. Simply put, his votes are being bought and sold,” said Dean Phillips. “I am proud that more than 8,000 individuals have invested in our campaign – and last week I began personally thanking many of them in person at their doors. One of them was Norbert – and it’s people like him that fill me with hope.” Continue reading “Dean Phillips Announces $0 Raised From PACs and Special Interests”

Dean Phillips on Erik Paulsen and Special Interest Money

“Erik Paulsen has taken more special interest money than nearly any other member of Congress, and that buys him nice TV ads. Unfortunately, this is just another misrepresentation of truth from Rep. Paulsen – who has consistently voted against environmental protections during his 30 year political career. To understand why, you just have to follow the money. I believe voters will see through this election year posturing and vote this November for someone who is not beholden to special interests or party leadership.”

FACTS:

League of Conservation Voters: Erik Paulsen has a 16% lifetime score.

Clean Water Action 2016 Scorecard: Erik Paulsen 0%.

Environment America: Erik Paulsen has a 15% score for 2017.

FiveThirtyEight: Erik Paulsen votes with President Trump 97.6% of the time.

Open Secrets: Erik Paulsen has taken the 8th most PAC money in the US House of Representatives.

Paulsen is a talented politician, but Phillips has more enthusiasm

To the Editor:

I have lived in the 3rd Congressional District for many years now and have seen Erik Paulsen serve as our congressperson for the last 10 years. There is no question that he is a talented politician, having won re-election five times now, against talented challengers. That said, I believe that this is the year that his winning streak ends. I don’t have any secret polling or information, but rather I draw on my recent experience at the Edina Independence Day Parade.

While Congressman Paulsen walked with a respectable group of 20 or so supporters, Dean Phillips led a raucous group of more than 200 people. I believe that kind of enthusiasm reflects the energy within the Dean Phillips campaign. It is fitting that this was at the Independence Day parade, since Dean Phillips has pledged to be an independent leader for all of the 3rd District. Not just Republicans or Democrats, but everyone. And that’s the kind of leadership that wins races!

Rick Bloomfield, Minnetonka
Minnetonka Sun-Sailor, July 10, 2018