The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website August 23, 2017:
Nearly 30 people gathered outside of U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen’s office in Eden Prairie Wednesday, Aug. 23, to ask that he support efforts to protect the probe of Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 election.
The protest was organized by Mound resident Denise Knights. She said she’s tried sending letters to Paulsen, calling his office, requesting meetings and gone to grocery stores where Paulsen was scheduled to appear but she hasn’t been able to personally speak with him. She decided now was the time to have a gathering with others.
“Erik Paulsen doesn’t care about his constituents. It’s easier to find Waldo,” she said.
Andrew Johnson, Paulsen’s director of communications, said their records show that Knights contacted Paulsen’s office four times, and staff have responded to her twice in writing — once about health care and another time was regarding Russia.
“In terms of meeting with the Congressman, we’ve held extended office hours with constituents the last two nights alone,” he said in an Aug. 24 email.
Knights said the protesters were asking Paulsen to co-author or support legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller, who is spearheading the probe, from being fired by President Donald Trump.
“I think this is one of the big issues we need to stay on top of,” she said.
Paulsen said in a statement that maintaining the integrity of the election and public confidence in the country’s processes is important, “which is why I was one of the first Republicans to speak out and call for an independent investigation.”
“Director Mueller’s appointment was a step forward in restoring that public trust, and the administration should let the investigation run its course without interference,” he added.
This story has been updated to include additional comments from Rep. Erik Paulsen’s office.
View the post here.