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MDE EXCLUSIVE: AL FRANKEN’S DOORMAN DENIES SIGNATURE IS HIS: “THAT’S NOT MY SIGNATURE, SIR.”; WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SCANDAL EXPLODES AGAIN
By Michael B. Brodkorb | May 27, 2008
More than a month after the story broke on Minnesota Democrats Exposed that Al Franken not only failed to provide worker’s compensation premiums for his employees, but that he had also been fined $25,000 by the State of New York Worker’s Compensation Board, a new revelation is bound to shake the race for the United States Senate.
One of the key issues in this scandal has been the whereabouts of more than a dozen pieces of mail that were sent to Franken’s New York home – a home he still owns.
Even more critical has been the mystery surrounding a certified mail receipt that was sent to Franken’s New York home. The certified mail receipt has the name J. Gauthier printed on it, with a signature.
At any time over the past month or so, Team Franken could have come forward and explained who J. Gauthier is or was. Franken could have easily explained whose name was on the certified mail receipt, and pretty much put an end to the story.
But, he and his campaign have remained tight-lipped, and according to many sources, completely focused on repeating the story that not only did Franken not live at his New York home while the State of New York was sending him mail (in spite of the evidence to the contrary) but that he had no idea what happened to his mail.
It has taken more than a month to identify J. Gauthier, and even longer to actually locate him and talk to him about this matter.
Last week, I called J. Gauthier, who is Jason Gauthier, of Yonkers, New York. He confirmed that he was a doorman at Franken’s New York home.
I had repeated conversations with Jason about his time as doorman at Franken’s New York home – the procedures that were in place to ensure safe and effective delivery of mail to residents – and whether or not he had ever recalled an incident in which any resident, including Al Franken, had complained about lost or misplaced mail.
Gauthier was very clear that he could not recall anytime that the Franken’s complained they were missing mail, or had any problems with the mail service at their New York home.
Most importantly, I emailed Jason Gauthier a copy of the certified mail receipt, in PDF format, to review. In particular, I asked Jason Gauthier to confirm for me that it was indeed his printed name and signature on the certified mail receipt.
I have to admit I was, and remain, shocked that Jason Gauthier told me, in no uncertain terms: “That’s not my signature, sir.” Not only that, Gauthier denies that he wrote his name on the letter.
Jason described the characteristics of his signature and was very specific, saying “the signature is way off base from my signature.” Jason added that “I don’t know where that signature came from.”
I am posting a copy of Jason Gauthier’s signature from his New York voter card.
As you can see from the certified mail receipt above, the signatures are different. The implications of this are far-reaching and, extremely troubling.
Franken has denied ever receiving any mail from the New York Worker’s Compensation Board. In spite of evidence that Franken lived in his New York home until early 2006 Franken and his campaign remain committed to their story that a dozen pieces of mail, including signed, certified mail from New York’s Worker’s Compensation Board were never received or opened.
Then, who signed the certified mail receipt?
- Why would someone forge Jason Gauthier’s name and attempt to provide a signature to confirm it was Gauthier?
- What possible motive could anyone have for faking the name of the former Doorman for Franken’s New York home?
- Will Franken now, finally come forward, and tell us who signed the certified mail receipt?
I believe Jason Gauthier 100% when he says this is not his name or signature on the certified mail receipt. I have reviewed both his signature and that on the registered voter receipt, and just a simple review shows that Gauthier is telling the truth.
Right now, that is something that is critically needed in this story: The Truth.
It’s what’s been missing from Franken’s denials from the worker’s compensation scandal from the beginning, and until he comes forward and starts giving honest, truthful answers, the scandal will continue to broaden and grow.
Please check back to Minnesota Democrats Exposed for more information on this developing story.
Topics: Uncategorized |
May 27th, 2008 at 9:32 am
This is so ridiculous.
Seriously, are you trying to say that Franken purposely forged the signature of a door man? I mean what are you alleging happened here?
You have to get paid by the post Michael, there is no other way around it.
(Still waiting for something positive about Norm)
A Memorial Day tribute to the troops would have been nice too. Your true colors shine!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I certainly hope this post is enough to get you that chat with Al Franken’s lawyers that you have been seeking.
Sure, they will be deposing you for his defamation case, since you just publicly accused a U.S. Senate candidate of mail fraud, but hey, a meeting with his lawyers is a meeting with his lawyers.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’ll give you that is pretty intriguing. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean any foul play on the part of Franken, either. If true, it doesn’t prove any wrongdoing on Franken’s part. If anything, it proves there was some foul play going on with Franken’s mail, and that doesn’t point the finger at Al.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:09 am
It is intriging but don’t get suckered in here. Franken & Gauthier could be working together to discredit you.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Yoni,
Al Franken is the gift that keeps on giving to MDE. I think we are all amazed (not just republicans) by the amount of inapropriate material that Al brings to this race. If MDE was getting paid by the posts, I am sure that Michael would file the proper tax paper work and sign it himself.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I missed this- what is the protocol for Certified mail at that bldg? Does the doorman always sign? Or does the recipient normally sign?
May 27th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Leave it to a DFLer like (Bad Bad) Leroy to threaten a lawsuit. This is straight out of the Clinton playbook.
Also, as my Jewish grandmother might say, what (Bad Bad) Leroy doesn’t know about the law would fill a book.
BBL: Please note. Franken is a public figure. Oh, sure, public figures can sue for defamation but with the “absence of malice” standard, a public figure has about as much chance of winning as I have getting elected Pope.
Moreover, truth (which is what we’re getting from MDE here) is an absolute defense to defamation lawsuits.
Franken’s attorneys know this. Which is why your idle threat of a lawsuit against MDE is exactly that. Idle. Like folks on welfare.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:35 am
It is intriging but don’t get suckered in here. Franken & Gauthier could be working together to discredit you.
talk about paranoia man.
or maybe about the latest Rasmussen poll:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/minnesota/election_2008_minnesota_senate
May have to find a new tactic Michael, people are getting sick of the constant sludge that is emanating from the Republican side…..
Its time to bring Norm’s outstanding record into play!
May 27th, 2008 at 11:00 am
“Why would someone forge Jason Gauthier’s name and attempt to provide a signature to confirm it was Gauthier?”
Plausible deniability, so Al “Mail Fraud” Franken could claim he never received the notifications of his violation of New York State Law.
“What possible motive could anyone have for faking the name of the former Doorman for Franken’s New York home?”
Plausible deniability.
“Will Franken now, finally come forward, and tell us who signed the certified mail receipt?”
Probably not. He’s another worthless, lying Democrat.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Stonewall-
If Michael can make an improbable claim about AL Franken, accusing him of mail fraud, I figure the least I can do is suggest what could result from such a charge. Do I believe it likely? Not at all. But i certainly do believe this is the closest Michael may ever come to talking to any of Franken’s people.
I love how the Rasmussen poll is playing right into this story. The deeper Michael digs in an effort to keep Norm from having to talk about his own record, the closer Norm comes to slipping into second place.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Leroy,
Franken would never succeed in a defamation case against MDE. Franken is a public figure.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:15 am
… oh, and also, there’s nothing to suggest that the implications Michael has made aren’t true, much less for him to know them to be untrue…
In fact, it is far more likely that Franken forged his doorman’s signature in an attempt to skirt New York laws… he has a history of throwing people under the bus to advance his shit career.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:30 am
So, you theorize that Al Franken hid out in the lobby of his own building for several years on the off chance that a registered letter from New York came for him, and then he jumped in and forged the doorman’s signature to create an appearance of mishandled mail that would throw people off the scent were the contents of the letter to become part of scheme to discredit him in a possible upcoming Senate race?
Yep. This all seems REALLY plausible.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
you are a joke chestnut,
got any other far fetched conspiracies you would like to add, I am getting quite the laugh this morning.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
There’s nothing far-fetched about a lying, cheating, no talent ass clown named Al Franken.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
LOL! Franken could have avoided everything. Jason might never have been tracked down if Franken hadn’t fudged up his tangled web of lies. Now Franken’s looking at possible mail fraud. This gives the term “FrankenFraud” a whole new meaning!!
HAHA!!!
Michael, your instincts are DEAD ON.
Nice work!
May 27th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I guess what’s hilarious is deranged, Franken-defending moonbats accusing anyone of believing conspiracy theories when they’ve apparently bought the ridiculous that Al Franken, who lived at and continues to occupy his NYC residence, never received over 12 certified letters from the NY Workers Comp board, and never heard from the State of California, which was “attempting for years” to reach Al Franken about his tax delinquency.
I believe it was those same Lefty idiots who suggested recently that perhaps J. Gauthier was a Republican operative spying on Al Franken…
Yeah, we’re the crazy ones. LOL!
May 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
A few questions, Chestnut claims Franken still occupies his NYC residence, there is no doubt that he still owns it, but he lives in Minnesota. I don’t doubt that he would stay there if he was in NYC, but to say he occupies it is a stretch at the very least. Do you have a problem with him still owning his NYC property? If there were 12 certified letters to Franken, how come we have only seen the receipt for one of them?? Where is the proof that 11 other certified letters were sent? I’m wating to see it.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Hey Mr Legal-ese
When can a person be said to have committed frankenfraud?
A person commits frankenfraud when he (or she) transgresses sufficiently to have a) ignored laws from one end of the country (say, California) to b) the other end of the country (say, New York), c) tries to find safe harbor in the Midwest (say, Minnesota) and then d) forges the name of a doorman or other hard working citizen on a legal document. Each element must be met for the person to be said to have committed the despicable act of frankenfraud.
In your face Leroy
May 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Coleman down 3% in latest poll 47 to 45, looks like a tie with the +/-.
Bad news when the incumbent is below 50%.
I wonder if the publicity of this site had anything to do with Norm’s drop in the poll.
Minnesota moderates and independents who have visited here really get an insight to just how far right and hateful the MNGOP has become
PS
Who signed for the other 11?
Where are the copies of the other 11?
Would you say that 45% of the Minnesotans polled are the crazy ones then?
Will Ron/Norm write a letter and demand this be investigated?
May 27th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hateful? Hateful? For pointing out that someone didn’t pay workman’s comp, didn’t file proper income taxes in multiple states (if at all), and may be lying about official notice from a state government….that’s hateful to point those things out? Classic liberal victim mentality.
May 27th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
It’s not “hateful”, it’s hypocritical.
The Republican Party of Minnesota possibly has the WORST reporting record in the country (research continuing), and republiCon Ron has the ‘nads to complain about someone else’s shoddy paperwork?
What a bunch of whiny losers.
Ol’ Smokescreen should come out from behind Carey’s skirt, and toss his own bombs.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Shozzy, anyone can simply read the posts to see how hateful, discourteous and downright rude the Republicans are on this website. I bet I could show any independent this website and while they may read a few good headlines that are warranted, for the most part, this site is complete trash. And if I showed them the comment section, what they would see would be a bunch of desperate Republicans who do nothing but name call because that is all they have going for them, certainly not the issues.
And werent the some posters on this site, Chestnut most likely, crying foul when we speculated that Michael is a paid blogger by the Coleman campaign? Oh and Swiftee. Blah blah blah, that is speculation, speculation is based off of no facts and is crap, blah blah blah. What do you call this? Pure speculation. You can’t prove Franken is guilty of mail-fraud nor show any evidence to it. Hypocrites.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
And incase anyone still missed it
Rasmussen
Coleman 47%
Franken 45%
Franken’s favoribilities are garbage and so are Coleman’s. We wont win on likability and neither will the Republicans, but at least we will win on the issues hands down and I dare anyone to try to argue otherwise. Regardless if our issue positions are wrong in your opinion, the American people think contrary and it will be your undoing.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Actually, if Democrats want to win on either issues or likable personality, they should nominate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. He’s squeaky-clean. JNP would beat Coleman on any substantive debate. And even if Coleman’s opposition researcher work overtime, they won’t find anything EXCEPT the issues to attack JNP on. I would love to hear that debate.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Charley, I agree. The Dems should run JNP. All aspects of his life are in full alignment with DFL orthodoxy. He’s the real deal. A liberal’s liberal.
The DFL doesn’t have the integrity to nominate someone like that… probably because they know that socialistic oppression of freedom is a losing issue… so they get stuck having to nominate tools like John Kerry and Al Franken.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:27 am
A liberal’s liberal and a conservative’s conservative, are probably just as much the real deal and in alignment with the orthodox stars, as a radical’s radical and a reactionary’s reactionary.
You probably mean “nominate” for “DFL endorsement” to run in the DFL Primary Election.
I don’t know if you are well enough informed to fit your word “integrity” into both those processes, for major and minor parties, and their respective candidates.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
[...] it against the law to sign someone else’s name to certified mail receipt? Since Jason Gauthier told me that he didn’t sign the certified mail receipt pictured below, I’ve been reviewing this language from the U.S. Postal Service website to find an [...]
May 28th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
[...] But officials in New York say he ignored them for years. According to those officials, more than a dozen notices were sent to the residence Franken continues to own, including one bearing the “signature” of Jason Gauthier, Franken’s doorman. When contacted, Mr. Gauthier denies ever signing for the notice, and sure enough the signature does not appear to be his. [...]
June 20th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
[...] Hey, Team Franken supporters, how about answering a real scandal question: why did someone forge Franken’s doorman’s name on certified mail receipt? [...]