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MADIA CAUGHT IN MORE LIES DURING DEBATE; STORMS OUT OF STUDIO AFTER DEBATE
By Michael B. Brodkorb | October 10, 2008
It was a very interesting debate tonight on “Almanac” between David Dillion, Ashwin Madia and Erik Paulsen, with most of the fireworks coming at the end. I thought Paulsen won the debate, with Dillion offering strong rebuttals to ridiculous statements (e.g. card check) made by Madia.
It is clear that Madia has a real problem with the truth, as he told numerous lies again tonight. For example, Madia keeps repeating the lie that he’s not running negative ads. As noted by KSTP, Madia is running a negative ad:
“‘I’m responsible for my campaign. Every ad that I put on television that says, ‘I approved this message.’ I approved every word of it and I stand behind it, and all of those are positive messages,’ Madia explained.
But political experts say that’s not exactly true. Some of Madia’s advertisements harshly criticize Paulsen.” Source: KSTP, October 10, 2007
Click here for the complete story.
The truth is that Madia is currently running a negative TV ad. I’ll post more on Madia’s lies later this week, but I want to discuss a key exchange from tonight’s debate.
Paulsen noted that Madia’s campaign and the DCCC were coordinating their negative attack message. Madia asked for evidence and Paulsen produced a press release from Madia’s campaign which contained the exact same smears that media outlets in the Minnesota have labeled as false. MPR has also noted that Madia and the DCCC were coordinating messages:
“While those mailers came from the DCCC, the Madia campaign has made similar charges in a press release, as we’ve noted on Polinaut in the past.” Source: MPR, October 8, 2008
Click here for the complete post.
Madia was clearly rattled by the exchange and after the debate had ended, he quickly stormed out of the studio with his campaign staff.
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This is a reminder that I am a part-time research consultant to Erik Paulsen for Congress. Minnesota Democrats Exposed is my personal blog and it is not created, endorsed, sponsored, or authorized by any political party, candidate, or candidate’s committee.
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61 Responses to “MADIA CAUGHT IN MORE LIES DURING DEBATE; STORMS OUT OF STUDIO AFTER DEBATE”
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October 10th, 2008 at 11:12 PM
If I were to ask for a “smug dink” from Central Casting, I’m pretty sure they’d send me Ashwin Madia. He also reminds me a bit of Bill Clinton in his ability to deliver lawyered answers to simple questions.
He may not be personally running a negative ad, but the ads cited by news outlets originate from Madia’s press releases and PR efforts.
Is he running a negative ad? Maybe not. Is he running a smear campaign? Absolutely.
Madia, apparently, is too chickenshit to admit to it though. He’s just another phony DFLer.
October 10th, 2008 at 11:21 PM
This is a load of crap. The KSTP spot you’re referencing is a DCCC ad, not a Madia ad. And you know this, Brodkorb.
…and just because the DCCC takes language used doesn’t mean there is coordination. If there was actually coordination, perhaps you’d be filing with the FEC. But the funny thing is, you’re not. Because there isn’t any real coordination. So why don’t you try fighting on issues? That’s right, because you can’t win on them.
Your conclusions are a joke.
This Paulsen campaign has really gone in the tank. My only problem is that I can’t figure out how much better or worse Paulsen is off compared to Coleman these days.
October 11th, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Yeah, and “similar charges” does not equal “coordination”. “Stormed out” equals “left,” I’m guessing? I get the feeling that some times what you write borders on libel.
Well that’s okay, why don’t you guys just go to the NRCC and get them to repond in kind? Oh, shit, that’s right, they’re scaling back their ad buy. Ha!
October 11th, 2008 at 2:11 AM
Aron:
You have two problems with your defense as the debate took place.
One, Madia if he is running a positive and truthful campaign will not put out a press release (oh I forgot that family doesn’t care about standards since they go and take lawnsigns)
that uses the language of the negative commercials. They might not have created the negative ad, but they are using it. That is campaigning negative.
And two, I didn’t hear Madia make a statement I wish the DCCC won’t air negative commercials. In effect he supports them airing the negative commercials.
The claim that Madia is running a positive campaign was proven to be a joke by his performance on the debate tonight.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
October 11th, 2008 at 2:59 AM
I noticed that third party candidate was criticizing the Madia “golf” ad on Almanac
October 11th, 2008 at 6:17 AM
Aswin’s annoying voice is the kind where he could tell you exactly how he was going to go about torturing you for the next 30 years and you would still sort of think he was doing you a favor.
The child doesn’t know what the truth with. Hey Ashwin your mom called, it’s time to go home for dinner.
Madia sucks at life.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:43 AM
“Well, I might be a little more conservative than Jim Ramstad…”
ROFLMAO!!!
What a whiny LIAR!
Punk Paulsen started lying on the day he announced for congress, and hasn’t stopped since.
No wonder the national GOPers dumped this chump.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:48 AM
“Well, some folks brought that up…”
What a (cheney)in’ LIAR!!!
Geoff Michel was brought up to the podium on Paulsen’s behalf; Ron Carey showed up at a DFL Presser and commandeered the podium at Paulsen’s behalf, and now Paulsen’s disavowing ownership of it??!?
What a lying chump.
Paulsen always has been; he always will be.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:22 AM
We lose when we buy into the “negative is bad” narrative. Negative ads work. Coleman will lose because he’s foolish enough to buy into this scam. That and his running away from anything conservative. Paulsen needs to respond to the Veterans/Cancer Ads. I’m amazed how many people don’t know that Dems can sponsor bills that say, for example, “lets give every veteran a million dollars.” Then when you vote against it because we can’t afford it, you “voted against veterans”. Or “Insurance companies must provide money for every quack cancer scam under the sun.” How about an ad that points out how slimey it is to use cancer victims or grieving military parents to garner votes?
October 11th, 2008 at 8:27 AM
What do Erik Paulsen and Joe McCarthy have in common? Joe McCarthy said, “I have here in my hand a list of 205…communists in the State Department, (paraphrased.) Whereupon the honorable Sen McCarthy waved a piece of paper purporting to contain a list of said communists. Erik Paulsen dramatically waves a piece of paper and with a calculated flourish says something to the effect of, I have here in my hand a press release which documents Madia’s evil and negative intentions. Who cooked this up? Was it indeed Ugly Pants himself? Shameless!
October 11th, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Michael,
You really do live in an alternate reality. Unfortunately for your “spin” on last night’s debate, others were there, too. Paulsen came across as whining and Dillon is just irrelevant. Madia came across as the leader and strong voice for the future.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:35 AM
allen, what you’re forgetting with your call for ads, is that Paulsen can’t compete on the airwaves because Paulsen’s been out-worked and out-raised.
And now the GOP is out; they’ve cancelled 2 of the three weeks they reserved for Paulsen, and smart betters are betting the GOP cancels the last week, too.
This race is over, if – IF – everyone on Team Madia simply does their job, and Team Madia’s supporters simply turn out.
It’s going to take a miracle for Paulsen to pull this one out.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Interestingly enough, Paulsen must really not be in the loop with the GOP. If so, then, he missed the meeting where McCain and Coleman decided that negative ads and slime weren’t going to win. Paulsen thinks it’s the only thing that will win for him since not speaking to the issues and not having positions on the issues and whining haven’t worked so far.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Aaron: You’re a liar. I’m not referring to a DCCC ad, but rather a campaign ad from Madia’s campaign. Get your facts straight.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:50 AM
Michael, If the GOP does decide to go positive (I remain unconvinced based on your continued actions), then does that mean you are out of a job or does it mean that Paulsen will actually be forced to spend money on research on his own positions rather than trying to slime his opposition?
October 11th, 2008 at 9:02 AM
Michael, when does Paulsen release his fundraising numbers? Inquiring minds want to know how much you are being paid for this slime? It’s been very lucrative for you so far…..
October 11th, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Madia came across as the leader and strong voice for the future.
Wear blinders much? He looked nervous, inexperienced, scared to death, can’t remember basic facts or even his own recent proposals. Plus, who does his hair? Wow, time to buy a comb.
Loved the lie about him not running negative ads. Please. He’s a fricken liar. Even Dillon called Ashtrays ads a “bald faced lie”.
What’s with Ashtrays voice? Sounds like he’s afraid to speak up. The under-toned, gravelly, ridiculous, fake looking into the camera act got old in about eight seconds. He’s sooooo fake.
His idiotic denial that he’s left of Ramstad was a bald faced LIE. He knows full well he’s a nutjob lefty. No one believes him.
This guys toast. If there’s a miracle to be had here it would be him even getting close to winning this thing.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Poor Ashtray, he was feeling beat up on by the other two candidates. Really? Imagine that, in a three person race he’s feeling like the other two don’t like him.
What an idiot.
This is a clown who doesn’t have a clue. Anyone who saw this “debate” now knows that he’s probably the most lightweight guy ever to run for Congress. He was a nervous wreck.
When called out on the card check issue he showed his complete ignorance. What an unamerican idea that this lightweight supports.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Tommy:
No offense, but Ramstad especially this term has voted a lot with Nancy Pelosi on her key issues. If Paulsen goes to Congress and votes basically the party line he will be far more conservative than Jim Ramstad.
As for the Republicans dumping him I won’t say that is Paulsen’s fault like you have claimed. He has raised a lot of money to compete on his own. What we have here is over the last four years the national DCCC has raised far more money than the Republican version because Republicans weren’t donating because the party wasn’t doing what they wanted them to do (I’ll give the Democrats credit they will carry water for the issues of the insane liberal positions you guys have) and I will say they have agressively used it. After all they did spend money on the Alaska Republican primary to help the candidadte they wanted to defeat in the general election to win the primary.
Of course in 2010 the DCCC will be stretched to the bone having to try so many unpopular Democrat Congressman that they won’t have the money to try to defeat Congressman Paulsen when he is running for reelection.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
October 11th, 2008 at 10:39 AM
There really are alternate realities in this world. I’m sure you far righties were some of those McCain had to calm down and ask to come to their senses yesterday at the rally in Lakeville. That type of rhetoric and vitriol isn’t working and certainly isn’t winning. For all of your sputtering about Madia not being a strong, compelling leader…I’d suggest that the polls are proving you wrong. Paulsen is the one hiding out, sending out surrogates (Michel wasn’t exactly a positive surrogate, now was he?) to slime on his behalf, and the ads by Paulsen are despicable.
Interesting weeks in the GOP…..McCain and Coleman go positive, Paulsen keeps on sliming.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Paulsen’s baseless charges are not going to play well with the voters, but it’s not surprising he’s so out of touch….nobody has seen him unless he was hiding behind Rammer’s coattails, and those aren’t doing him much good either. Let’s see, Ramstad repeats the same lies over and over, and this makes them true in your universe…I don’t think so. I thought Madia was incredibly composed, but if you prefer Erik’s whinning and Dillon’s butt insky approach, you’re welcome to them. It’s actually kind of funny watching Paulsen try and figure out what strategy should I use now…maybe I need to ask someone else what my stance on the issues should be. Madia continues to talk about the issues and solutions and ultimately that is all that is important to the majority of the voters
October 11th, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I want to see the proof. It’s easy to accuse and bandy soundbytes but I would like to see actual factual proof of the lying. Otherwise, stop whining and get back to discussing the issues.
I’ve never met any politician who doesn’t color an issue to their favor. But coloring and lying are two different things. You better have facts to back up an accusation of lying, and obviously Paulsen didn’t, or he would have presented them.
For all of you on the “lying bandwagon”, start publishing the facts to back yourself up.
Coleman must be a liar too, because it was reported on the news last night that he was pulling all of the negative ads, then it went to a commercial break showing THREE negative trash Franken ads, and a negative trash Obama ad. Joe sixpack wouldn’t have paid attention to the fact that those ads were placed by other groups, all he saw was another lying politician– Coleman.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Ladybelle:
Keep in mind what John Mccain likes to do is he respects people, but disagrees with them on the issues. Part of the problem some people have with Mccain is he won’t attack people like the way we should expect him to do.
A standard line for Mccain in his speeches right now should be because Senator Dodd accepted the most pac money from Fannie Mae and blocked fannie mae reform when it would’ve made a difference Senator Dodd from Connecut should not only be a witness telling Americans what he did to block fannie mae reform he should resign from the senate.
An agressive candidate running a republican campaign in theory should be able to destroy Obama. Once again Obama has lucked out in his political career that he hasn’t had to run against a real opponent again.
Coleman I think he’s taking the tack that since the DSCC and Franken have done a good job tarring him and making him look bad that he has to focus his campaign on the last month to remind the voters why they should vote for him and not being voting against Al Franken.
Not to mention Coleman has the luxory that some groups supporting him will keeping airing those negative commercials for him. But lets remember Coleman did call for them not to air them unlike Madia who claims he’s running a positive campaign. This is another time when Madia is talk, but no real action.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
October 11th, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Michael,
You truly are an idiot. So you agree Coleman violated FEC rules when the Nrsc and Team Coleman released similar press releases? That’s right, you and Paulsen are idiots.
October 11th, 2008 at 12:57 PM
For those of you who occasionally refer to me as “ep” please take care during the next few weeks to not confuse others with EP (Erik Paulsen).
October 11th, 2008 at 1:24 PM
McCain, the maverick, is criticizing Bush.
Obama, is criticizing Bush.
Biden, is criticizing Bush.
Palin, is cheerleading: The Maverick status.
Ramstad, is LEAVING political office on his OWN TERMS.
During the past few weeks, MBB has written on MDE that certain bloggers are “liars.”
This is the same MBB [RNC-credentialed] who has written “tone it down” or that the blog is “his” and he can do with it what he wants.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:22 PM
El P,there’s no confusing you with Erik “The Hustler” Paulsen; you’re much easier to understand than Paulsen is.
October 11th, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Paulsen is not running an effective campaign or Madia would be 10 pts behind. It is so obvious that Madia is not qualified for this job. His job is not here. He has no visibility in our public schools. There is no evidence (I can find) he contributed to any charities or causes in the West metro. He has no policy experience. Heck, he had to move here to qualify for the seat! He has a heck of a lot of nerve thinking he can be our voice!
Paulsen has actively contributed to the Western metro for 14 years and has been a very effective and well respected legislator.
I am dumbfounded Paulsen’s team and the GOP are talking about Madia lying. Yah, Madia did, but that is really secondary to the reality that Madia doesn’t even know who us Western Metro people are.
Paulsen has been an excellent voice for us and will in Congress too!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:18 PM
So what callit is really saying is “Madia is not one of us”.
Who are we, and what makes him not one of us?!
If Paulsen were such a good legislator with such a sterling record, then he would be talking about the issues and bragging about that record instead of slinging lots of mud.
If your idea of being a West Metro guy is to be such an elitist, then I am glad I am not one like you.
What has Paulsen really done in the last 14 years for the West Metro?!
October 11th, 2008 at 6:24 PM
“His job is not here.”
Many, if not most of CD3er’s jobs aren’t in CD3. Several work downtown. But, yes, when he was working in IRAQ as a MARINE, I guess that wasn’t working in CD3. But, I guess people who work in Minneapolis or St. Paul or elsewhere aren’t true CD3ers?
“He has no visibility in our public schools.”
What does this even mean? He went to high school in CD3. He’s made a point of making education a key issue in his campaign. What, you need to be a teacher or a school board member to be a congressman? Stupid.
“There is no evidence (I can find) he contributed to any charities or causes in the West metro.”
Who cares? He’s done a number of pro bono projects as an attorney. Who cares if he’s given money to a CD3 charity. That’s not a qualification for office.
“He has no policy experience.”
BW. Being a lawyer is all about policy. And, that doesn’t even include his work in Iraq.
“Heck, he had to move here to qualify for the seat!”
You are forgetting that minor issue of his family living here since he was in high school.
“He has a heck of a lot of nerve thinking he can be our voice!”
He sure as hell understands CD3 more than Paulsen does.
“Madia doesn’t even know who us Western Metro people are.”
Let me guess, because he doesn’t match the “demographic” of CD3? Guess what, CD3 isn’t limited to white suburbia.
“Paulsen has been an excellent voice for us and will in Congress too!”
HAHAHAHAHA.
I haven’t seen a single position Paulsen has (he doesn’t have many) that matches my views. So, he’s hardly a voice for everyone. On the issues, the majority of CD3 fits with a moderate democrat not an ideologue conservative. Not surprisingly, the polls show this fact.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Whoa. I hit a nerve? Don’t throw that race crap at me; that is not my point.
I just don’t see how a guy who really has little connection (except his high school years) to the West Metro is a good representative for us. He has little track record of contribution in the West Metro and little track record of West Metro accomplishments. He has no idea who we are or what we need, so I don’t see how he can effectively represent us.
I enjoyed the bombs you threw at me, but noticed you didn’t list any West Metro track record for Madia. Seems like you admit he doesn’t contribute to our community or know anything about us.
Sheesh.
October 11th, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Anybody figued out how Erik thinks he can win a congressional seat without talking directly to the voters?
Is it too much to ask that Erik state his policy on Iraq on his website?
What is Erik hiding?
So many questions, and so little time….
October 11th, 2008 at 7:46 PM
And again, no positive substantive reason for why I should vote for Paulsen. Just more trash talk. It must kill you that Madia is ahead in the polls, and the NRCC has pulled their ads. Even they recognize a lost cause when they see it.
It’s time to give a new voice a chance to show us what he can do for us in Washington. I for one am tired of career politicians like Paulsen.
“Madia doesn’t even know who us Western Metro people are.” is most certainly code words. You stated it, you have to live with it.
October 11th, 2008 at 7:47 PM
callit…..West Metro track record? So, you discount serving your country because it didn’t happen inside the boundaries of CD3? Last time I listened to FoxNews they were waxing eloquently about McCain’s service. What’s the difference? Is only Republican service valid? I certainly hope not.
Pro bono legal work on behalf of others less fortunate is important. He has served our country. He understands the issues that are important to us CD3 voters…you know….those of us who have raised families in this district, those of us who have served our country…..Madia has worked on political campaigns in the 3rd. If we don’t count political work then we can’t count the legislative work that Paulsen has done since he’d only done his work for the right side of the aisle. During his “reign” in St. Paul he shut the government down rather than reach across the aisle. How bi-partisan is that for you? Doesn’t work for me.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:32 PM
I don’t really know what Madia’s military service and his pro-bono legal work was, so it is hard to say how it prepared him to represent the 3rd. Maybe you can detail it?
But, ya’ll have still failed to show one contribution, initiative or success he has brought to the 3rd. Lets face it, Madia has done good things for this country, but, due to his lack of efforts in the 3rd he is in no way able to properly represent the opinions of the 3rd residents.
Code words? Grow up and debate the merits of candidates. Madia has no resume of contributions in the 3rd. None. Zippo.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:50 PM
What new politician would have a resume? As for Erik’s 14 years, lots of fluff and no substance.
Quit playing tit for tat. When Erik first ran for the state legislature, he was very young, and had no previous experience. He had also just moved to Eden Prairie the year before. I guess back then, people were willing to give a fresh young face a chance. What’s the difference now?
I have lived here for 25 years, far longer the Paulsen. If that is your only criteria, then you need to vote for me.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Spider08:
When Erik first ran for State Representative he was extremely well qualified for that position. He had been a congressional staffer for a few years. This gave him a good understanding of how the legislative process works and an understanding of the importance of constituent services.
Additionally, he started out running for State Representative which is a lower level then US Congressman. Interestingly, when Erik first run for State Rep. he was better qualified to be a legislator than Ashwin is right now.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:31 PM
John Kline went from the Marine Corps to the US House. Didn’t hear republicans complain about that.
Ashwin Madia is a United States Marine who worked to create the rule of law in Iraq during a time of war. I think he knows what constitutes good government.
If experience is what is most important when serving in the House, our Founding Fathers would have made it a requirement for the job.
I would rather have a Patriot who volunteered to serve his country during a time of war, than a career politician who helped to run up the largest deficit in this State’s history.
I think our economy has suffered enough.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:25 AM
So…Michael….when do you apologize for smears against Madia (see links on Minnesota Independent for proof that Madia wasn’t lying)? Also, since you are his employee, when does your boss apologize for smears and false accusations? Or, should we expect an apology about the same time as we expect him to find his position on Iraq?
October 12th, 2008 at 9:26 AM
I keep asking what is Madia’s qualifications. Here is what I got back:
1) He was a Marine in Iraq.
2) He did pro-bono work for someone, somewhere on some issue.
3) He went to high school in cd3.
Got it. That is Madia’s qualifications, right?
Shockingly weak compared to Paulsen.
Yes, everyone starts somewhere. Most start by contributing SOMEHOW, SOMEWHERE in the district they want to represent. How can anyone argue Madia understands the issues in cd3 when he has almost no history in it?
October 12th, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Again, you must have been horrified when John Kline came to Minnesota to run for Congress after his service in the Marine Corps.
Norm Coleman moved here from New York when he realized he couldn’t get elected in his home state. That must drive you crazy too.
The choice here is for a career partisan politician or a Patriot who served his country with honor and distinction, and came back home.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:42 AM
I’ll take the Patriot who helped to write the rule of law for a brand new struggling democracy any day. I think he can learn how to be an effective congressman with that kind of background.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:46 AM
callit, I’m waiting for Paulsen’s credentials on “service” to the 3rd. All I hear about is Paulsen’s stellar service to the GOP. As far as I know (I’ve only read his website which is shockingly devoid of content) and listened to him speak a few times, he’s done absolutely nothing for the citizens of the 3rd unless they were members of the GOP. Let’s see….presided over the largest cuts to public education, shut down the government, sat back quietly while those who did reach across the aisle to pass the transportation bill were shunned by the GOP. Can you name something positive he has done for the citizens of the 3rd who do not belong to the GOP? He’s not my rep so I’d never even heard of him until he began running and all I hear is how he’s so well known. Well, actually, that’s not true. Outside his house district and outside the GOP he’s a non-entity. He’s not done much to try to change that this election either.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I don’t know everything Paulsen has done and suspect others will see much I missed, but here are a few things I remember Erik doing:
1. Secured equitable funding for suburban school districts.
2. Lead the Mandarin Chinese language program in Minnesota schools. I believe it is quite successful in the Eden Prairie school district.
3. He personally coached soccer and volunteered in countless activities at the Eden Prairie schools where his four kids go.
4. He has consistently made positive votes for the environment including significant laws like the 2006 mercury reduction act and the clean water legacy act.
5. A regular supporter of CD3 small businesses being endorsed by the local business chambers in every election he has had.
6. Consistently supports police and fire – in fact he is endorsed by the police union this year (again).
I am sure with some effort, it would be easy to add to this list. Like I said, Madia’s resume is shockingly weak compared to Paulsen’s.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:06 AM
callit,
Let’s debunk your list.
1) Paulsen’s kids were home schooled for part of the time.
2) Being a soccer coach is not impressive to me. Sorry.
3) Mandarin Chinese? EP Schools have had such severe funding issues that they have instituted pay for ride on the big yellow limo for kids within 1 mile of school, parents have fought for years to keep funding for gifted and talented services while Paulsen touts Mandarin Chinese? Please! Give me a break.
4) Endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce. Let’s see…..the local GOP candidate running for Paulsen’s vacated seat to the house is a previously paid lobbyist for ACA (the credit collection agencies) who is married to the regional director for the US Chamber of Commerce. At last month’s event with Coleman, Coleman singled out Doug Loon (hubby and paid lobbyist to the US Chamber of Commerce) while holding his hand on Jenifer Loon’s shoulder to thank Doug for all “he has done for us”. I interpreted “us” as the GOP because it was an invitation only event for the GOP. Am I impressed that the Chamber is backing him? Not much.
5) Secured equitable funding for suburban school districts? How? He presided over the largest cuts to school funding in the state legislature and the “equitable” (i.e., fiscal disparity) formulas were introduced by Charlie Weaver, a renowned Republican.
Not impressive to me. He’s a true trooper for the GOP. Great. If that’s what you’re looking for. I’m not.
Give me someone who can knowledgeably speak to the issues and has actually served (not taken a paid junket) in foreign countries, has seen this misbegotten war in Iraq first hand any day. It’s Madia for me.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Debunk is to “expose the sham or falseness of”. All you did is say you don’t respect what Paulsen did. Fine; but that doesn’t make it false.
The verdict still stands: Madia’s cd3 resume is shockingly weak compared to Paulsen. No wonder Madia has taken to misrepresenting Paulsen’s record.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Debunk also can mean to expose. Expose the spin. You’re right. You can vote for Paulsen and be impressed because he championed Mandarin Chinese over actual needs of teachers and students; you can be impressed by a kids soccer coach over a veteran and US Marine serving in Iraq; you can be impressed over someone who touts public schools while home schooling his children; you can be impressed by endorsement by the Chamber of Commerce when that endorsement was in the bag by GOP associations. I’m not.
I would submit that Erik Paulsen should have stayed in the Minnesota House of Representatives. That would give him time to be home at night to coach kids soccer and allow him to continue to explain to his constituents why he votes against public funding for education while pushing Mandarin Chinese.
I’d prefer to send Madia to Congress where he can speak to federal issues that affect us as voters: the situation in Iraq; military funding; military troop morale; the rule of law; international perspective on the US, to name a few.
I’m voting for Madia. You can vote for Paulsen. Just do it from a position of honesty rather than spin.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Spin? Who is spinning? You are once again dismissing Paulsen’s contributions for silly reasons. I don’t know if he homeschooled, but that has nothing to do with his long record of contributions to education. I know his many volunteer activities has allowed him to spend time with families in cd3 and develop a knowledge of WHAT THEY WANT – he didn’t move here due to an open seat. I am impressed by Paulsen’s environmental record too (which you ignore).
There is no way Madia’s shockingly weak resume can stand up to the multi-decade efforts of Paulsen. That is my point – and you can spin all you want, but it is obvious to everyone I am speaking the truth.
I accept that Madia is likely strong on Iraq. I just think he should have something else on his resume (business, schools, community involvement, environment, SOMETHING) before he wants to represent me in Congress.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Yea– our choice is a long time career partisan politician who chose to shut down government instead of reaching across the aisle for equitable budget solutions, or a Marine Corps Veteran who helped to write the word of law for an emerging democracy that our government chose to create.
Gee, what a choice. Status quo or moving in a new direction with a new voice and a new perspective.
Again, it was perfectly fine to send Kline to Congress with no prior political experience.
October 12th, 2008 at 12:53 PM
If you hate gays, Paulsen is your guy. If you think Kevin McHale, Glen Taylor, Kevin Garnett, – for that matter, all of the players on the Vikes, Twinks, T-Wolves, Wild, and every other pro franchise – need to keep their tax cut, Paulsen is your guy.
If you think creationism/”Intelligent Design” should be taught in high school science classes, Paulsen is your guy.
If you think honoring soldiers and veterans with words but not deeds is fine, Paulsen is your guy.
If you think it was a good idea to shut the state down in an attempt to pass Racino at Canterbury was a good idea, Paulsen is your guy.
If you think four more years just like the last eight is a good idea, Paulsen is your guy.
Paulsen is an extremist rightwinger – and if you liked Bush and the results of his presidency, Paulsen is your guy.
October 12th, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Hey Tommy– I can do this too!
If you think abstinence only sex education really reduces the rate of unwanted teenage pregnancies, then Paulsen is your guy.
If you think it is okay for your store gift cards to expire, reduce value and charge fees to use, then Paulsen is your guy.
If you think it is okay for non government entities to display your social security number and print them on mail and id cards, then Paulsen is your guy.
If you think it is okay for our state government to enter into contracts with companies that offshore their headquarters to avoid paying Minnesota taxes then Paulsen is your guy.
This is fun and informative! Anyone else come up with Paulsen’s voting record?!
October 12th, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Well, if you think because someone paid their local water bill late, VISA can jack up their rate to a number that makes a loan shark blush, Erik Paulsen is your guy.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:51 PM
It is Soooo riskless to spin Paulsen’s record into something it isn’t when Madia has no record to discuss. No record of involvement in cd3. Nothing. Zippo. We can’t even scrutinize who Madia supported for President in years gone past — because it is still a changin!
The reality is Paulsen has been here, worked hard for cd3, and done a great job. I look forward to “Congressmen Paulsen.”
October 12th, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Keep looking, callit…..won’t happen. Unfortunately for Paulsen, others have looked for his “been here”, “worked hard for Cd3″ and “done a great job” and found them all lacking or missing in action. Outside of SD42B’s GOP or possibly CD3′s GOP, Paulsen is a complete unknown or a negative. Ask most outside his party or district and the only thing Paulsen is known for is shutting down the government. Unfortunately for the GOP, more people identify as not being GOP than do and there aren’t enough choir members left in the party to elect him without appealing to other citizens. Since he hasn’t done so, he’s going to have lots of time to work at Target moving forward.
October 12th, 2008 at 7:03 PM
callit– I can document every one of the votes I stated as Erik’s record. It’s not that hard-just go to Votesmart.org or the MPR website.
Paulsen has to live by his record, and it is not very good.
By the way, he also wants Creationism taught in schools. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rZ17Ry9V3M and, he voted to require students to question the theory of evolution in 2004. The Otremba Amendment, HF2558, House JOUrnal p.5557, 3/18/04.
Since over 70% of Minnesotans believe in evolution, I would say that makes Paulsen pretty extreme in his views.
Just because he has been in the state legislature for a while doesn’t mean he has been good for Minnesota. Maybe there has never been a competitive race against him until now.
October 12th, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Do you typically try to adjust the meaning of words to fit your current usage, West Metro Dem, or is this something new for you? :-/
Nice (if typical) puerile name calling, Tommy Johnson. Please undercut your credibility more (if possible).
October 12th, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Go (cheney) yourself, Troy.
I learned that name calling from you republiCons in general, and Newt Gingrich in particular.
October 12th, 2008 at 8:45 PM
No need, Troy, to “adjust” the meaning of words to my current usage. I am sure you are as capable as I am of using a thesaurus and dictionary.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Isn’t it funny that whenever the subject of Paulsen’s record comes up the republicans resort to name calling and like to change the subject.
People are tired of that, so keep it up and I am sure Madia will win in a landslide.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Madia is a lightweight. If he wins this election, it will be purely due to the shitty economy and the weakened post-Bush GOP. One or Two termer…
October 13th, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Really, Marc? Madia brings the same credentials to the table, in essence, that Kline brought when he first ran. He seems to have been able to convince his district that he serves them well for more than “one or two terms”. Funny how one veteran is a “lightweight” while the other “served admirably”. Apparently GOP perspective is variable.