“(W)e refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.”

We’ve come a long way since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke those words on a fateful summer day in 1963.

But despite the great strides that have been made over the last half century, there is still work required of us to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity of which King dreamed.

While we are a rich country, too many children attend failing schools.

While many Americans prosper, too many are working too hard for too little.

While bigotry and intolerance are rightly shunned, too many politicians in Washington still quietly seek to perpetuate divisions–based on race, religion, gender and sexuality. They still tell us that those who differ from us are to be feared.

Yes, we’re a better, stronger, more just society than we were in 1963, but there is work left to be done.

So as we honor Dr. King on Monday, let us also take time to renew the calling of his life and make it our own–in this election and beyond.

Sincerely,

Brian Barnes

www.barnes.mn

Brian Barnes has announced his candidacy to replace the guy on the “right” – Erik Paulsen. What can I say about Paulsen in just a few words? Well, career-politician Erik Paulsen first door knocked me WAY back, when running for the Minnesota State House – I didn’t like Paulsen’s politics then and I damn sure don’t like them now. Oh – and his voting record closely resembles Michele Bachmann’s. If you believe the 1% needs devoted water carriers in Washington D.C., Paulsen’s just the guy.

Brian Barnes, on the other hand, has been a union member. He’s been active in the Democratic Party (“DFL” here in Minnesota). He’s a graduate of the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Academy, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserves, is a successful businessman. Oh – and Brian is an Eagle Scout, too.

It’s a clear contrast. And if you support the 1% and Erik Paulsen, you need not do a thing – Wall Street Fat Cats are making sure Paulsen has PLENTY of dough for November’s election. If you support the 99%, Brian can use your help, and you can help out via Brian’s Act Blue page.

It’s fitting Brain Barnes took that quote to honor Martin Luther King Day; that quote is from MLK’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech, which Dr, King delivered on August 28, 1963. As Brain said above, we HAVE come a long way since Dr. King’s speech – and there’s work left to be done. So, let’s DO IT!

To help you get ready for Monday’s Martin Luther King Day, here’s a YouTube of Dr. King’s speech, over music – enjoy!

(the song above – “Spiritual High (Part 3)” – is from the album “Mood Food” by Mood Swings, and is available where I buy my music – The Electric Fetus. If you like Chrissie Hynde, check out “Spiritual High (Part 1)” – Chrissie singing at her best!)

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

For a more in-depth look at this bill, see the Wall Street Journal’s “Congress Pushing Curb On Trading”. The status quo eems to work for Members of Congress, yes?

Now, this is simple math: 435 House Members and 222 Co-sponsors means over half – HALF – of the House support this bill. And there are well over 70 GOPers that co-sponsored the bill. and again, to be fair, while Paulsen finally saw the light/felt the heat, neither “Bachmann” nor “Cravaack” nor “Kline” are among them.

So what’s a GOPer Party Boss to do, when a bill with over half the votes needed for passage are co-sponsors?

Why, exactly what House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-VA did: kill a scheduled vote.

Way back in January of 2008, when Paulsen announced he was running, the very first line of his press release said, and I quote: “Saying ‘Congress is broken, I will work to fix it,’ Erik Paulsen….”. That, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a promise by then-candidate Erik Paulsen.

If there was ever a time for Erik Paulsen to stand up and finally keep a promise, Tim Walz’ STOCK Act is it. Paulsen needs to stand up to the House GOPer Bosses and the GOP’s Boardroom Base and do what’s right: help get this bill passed. Paulsen needs to pay attention to Main Street – NOT Wall Street. Paulsen needs to help pass this law making what’s illegal for virtually everyone else also illegal for Members of Congress – like himself.

Don’t hold your breath. Paulsen knows which street butters his bread.

***

Previous posts on this subject:

“Congressional Insider Trading Bill: 99 Co-Sponsors And None Of Them Named Paulsen” by TPT 28 November 2011

“Two GOPers Co-sponsor Tim Walz’ STOCK Act – And Neither Is Named Paulsen” by TPT 16 November 2011

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

With that in mind, I went and checked some twitterlines o’ some GOPers that for various reasons I find interesting and/or amusing. First up, Andy Apliikowski of Residual Forces – let’s look!

OK, the link in that tweet takes you to Andy’s website, where Andy has a niftly little sreadsheet, listing potential candidates for the recently vacated MNGOP Chair position. Now, keep in mind Big E’s recent post on that vacated seat, “Michael Brodkorb slings mud at Tom Emmer and his supporters at the legislature”. That said, here’s what Andy says about one such potential candidate:

OK, apparently Andy doesn’t like Joe; likes to take little digs at him. I understand it goes way back, to when Repya was running for MN GOP Party Chair, and Andy was a volunteer. That was a particularly nasty campaign from those that liked the party’s status quo and didn’t like the reform-minded Repya. For background, see “Enemies Of The Party”. Andy has been, shall we say, “taken to task” by the Brodkorbs of the party, but he’s been working himself back into good graces of the last regime. And I’d venture taking cheap digs at Repya helps him do just that. Whatever.

Anyway, I did a quick twitter check on Repya, to see what others were saying. This one popped up, from Repya himself!!!

Ruh-ROH!!! Repya’s talking to someone – Luke Hellier – on Erik Paulsen’s local staff – and NOT his campaign staff; his official, local congressional office staff! Matter o’ fact, Luke – who used to be Brodkorb’s cut&paster at the notorious “Minnesota Democrats Exposed” slime machine “blog” – has the official title of “Constituent Services Representative.”

What got Repya’s dander up? Let’s look!

Oh, wait – seems Luke’s done scrubbed his twitterline!

Seems that since I started looking on the ol’ I’phone while running errands, the offending tweet done “magically” disappeared!

That’s ok; I already had a screen shot! Silly Luke…

Now, somefolk might think “hey – that’s not so bad.” Yeah, “right.” Keep in mind that although Paulsen postures about the need for “civility in politics”, he’s had two of the least “civil” folk I can think of, working for him: first, Brodkorb, back in the ’08 cycle, and now Hellier, on his district staff. And keep in mind Paulsen is a career politican – he rose to the position of GOP Majority Leader during the last 4 years of his 13 years in the State House.

Paulsen’s tight with the people that have been taking shots at Repya for years; shots for the simple reason Repya doesn’t – IMNSHO – like that GOP now stands for Greed Over Principles. And make no mistake; there is a high-stakes fight brewing in thee GOP over the direction of the party. Some people are going to get trashed. These opening shots at Repya will only get worse if he decides to rejoin the party and run. Smart money is betting against that, but with the Brodkorbs of the GOP, that doesn’t matter – smear ‘em and make SURE they don’t run is the standard operating procedure.

Hellier should know better than to tweet that – he’s on the taxpayer-paid payroll working for a Congressman. Paulsen should know better than to have a hack like Hellier on the official staff – but with Paulsen, it’s not what he says, but what he does that counts. Especially in matters of civility.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Reporter Scheck was covering last Saturday’s MN GOP Central Committee meeting at a hotel in Bloomington, MN – where there was to be an election to replace the recently resigned party deputy chair, “Mud Slinger Mike” Brodkorb. Leading up to that meeting, there was wide speculation that had the party chair, “FEC Tony” Sutton, not resigned – the day before the meeting – a vote would be pushed to push ol’ FEC Tony out for, essentially, malfeasance.

So this was an important meeting, and lots of GOPers showed up – with some giving speeches, such as that non-co-sponsor to ban insider trading by Members of Congress, Erik Paulsen.

Paulsen normally doesn’t toss red meat to the party faithful; rather, he tries to pretend he’s a moderate. So his comment to the faithful – Barney Frank not running for reelection is the best news of the week; even better than Minnesota running an unexpected “good news” budget surplus – was surprising.

Not surprising that he believes it; surprising because he said it. In public. Where reporters could hear it – and tweet it.

But it raises the question: is noted homophobe Paulsen glad to see Barney gone because Barney is gay? Or is noted anti-regulation/oversight “free-marketeer” Erik Paulsen glad to see Barney gone because Barney co-wrote a bill that will reform Wall Street and provide consumer protection?

Or, both?

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Update – 09 December 2011: here are now 222 Co-Sponsors – and finally – FINALLY – Paulsen is one of ‘em. To be fair, “Bachmann” nor “Cravaack” nor “Kline” aren’t.

Update – 08 December 2011: there are now 202 Co-Sponsors – and still, none of them are named “Paulsen”. Well, to be fair: none are named “Bachmann” nor “Cravaack” nor “Kline”…

Update – 07 December 2011: there are now 180 Co-Sponsors

Update – 03 December 2011: there are now 153 Co-Sponsors

Update #2 – 02 December 2011: The House Financial Services Committee website now lists a hearing on December 6th.

Update – 02 December 2011: there are now 141 Co-Sponsors — and a Star Tribune editorial, too.

Update – 01 December 2011: there are now 131 Co-Sponsors

Update – 30 November 2011: there are now 117 Co-Sponsors — and still, none of them are named “Paulsen.” Well, to be fair: none are named “Bachmann” nor “Cravaack” nor “Kline”…

It’s been a half a month since “60 Minutes” ran a story on national TV: “Congress: Trading stock on inside information?” In that half a month, 90 U.S. Representatives in Congress have added their names to a Bill (H.R. 1148) Tim Walz, MN-01 introduced last March – including 21 GOPers. None of the now 99 Co-Sponsors (now including 22 GOPers) are named “Erik Paulsen, MN-03.”

This bill really isn’t controversial; what it would do is make it illegal for Members of Congress to make security trades (stocks, etc) based on information gained in the performance of their official duties- it would make illegal the same kind of behavior that landed, for instance, Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling of ENRON infamy seats behind the defendant’s table in a Courtroom.

This bill would make illegal behavior by Members of Congress that already is illegal for virtually everyone else.

So, what’s Paulsen’s excuse for not signing on? As best as I can tell, his only public statement was released through a representative a week ago (Nov. 18th):

Referring to hearings scheduled in the House to look into the issue, Rep. Erik Paulsen’s spokesman Tom Erickson wrote, “To operate effectively, Congress must have the trust of the American people. Erik supports disclosure and is looking forward to hearing what the bipartisan Financial Services Committee thinks.” (mpr.org)

Except don’t expect any hearings from that “bi-partisan” committee any time soon. Even though the Committee chair, GOPer Spencer Bachus, sent a letter to Ranking Member Barney Frank on November 17th stating it was “his intention” to schedule a hearing on December 6th, the committee’s website doesn’t list a hearing – and a press release from the committee on November 22nd doesn’t have the bill on the schedule for the week of December 12th.

Walz’ Bill currently has 99 co-sponsors – including one Republican Member of that Financial Services Committee – Walter Jones from North Carolina. Rep. Jones co-sponsored well over a month before the “60 Minutes” story broke. Over a half a month after the story broke, Paulsen hasn’t – and if he’s waiting for a hearing (that may or may not happen) to decide to co-sponsor a bill that would require the Congress to be like virtually everyone that isn’t in Congress, he might be waiting a long time.

Here’s what Brian Barnes, who is seeling the DFL endorsement to challenge Paulsen next November, had to say:

“It’s been a week and a half since the representative’s office promised Minnesotans that Erik Paulsen is determined to help Congress ‘operate effectively.’ But to date, he hasn’t been willing to lend his support to Tim Walz’s STOCK Act, a bill that would prevent members of Congress from engaging in the type of insider trading that would land businesspeople in jail.

“Ninety-nine members of the House of Representatives have signed on as supporters of this important legislation—including some of the chamber’s most liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.

“I wish I could say I’m shocked that Rep. Paulsen hasn’t joined this bi-partisan group of lawmakers in doing the right thing, but I’m not. He hasn’t led in his nearly two-decade career in the Minnesota Legislature and the Congress. So it’s no surprise that he hasn’t done anything over the last 10 days to move the ball forward on the kind of transparency he claims to support.

“As usual, it’s all talk and no walk from a congressman who’s too busy cashing checks from Wall Street and awaiting marching orders from his Inside-the-Beltway handlers.”

I’m not shocked either.

When Paulsen announced to run for Congress, in January 2008, the very first line of his press release at that announcement read:

‘Congress is broken, I will work to fix it.’

No, career-politician Erik Paulsen won’t.

And his refusal to co-sponsor this bill is but one example. It’s also an example of where Paulsen’s loyalties lie: his Boardroom Base.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

The Junk Yard Democrats (Tommy Johnson, Norb Gernes and Doug Lind) pay homage to Johnny Cash’s signature song and Erik Paulsen’s signature record in Congress with “He Talks the Line.” The Timid Video Theater production premiers on Democratic Visions next week, but here’s a sneak peak:

(direct YouTube link)

The song has been retro-fitted with lyrics by Lind who claims in local saloons that he once wrote jokes for comedy legend (2nd tier) Jackie Vernon. Democratic Visions is produced through DFL Senate District 42, Eden Prairie/Minnetonka.

(cross posted from MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

Update – 08 December 2011: there are now 202 Co-Sponsors – and still, none of them are named “Paulsen”.

Update – 07 December 2011: there are now 180 Co-Sponsors

Update – 03 December 2011: there are now 153 Co-Sponsors

Update #2 – 02 December 2011: The House Financial Services Committee website now lists a hearing on December 6th.

Update – 02 December 2011: there are now 141 Co-Sponsors — and a Star Tribune editorial, too.

Update – 01 December 2011: there are now 131 Co-Sponsors

Update – 30 November 2011: there are now 117 Co-Sponsors — and still, none of them are named “Paulsen.” Well, to be fair: none are named “Bachmann” nor “Cravaack” nor “Kline”…

(Update #2: As of yesterday (November 21st) there are now 92 — 92! — Co-Sponsors, including 19 — 19! — GOPers. While Walz’ proposed legislation is clearly non-partisan, Paulsen hasn’t signed on. Why? My best explanation is: GOP party bosses haven’t told him to.

As of yesterday (November 21st), all four Minnesota DFL Representatives are on-board; none of the four Minnesota GOPer Representatives have signed on.

Update #1: As of yesterday (November 17th), there are now 65 — 65! — Co-Sponsors on Tim Walz’ Bill; none of ‘em are named “Paulsen.” While Paulsen couldn’t take the time to sign on to Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge – he DID take the time to prove, once again, that GOPers Believe In States Rights (except when they don’t).

Back on March 17th, Tim Walz, D-MN01 introduced H.R. 1178 – the “Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge” (STOCK) Act. Through November 4th, it only had 9 co-sponsors. Then last Sunday night, “60 Minutes” ran a story: “Congress: Trading stock on inside information?”

Now there are 28 co-sponsors – including two republicans – but neither is Erik Paulsen, R=TargetCorp. Well, to be fair, nor is it his Tea Party pal Michele Bachmann, either.

No, the two lonely GOPers signing on with the 26 Democrats in the House are Rep Schilling, IL-17 and Rep Herrera Beutler, WA-03 – both after the story broke.

OK, Bachmann has an excuse – well, a couple of ‘em: she’s never written a bill that’s actually become law, and since presumably God told her to run for Prez, she’s never in D.C. anyway.

Paulsen? no excuse – because when push comes to shove, he’ll always take the corporate line on every issue. Walz’ Bill takes dead-aim at profiteering by the financial industry trading on insider information; part of an industry Jon Collins at MN Indy took a look at back in July: “Minnesota lawmakers who voted against consumer agency are flush with banking cash”. The sub? “Paulsen leads delegation in industry contributions, $74,400 since 2009″.

After watching the “60 Minutes” story, Brian Barnes – who is seeking the DFL endorsement to unseat Paulsen said this:

“Moments ago I finished watching a shocking report on 60 Minutes about members of Congress using insider information they gain from their office to line their own pockets—oftentimes at the expense of the American people.

“This reprehensible practice—which would land business people in jail—should be banned immediately. Therefore, I am asking Rep. Erik Paulsen to join with me in condemning the members of both parties who have engaged this insider trading they themselves made legal. I am also calling on the congressman to sponsor legislation to make this disgusting conduct what it should be—criminal.”

To recap – since the story broke, two GOPer House Members have shown the courage to co-sponsor Walz’ bill, neither of them are Paulsen.

Don’t expect Paulsen to sign on any time soon; bucking the GOP’s Boardroom Base just simply isn’t in Erik Paulsen’s nature.

Taking care of the GOP’s Boardroom Base is.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

Today State Rep Steve Simon endorsed Brian Barnes to defeat Erik Paulsen for Congress in Minnesota’s 3rd District. This is a BIG endorsement for several reasons – and one has to do with equal rights/equality under the law, which is why I started this post reminding about that House Party hosted by Brian a week ago.

Steve Simon made national news for his comments about the GOP’s bigoted constitutional amendment – the YouTube of those comments is currently over 540,000 views. Let’s look!!

Erik Paulsen tries to avoid news about where he stands on the issues – especially this one. But he’s not afraid to go behind closed doors to take a “Friend of the Family” “award” not too long ago from Jack Abramoff’s old pal, Ralph Reed.

Let’s be clear on where Paulsen stands — he’s a “friend” of SOME families, and NOT those families with LBGT family members.

The contrast cannot be clearer: Brian Barnes and Steve Simon standing for ALL families; Erik Paulsen and Ralph Reed standing for SOME families.

Compete text of Rep Steve Simon’s endorsement letter follows:

# # #

Dear Friends,

It’s a great honor for me to write to you today about my friend Brian Barnes, who’s running for Congress against Republican Erik Paulsen.

Brian’s a great Democrat. He’s someone I’ve always been able to count on and he’s always been there for our party. In good times and bad, Brian has stood with Democrats throughout the West Metro.

He’s also a great progressive. While Washington Republicans do their best to roll back half a century of progress, Brian hasn’t backed away from standing up for the values that make America great.

You can trust Brian to stand up for the Middle Class, for marriage equality, and for a tax code that rewards hard work instead of those who can afford the best accountants.

Brian’s running a great campaign based on the issues that matter most.

He’s the best choice among the candidates running in the 3rd Congressional District.

Please visit Brian’s website today to find out how you can help.

Thanks for all you do. Together, Democrats will win in 2012.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Steve Simon

Donate Now

# # #

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject; comments welcome there)

GOPer Erik Paulsen, R=TargetCorp, recently took the time to toss up a quick YouTube saying, in honor of Veterans Day (tomorrow), how much he honors veterans. Yeah, “right.” Here’s what his official house.gov website says:

For Veterans and Service Members

I place the utmost priority on constituent service requests in my office – particularly those related to veterans. Whether it be help getting benefits or a Purple Heart, I strongly encourage you to contact me and my staff to help with your needs.

Additionally, I’m working on a number of bills in Congress to honor and strengthen the commitment we’ve made to our veterans, service members and their families.

I am also working to address a number of issues related to survivor and dependent benefits, honoring our Purple Heart recipients with a forever stamp and I am co-sponsoring legislation to allow members of the Armed Forces, and their loved ones, to send letters and care packages to our troops over seas at no cost.

I want this section of my website to be entirely dedicated to helping those who have served our nation in uniform. Check out the resources below and please contact me with any questions.

I followed that link – and it goes to Paulsen’s Press Releases. Yes, “press releases.” One bill that he “worked on” is a bill that never got enacted – because Paulsen seems to think it takes a new law to enforce what existing law already calls for. But hey! Pausen sure gave it a swell name – the “Wounded Warrior and Military Survivor Housing Assistance Act of 2010″!

A search of Paulsen’s proposed legislation doesn’t list a single Veteran’s Issue. Carrying water for the insurance industry? Sure! Greasing the skids on tax rates for investment income of private foundations? You betcha! Writing legislation to help Veterans that have served their country? Not so much.

In fact, as noted a month ago here on MPP in a post entitled “Do Bachmann And Paulsen Support Veterans?” — well, let’s look!

The Veterans Of Foreign Wars just happens to track who sponsors and co-sponsors bills that actually do things to honor the commitment to Veterans that Paulsen and Bachmann often claim to do – and they even have a swell webpage for voters to hold them accountable. Go ahead; click on “Elected Officials” an check on anyone in Congress you want to!

Here’s Paulsen’s page; now click on “Bills” and you’ll see a list under the headings “Bill Name” and “Co-Sponsor?”

And please note that after each and every single bill to help Veterans, under the “Co-Sponsor?” header is: “No”

And if you hit the “More Bills” icon, you’ll find that they still are all: “No”

But, that’s just the Veterans of Foreign Wars list. How does Paulsen do with the Disabled American Veterans?

Click here to see how many bills Paulsen’s co-sponsored that the Disabled American Veterans would like him to – when you’re there, just click on “bills.” To save you time, here’s how many: zero. zip. nada.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it doesn’t take a lot of “work” to sign-on and co-sponsor a bill.

How does another Veterans Organization – the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – score Paulsen’s “work” on behalf of veterans?

Their “2010 Congressional Report Card” gives Paulsen a “D.”

On 18 votes they looked at – bills affecting veterans – Paulsen only voted with veterans 10 times – thus the “D” rating. According to IAVA, Paulsen had the worst voting record of Minnesota’s eight House Members. Yes, Paulsen’s record is worse than Bachmann’s (by one vote).

When I had this .gif produced, it was because of Paulsen and Bachmann’s similar records – according to the VFW. Now you know – Paulsen and Bachmann’s records are also similar with the DAV and with IAVA. Similarly atrocious.

On Veterans Day, remember the sacrifices veterans have made.

And remember that Paulsen gives lip service to the veterans.

(cross posted at MnProgressiveProject.com; comments welcome there)

“The path of social progress, of human compassion and understanding, would be tragically reversed by this amendment. Minnesotans are better than this. I urge Minnesotans to reject this amendment” (StarTribune, 25May2011; full veto letter there)

Minnesotans United For All Famiies has been formed to make sure this bigoted and hateful amendment does not pass. They are holding House Parties this Sunday – one year from election day next year – here’s what they say:

We are thrilled to announce that over 100 Minnesotans all across the state have signed up to host One Day United for All Families house parties on November 6th.

Thousands of Minnesotans are gathering on this historic date, one year out from Election Day 2012 – the day we will defeat this anti-marriage amendment!

You can join them at one of the handful of events open to friends and neighbors.
(MnUnited.org)

One person hosting such an event is DFL Candidate Brian Barnes – who is seeking CD-3 endorsement to run against GOPer Erik Bachmann Michele Paulsen Erik Paulsen.

I got the invite on Facebook; it’s at Brian’s house in Edina this Sunday, from 12:30 to 3:00pm.

That Brian is holding this event demonstrates what Brian told MPP’s Joe Bodell:

So how is Barnes going to stand up to the entrenched incumbent? “We’re going to make this a bottom-up campaign. I think past campaigns haven’t been able to really work with local candidates, local activists, and we need to be able to work together up and down the ticket if we want to be successful in this race.”

Quite simply, Brian is going to work with campaigns – ALL campaigns.

Now, some might think it’s not a politically correct position for a candidate for congress to take – those that think that haven’t met Brian. A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy with honorable service as an officer in the Naval Reserve, Brian is a quy that isn’t afraid to take a position that’s the right one to take. He’s been trained to make tough decisions.

Not that opposing this bigoted amendment is really that tough of a decision. Besides, it’s pretty clear which side GOPer Paulsen comes down on:

From the so-called “Minnesota Faith & Freedom Coalition:

October 19th, 2011

Last weekend in Minneapolis, the MN Faith & Freedom Coalition hosted their Inaugural Strategy & Briefing Session. More than 100+ MN Faith & Freedom Coalition members attended the event with Faith & Freedom Chairman Ralph Reed, 2010 Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Emmer, and Congressman Erick Paulsen. Reed spoke to the group about the importance social conservatives will play in the upcoming election and the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s grassroots strategy to involve people of faith in its 2012 Get Out The Vote Campaign. Faith & Freedom Coalition member Jesse Garza said “Dr. Reed opened the two day Midwest Leadership Conference with an inspiring high energy message that motivated activists to get engaged in the 2012 fight. He set the bar for a great conference”
In addition to the mainstream press and television coverage, the Minnesota Faith & Freedom Strategy Briefing received national attention from radical homosexual activists. Watch our winner of the MN “Friend of the Family” award, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN), get “glitter bombed” by intolerant extremists who oppose the people of Minnesota having the right to vote on the definition of marriage.
Thank you for supporting the Faith & Freedom Coalition in our mission to restore America’s greatness and founding principles.(emphasis added)

Erik Paulsen, “friend of the family”??!?

And who is Paulsen standing next to? Ralph Reed. Yes, Jack Abramoff’s pal.

Here’s a picture of Paulsen with that “award”, at that hate-fest event last month:

Extra credit to the first person to name the two in that picture that aren’t named Emmer, Paulsen or Reed.

Interestingly enough, I didn’t see mention nor a picture of that “award” on Paulsen’s hose.gov website nor on his campaign website – but to be fair, it looks like Paulsen hasn’t updated his campaign website for a year.

To be clear – Paulsen is a friend of SOME families – and that may not include yours.

“Inclusiveness” isn’t big, in the Greed Over Principles party these days.

So go to Minnesotans United For All Famiies and see if there’s a House Party near you.

Me, I’m going to be standing united with people that care about ALL (not “some”) families, at the home of DFL Candidate Brian Barnes.