Unbelievable footage from a MN GOP Press Conference this week:
The shocking quote from MN GOP Chair Ron Carey:
“I’m just saying from a demographic standpoint, Erik Paulsen fits the district very well”
Translation: Erik Paulsen is white and Ashwin Madia is not. Suburban voters beware.
This press conference reveals the sad truth: The MN GOP and the Paulsen campaign are so terrified of losing this race, so desperate to win, they will play the race card shamelessly and repeatedly.
How absolutely embarrassing for the Minnesota Republican Party and Erik Paulsen. If I were a Republican voter in Minnesota I would be ashamed to hear my party resort to such despicable tactics.
If there is a silver lining in this whole debacle, its the Minnesota political press corps. Those reporters were not willing to let Carey and Sen. Geoff Michel get away with using racial code words and racist undertones. Kudos to them.
Ha. Figured this might have legitimacy but why should this post be any different
Good Lord. You guys have that race card ready to go whenever there is the most remote possibility, don’t you?
“Demographic”, from Webster: “the statistical characteristics of human populations (as age or income) used especially to identify markets”
Demographic means a whole lot of things. In many cases, Paulsen does fit the demographic better. Some demographic facts (from the Census Bureau) about CD3:
Average household size: 3. This indicates that a typical household in the 3rd is a family. Paulsen is married and has children. He has lived the experience of navigating our education, healthcare, and workforce systems as a family man. 62% of the district is married.
57% of residents in the district lived in the SAME HOUSE in 1995, and 73% lived in the same county. Madia… well, he moved here as a junior in high school, graduated, left, came back after Ramstad announced. He has lived here for about 2 years. 3rd CD residents statistically are loyal to the 3rd and stay. Advantage: Paulsen.
Far and away, the highest population age segment in the 3rd CD is 35-44 year olds. That is Erik’s segment. 2nd most populus is 45-54. I believe Madia was 29 when he entered the race.
There is more than one way to slice the word “demographic”. Carey was right on this one.
“Race card” is a term used only by racists, DtM. You have now owned your identity.
So Zack Stephenson is a racist. I was merely pulling the quote from his post title.
On average the human being on Planet Earth is a Chinese female. The use of dog whistles are quite popular because the sound is outside of normal human hearing but well within the range of a dog’s hearing. This is an example of the Republican Party using a dog whistle for racist asshole dog-like voters.
Dogs often are trained to slaver at the sound of a bell or whistle. They can do it even after being fed. They themselves do not know why they all of a sudden they become hungry even after eating. They will defend loudly that they are honestly hungry. Even more so they will go on progressive blogs and “logically” explain the reasons they should be hungry.
(God almighty I think Republicans have got to be the most dishonest motherfuckers around… even when they know they lie they think they are telling the truth.)
If Demographics are to be a complete nonfactor in elections, I expect you all to stop talking about McCain’s age vs. Obama’s youthfulness at once.
Also, I may disagree with you on many points but I never call people MFers here, because I never would to your face. Grow up, Amuse.
Just saw one of the most eloquent and smartest speakers on Bill Moyers. She made some comments on the fact that Republicans want to blame the current crisis on Bill Clinton forcing banks to give home loans to poor blacks. You see, it’s not the predatory lenders, it’s those poor blacks.
Anyway, it turns out that the program that the conservatives are blaming has all sorts of safe guards and is strictly run, and compared to the borrowing population as a whoe, those “poor blacks” using the program actually do much better at maintaining their mortgage.
Anyway, it is so typical of Republicans. They will rob the middle class blind, but then blame the voiceless poor, or the minority. It is absolutely pathetic. It’s the poor blacks that have brought our economy to its knees. Right.
Another scary thought. Do you all realise that corporate America is using this crisis to consoldate the few remaining banks into super banks. Every day we more closer to Republican corporate fascism. The writing is on the wall.
Thanks, Alec
Is there any way that maybe, just maybe, this could all be due to a combination of factors? I believe that it is due to three things, with shared culpability by both parties.
It is humerous how everyone tries to pigeon hole what is a widespread global economic lending crisis to one party or the other’s policy. Both parties are guilty of trying to do that.
Unfortunately for those loyal partisans on both the left and on the right, this current issue just ain’t that neat and clean.
Yes, I actually agree with DantheMan on the point you just made ( “could be due to a combination of factors”). This combination, sadly, is called “Reaganomics.”
Gee Dan sorry you and your Republican allies are soooo delicate. I’m 57 so the growing up part has been done, what I refuse to do is to not speak as I see things. This site wants to delete or censor my posts, let them. The second that Republicans quit with this BS dog whistle racism crap I’ll quite referring to them as MoFos. The second that Republicans quit lying about Democratic records I’ll quite referring to them as MoFos. The second that Republicans quit with this BS calling it the “Democrat” Party I’ll quite referring to them as MoFos. On second thought they are Mofos.
May I also note with the recent swooning of Republican males, specifically that idiot Rightwinger who sat up straight on his couch over Sarah Palin the term applies. The fact is with her little ass wiggle while she was shouting “Drill, Baby, Drill” seemed very MILF. Hell her using a quote from Reagan about the “end of freedom in America” from his objection to Medicaid as socialism. Seems that is reference to what Republicans wanted to do to everyone’s mother but Democrats made sure it passed.
I took what Carey and Michel to be talking about is that Madia is single - 37% of the public is. Do people have to be married to hold public office? How does marital status, or whether you own a home contribute to qualifications for office. I believe that discrimination based on marital status is prohibited.
Eva,
Go back to what you do best…………..STALKING MICHELE VOTE “NO” BACHMANN!!!!!
According to Michel and Carey, Jim Ramstad was unqualified to represent the 3rd district 90% of the time he was in Congress. He wasn’t married until recently.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this indeed is a trashing of Madia by the GOP.
Go to MPR and listen to what Michel had to say at a presser; he called Madia a “carpetbagger.” Yes, “carpetbagger.” Apparently, MPR thought important enough that they linked to 17 minutes of Geoff Michel’s rant, and the media’s questioning:
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2008/09/paulsen_camp_kn.shtml
These puke republiCons disgust me. I cannot believe I ever belonged to the GOP; my only rationalization is back then it was the “Independent-Republican Party.” When they changed the name, they changed the focus - and they’ve become racist bigots.
Paulson will naturally have a demographic advantage with identity voters in CD3. Emphasizing how he is the best fit for the district based on marriage, family, homeownership (race) just shows how bankrupt the GOP is in terms of policy. A trickle down deregulated economy hasn’t worked out that well for many people. Are more tax cuts for the rich really what’s needed? After we reduce the deficitt by a few percent by eliminating all pork, where will significant spending cuts occur- healthcare, soc. sec., defense? Maybe dan the man could advocate for GOP policies here rather than defend questionable (often sleezy) campaign tactics.
As for financial mess, the dems do share in responsiblity but the GOP has had deregulatation highlighted in their platform and idolize a former president who wanted to drown a shrunken govt.
I really appreciate the information here- thanks.
As for the trolls here, I think they must be desperate. They could so easily go to some other site to spew condescension in the company of like-minded condescenders.
We are all aware of the radical right wing code for racism such as ‘uppity’ and ‘doesn’t fit the demography’, or radical christian exclusionary code like ‘if I’m so blessed to become the next vice president’. They have gotten the memo from headquarters about psychological manipulation, as they exploit that we are all wired with a certain apprehension about people not like us for any reason- cultural, physical appearance, health status- which is overcome by experience and thought. I think Paulson and Carey, just by the slow deliberate way they said their words, were struggling against their better selves, fully aware that they were selling their conscience.
Less serious about working for their constituents than getting on the gravy train via public and private dollars…
Here’s an example of how Republicans operate- terroristic threats to twist the arms of lawmakers: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x205488
Erik Paulsen is a father of four and he wants to spend the better part of the year in DC? Is he planning on bringing the kids with him or leave them at home with Mom? Nice family values.
Perhaps what they meant by demographics is that Paulsen has actually paid property taxes in the Third, owned a home in the Third and knows what it’s like be a homeowner during tough economic times and a credit crunch. When Madia proposes raising the income tax on anyone (even just the rich) or raising the capital gains tax he is doing so from a complete lack of understanding of its effects. He’s never sought credit to own a home and he’s never paid property taxes. That’s a fair distinction to bring up. Just because there is no counter argument, the liberal bloggers and Madia supporters are forced to scream racism. That’s the politics of hope and change for sure.
Loonwalk, your name is fitting. Keep up the good work.
And let’s not forget who has been paid $6,000 as a consultant to Paulsen: Michael Brodkorb. Looks like Mikey has learned well from his mentors Mr. Rove and Mr. Atwater.
mnpolwatcher is more articulately saying what I’ve been trying to say.
It is important to me that my Representative understands what it is like to pay property taxes and expect services of value in return.
It is important to me that my Representative know what it is like to entrust your children to the public school system and expect a quality education in return.
It is important to me that my Representative have had a private sector career in the region and is able to understand the real impact of business cycles, business taxes, and job cuts on the average 3rd CD worker.
It is important that my Representative have a history of public service in the district. Track record is very important to me, and the more transparent the better.
It is important that my Representative has spent 15+ years working with, living with, and getting to know the average resident of the 3rd CD, and what their needs and fears are. No matter how hard you campaign, you don’t fully understand that from an 8-month “listening tour”. That is no replacement for living it.
So, Eva Young points out that it would be discrimination to not allow someone who is unmarried or doesn’t own a home to run for office. She is 100% correct. But with my vote, I can vote for someone who I best think understands my situation through their own life experience. That is what many voters will do this November.
mnpolwatcher,
There are many demographics in the 3rd….on the other hand, Madia understands very well what many in the 3rd know….he’s been raised by incredible parents and lived their experience in raising three very successful children, can intimately identify with how difficult and expensive it is to educate oneself in this economy with student loans and has put his time in public service to our nation - service in Iraq included.
I, for one, do not believe you have to have experienced something to understand the difficulty. Many can understand the difficulty of medical illness without having borne that illness. I don’t believe that paying a mortgage qualifies you for anything but home ownership. Education is earned in many ways.
Erik Paulsen was fine as a state rep. He knows local issues. Ash Madia has the experience and views necessary to deal with federal issues.
Besides….it’s really tough on a dad to be gone from his family five days a week…..we should all save Erik Paulsen’s family that stress and keep him here at Target Corp. where he can be the soccer coach he apparently aspires to be.
Is anyone else sick and tired of the GOP using taxes as a bogeyman? These people have spent like drunken sailors since taking over Congress. The Dems have only been in charge for 2 years under a GOP president and it will take some time to reinstate fiscally responsible spending patterns. This country can’t keep spending without paying for anything. How on earth can we spend on Iraq etc continuously without raising money to pay for it? The GOP method of bonding everything forward to our great grandchildren can’t keep it up. At some point in time income has to increase to pay for the spending.
WMD -
I agree with pretty much your entire post, including the GOP fiscal irresponsibility of the past decade. I actually think that at one point me and TPT where of the same cloth… in the old MN IR Party. It dissolved and he chose the DFL while I chose the GOP. I just disagree with too much of the DFL platform to jump over to the left.
I would also say that experience isn’t the only way to be educated.. I agree with you. But it does count for something. I think you’d agree that Madia knows more about Iraq than Paulsen could learn by studying up on it. In contrast, I think Paulsen knows alot more about the government’s impact on living, working, and raising a family than Madia does. You can argue that Madia grew up in a family and witnessed his parents’ choices and challenges, but you can say that about every human on the planet.
DTM,
Absolutely. It is about choice and what skill set the voters are seeking in a representative in Washington. I would personally argue that knowing more about international relations (i.e., serving abroad in Korea and Iraq) and in the US military (since the US military consumes much of our money and manpower in this country) is more important than owning a home and raising children at this point in time. Many representatives have gone to congress without the benefit of home ownership and children. They have been very successful. I think Madia will be one, too.
I disagree on your more recent post. Domestic policy is at the heart of our government. Unless you are a high ranking member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs, you are much better off being well-rounded on the domestic needs of your constituents than on the US Military.
Our congressman needs to know both, but if I had to choose, I’d want the 3rd CD Rep to know domestic needs and policy inside and out. Ramstad’s forte was domestic policy and how tax policy affected the american family. That served the 3rd VERY well.
I trust that your earlier comment about Paulsen needing to be home with his children was in jest? I could think of personal reasons for virtually every candidate for every office not to run… that is their decision.
DTM,
Partially in jest…partially in response to the attitude displayed that having those children qualifies Paulsen to be a rep.
I would disagree with you fundamentally about the requirements of a congressman. Having mostly domestic issue experience is partially what has gotten the US into the mess it’s in. We need persons to represent us who understand about domestic policy but also looks outward and understands more than just our own back yard.
Ramstad represented this district well because he had been there for years and was a fixture, for the most part. Most people never thought about what he was doing, why he was being sent there and no one really challenged him. People will vote for the known entity most of the time and that gives the power of incumbency to most. Having an open seat is challenging because it expects people to really examine what a representative is being sent to DC for.
I would submit that we are asking someone to go to DC to help set policy. Much of the federal budget deals with monies appropriated for military spending - whether dealing with troops, R&D, education, recruitment, retention, equipment, etc. I would submit that someone who has served our country in uniform would better know this than someone who has been a career politician at the local level.
Strangely Renters actually do pay Property taxes through their rents. Not that facts really matter to Dan “Republicans are screwing up so lets make sure more Republicans are sent to Washington” Man. It is less direct but goes into the same funds… and certainly is no reason to excuse racist dog whistle politics from the GOP.
WMD - Fair argument. I still believe in what I wrote, but I respect your opinion. I maintain that Paulsen is not a “career politician”. His work in the legislature has been a part time gig for years… his “day job” is being part of Target, one of our most respected companies.
Thanks for elevating the dialogue above that of some of your peers.
DTM,
Fair enough. I understand your argument and recognize it’s validity. It’s a different perspective. I see someone who has served since youth (younger than Madia) in our state leg as a “career politician” - maybe not full time - but career none the less. I think that Paulsen’s job as a mid-level analyst at Target is where he should remain because I personally don’t feel he represents me. He doesn’t represent my values - even though I, too, have owned a home in the 3rd for 24 years and raised two children in this area (although mine did attend public school all the way through - unlike Paulsen) and we’ve paid our share of taxes. Having served in uniform in a foreign country I believe it does lend a different point of view to one’s perspective and I value that perspective. We have enough people like Paulsen in DC - career politicians, homeowners who raised kids but have never done more than take a trade trip outside our borders. We need more people like Madia who have experienced some of what they will be voting on with regards to the military funding and the world at large.
A quick comment about Carey and Michel…I was there at Madia’s press conference and if their comments hadn’t been so obviously “coded” and in my opinion racist, it would have been comical. What they said was embarrassing to the citizens of the 3rd and Minnesota. Shame on Paulsen for sending them to talk for him…he should be engaging the voters on the issues, like Madia has been doing. If he would stop hiding and actually take a stance the voters would have needed information to make an educated decision. We know where Madia stands, and it’s obvious he’ll represent ALL of us in Congress.
“is that Paulsen has actually paid property taxes in the Third…”
“…and he’s never paid property taxes.”
MnPolWatcher, do honestly believe “renters don’t pay property taxes”??!?
MnPolWatcher could have two points:
1) Renters out-of-pocket expenses has much more to do with the rental market than what laws affecting property taxes are passed. As a landlord, I can only pass along a property tax to my tenant if the market will justify it. They do pay money that goes to a landlord (who may live next door or in a different state) that goes to pay expenses, one of which is property tax. But it is very diluted.
2) Madia moved to the district at a junior in High School. Then went to the U in Minneapolis. Then went to New York. Then went to the Marines. Then moved to MInneapolis. And after announcing his run in November, moved to the district. So as a renter, he has been a diluted part of our tax base for, oh, 8 months.
He talks a good game, but there is alot of life experience he is missing. His Marine experience is nice but doesn’t make up for it. As many have said about John McCain, his military experience is to be respected but is not the reason we should automatically vote for him.
DtM, that’s BS - and you know it. “diluted” my (butt). It’s a huge line-item on each and every rental property’s budget. But, here’s the deal:
Landlords don’t pay property taxes; they COLLECT property taxes - each and every month in the form of rent. Period. And I cannot believe you, as an alleged “conservative”, believe anything else.
This crap your party is pulling here is blatant demagoguery, and it’s disgusting. Your party, the RNC, recently held it’s National Convention here, and I know I didn’t see a dozen people that weren’t white women or white men the whole time I watched, and I watched the whole time.
It’s a small tent your party has, and there’s a bunch of bigots taking up a lot of space in it.
It is simply wrong what Paulsen’s campaign did, and the fact that Paulsen used surrogates to sling his slime is even worse.
He’s been hiding who he is and what he believes this whole campaign, and now he’s hiding behind those who do his demogoguery for him.
Landlords pay property taxes. Yes.
If the market for an apartment is $900 per month, that is what it is. Renters will jump at that rental if it is being offered for $800 a month. They’ll stay a mile away if the landlord wants $1,000. The value is $900 a month.
In that apartment, the landlord is paying for the mortgage (if there is one), for repairs and maintenance, for property taxes, and perhaps an association fee. Let’s say that this landlord is mortgaged and his total expenses, including a maintenance and repair budget, are $850 a month. For rent of $900, he is clearing $50.
Now, his property taxes are raised by $100 a month. Does he raise the rent by $100? He can try, but he won’t get a renter. The market is still $900.
Renters have the upper hand. They say “screw you, this place is only worth $900.” So the landlord takes a $50 bath for as long as it takes for the market to adjust upward and for him to adjust the rent.
In this scenario, the renter (Madia) isn’t paying the tax directly. The renter is the one saying “screw you.”
As a homeowner getting a tax increase, if you say “screw you” you go to jail.
I was a renter for many years. I’ve been a landlord for a few. In my renting days there is no way I would have ever “felt” the same effect of property taxes or known how directly they affect families as I do as a homeowner and landlord. Not even in the same ballpark.
You’re simply full of shit, DtM.
I’ve been a landlord; I worked for the nation’s largest residential property management company before striking out on my own.
Go (cheney) yourself, bigot.
Thanks for your profound and insight retort, TPT. You are an intellect of the highest class.
You make the fascinating point that I’m “full of shit”. But before I “go (cheney) myself” as you suggest I should, could you be just a little more specific on what about my above posting is “full of shit”?
Thanks for the fascinating discourse.
So, DTM, do you also decry how McCain was elected to the senate if you don’t approve of people moving to a district to run for congress? Madia was from here - went to high school here - his parents have lived here since they moved to Minnesota. The 3rd is his permanent residency. All of us with kids who have gone on to college and returned never considered them “moved” officially…nor do they. They keep up with their friends, their community, their high school etc. It’s still their “home”. I would point out:
“On the day Rhodes announced his retirement, Shover got a call from McCain. He could hear noise in the background.
“Where are you?” Shover asked.
“I’m on the freeway,” said McCain, who had stopped at a service station to call Shover. “I’m on the way to Mesa to buy a house.””
McCain bought a house in the district (compliments of a wife who was a multi-millionaire) in order to run for the seat. He’s not the only one. Many others who run for congress (Hillary Clinton, too) are not long term residents of the area. They run, are elected and serve their constituents very well. Madia has more ties to the 3rd than McCain had to his district. Is that okay to you?
Say, DtM?
Get an education, pal.
If you’re in property management, SELL NOW. Because you simply don’t know what you’re doing, but: you’re the poster boy for why landlords should be licensed.
WMD - To be honest, had I been living in Arizona that that time, and been in the district where McCain was running, I would have had an issue with that. I like the idea of someone who has been working, toiling, and contributing in the community to rise up and represent their neighbors. I think that is the way it was meant to be.
So Madia spent the final two years of high school in the district and then on paper kept it as his “official” address. The amount of life experience he has living side-by-side with 3rd CD constitutents and truly understanding what is important to them because he is there living right along with them is under three years, or as a voter about one year. That might not be important to you, so vote for him. It is important to me.
Keeping in touch with your buddies back home doesn’t cut it. Doesn’t cut it for Madia, doesn’t cut it for Franken. Wouldn’t have cut it for McCain had I been a voter in that district back then. Wouldn’t cut it for me if I moved to the place I grew up (for 18 years) and still have family. I could read the local papers and talk a good game, but it doesn’t replace life experience.
TPT - I love it. I should be a licensed landlord. Let some guy in a Govt office in St. Paul read a paper application and decide if I “deserve” to be a landlord. Beautiful. Again, can you be more specific on where my example breaks down? That kind of logic has served me well in my rental — I’m still cash flow positive in this down rental market. I attribute it to being conservative and a bit old fashioned, but I’d love to be enlightened if you can teach me something.
DtM, your brain-ded bretheren claimed renters don’t pay property taxes, which is patent BS. The topic of this thread is the disgusting and blatant demagoguery of Team Paulsen - and the fact Erik Paulsen doesn’t have the ‘nads to do his dirty work himself.
And I’m not going to let you pivot this topic - and the last thing I’ll say about “landlord licensing” is THAT THE LARGER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES ALREADY ARE, ya (cheney)in’ MORON.
This is going nowhere. I’ll just say this: The issue at hand was if this quote by Carey, ““I’m just saying from a demographic standpoint, Erik Paulsen fits the district very well”, is racist.
Given the widely accepted definition of demographics in the political campaign context, No. Unless you choose to make it so, as the author did.
Given the preponderance of white bigots in the GreedOverPrinciples party, the meaning of that quote - and it’s code words - is quite clear. And it’s no surprise you agree with it.
I have children and a mortgage and I am an enthusiastic supporter of Ashwin Madia. I support Madia not because he represents my demographic but because he has demonstrated again and again that he understands my worries for my children’s future and has solid solutions.
I am frankly offended by Carey and Michels’ assertions that Madia is not “one of us”.
Ashwin Madia was “one of us” when he went to Iraq, he is “one of us” on the issues that should be deciding this election and he will be “one of us” when he goes to DC.
MG Dem….couldn’t say it better! I will never hold it against someone that they left home to educate themselves nor to serve our country. As far as I’m concerned, those years were well spent and should be counted to Madia’s credit rather than counted against him.
I was very offended at what Ron Carey and Geoff Michel said. It was truly unacceptable.
DTM…I understand where you’re coming from. If it matters so much that someone puts time in place to run, then that’s one standard. It’s not mine but it’s certainly valid. I can only hope that more people look at what Madia stands for and where he stands on the issues rather than how many years he’s been raising his home-schooled kids (until the last two years) in this district.
It’s not either / or. We have three (yes - count them, three) candidates in this race who are all articulating an understanding of the issues. Paulsen, Dillon, and Madia have all proven to me that they have the intellect and horsepower to process information well. And frankly, on most issues they aren’t all that far apart. That has been the conclusion of several local pundits after each debate / forum.
So then it comes down to whose talk is the most believable. To me, that is where one’s experience and trustworthiness in the district comes in. Dillon has it. Paulsen has it. I’m not by any means saying Madia isn’t trustworthy. I’m just saying that we don’t know him. I don’t trust someone who I’ve only seen in action during a campaign for themselves. I’m familiar with the business Dillon built. I’m familiar with Paulsen’s public service. I’m only familiar with Madia the candidate for congress, not Madia the citizen of the 3rd.
We each have different criteria, but that is one of mine.
I would never discourage someone from the 3rd CD Veteran demographic (I think there are close to 10% of the adult population at Vets in the CD) from voting for Madia because they identify with him as a Veteran. Same goes for other Demographic factors which may sway someone in Dillon or Paulsen’s direction.
Nice, Dtm. Very nice.
But I still note you still don’t distance yourself from the bigotry from Team Paulsen.
Actually, I note you agree with it.
West Metro Dem: Erik Paulsen was fine as a state rep. He knows local issues. Ash Madia has the experience and views necessary to deal with federal issues.
WMD, While I agree with you that Madia’s service in Iraq gives him good experience on Iraq and the Middle East, he has no other experience that allows him to uniquely understand any other issue. His brief career as a lawyer makes him no more useful as a politician. Paulsen has served in a legislative body, successfully and cordially while being effective on what he stands for. He is well-liked by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He’s worked extensively in the private sector the entire time he’s also served in the house. Madia talks so much about balancing a budget, yet he attacks Paulsen for some of the tough funding choices he made as Majority Leader when he helped balance a 4 plus billion dollar deficit. You can’t balance a budget without making hard choices. Madia shows no willingness to make hard choices to help balance the federal deficit-just to tax the rich. To be honest, I don’t think Ashwin is even a Democrat. He used to be a Republican, obviously hold strong ambition and belief in his own ability, knew there was no way someone this unqualified would ever get the GOP endorsement, embraced the DFL party activists to gain endorsement, got the nomination and immediately jogged as far to the middle as possible.
mnpolwatcher….you couldn’t be further from the truth here. You obviously haven’t met Ash Madia. If you had, and spoken to him, you’d know that he’s a Dem. Being a former Republican does not disqualify someone from being a Dem. Thank heavens! Unfortunately it would eliminate way too many people as more and more people jump ship from the GOP. Paulsen has to answer for his “tough funding choices”, quite honestly. He needs to answer exactly why it is that he is willing to hurt so many just to keep cutting and cutting taxes. We have to pay for services we receive. It can’t keep cutting to the bone and bonding costs forward. Some day those costs come due. Madia recognizes that. Paulsen doesn’t. Well liked by everyone? Who have you been speaking with? As majority leader he was willing to shut the government down rather than reach across the aisle to compromise. Doesn’t sound like someone willing to work with others to me.
DTM…The three are very far apart on social issues. Dillon and Madia are more socially moderate. Paulsen is a social far rightwinger. Dillon even said so at the last debate.
My problem with Dillon is his inability to understand how congress really works. I asked him precisely who he would caucus with if he were elected to congress. I asked how he would serve the 3rd CD if he were the very bottom in priority for committee assignments since he would be a caucus of 1. Even in the senate the two indies caucus with the Democrats for this reason. His response was very unrealistic. He says that a freshman legislator has no power anyway so it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t caucus with anyone. He seems to think that others will come to him offering him assignments. I’m interested in a reality-based congressperson. Dillon may be a nice guy but he has no clue how congress works.
“He needs to answer exactly why it is that he is willing to hurt so many just to keep cutting and cutting taxes.”
The answer would be because the state has to run a balanced budget and Paulsen thought our families and businesses were taxed enough. Ashwin Madia doesn’t think they were. Just another place where he shows his favor toward increased taxes. Paulsen balanced the budget without raising taxes, not by cutting taxes. He helped slow the growth of many programs to do it. Point to me who has been hurt because Minnesota balanced it’s budget in 2003. Our schools are still performing at high levels and Minnesotans didn’t have their taxes raised to balance the budget.
There is a huge difference between the federal taxing structure and federal budgeting and state level budgeting. Federal budgets cover unfunded mandates such as special education, NCLB and the Iraq war. Discussing paying for these requirements is fiscally responsible. It’s not the same as a state budget. If it were the state could just decide not to fund special education or NCLB or pay for their share of the Iraq war and balance the budget. This is one reason why Paulsen hasn’t got a clue. He is steeped in state level issues and has no idea of the responsibilities of dealing with federal level issues. You can’t apply state processes to federal decisions. The question is…..just who do you think should pay for Bush’s war on Iraq? Your great grand children (Paulsen’s view)? I would submit that this generation that elected that man should be forced to pay for it. In fact, personally I’d like to see every person who voted for Bush be assessed a “war tax”. It would serve them right.
Let’s discuss our schools and your statement that they are “still performing” at high levels and we didn’t have our taxes raised. I would submit that is bull. Our schools have had their federal funding cut under Bush, state funding cut under Pawlenty (and his minions such as Paulsen) which, in turn, forced the funding issues down a level and required communities to raise funds to pay for programs under levies and referendums. Taxes are taxes. Schools have to be funded because of federally required mandates such as NCLB, Title I, Title IX, special education, etc. If the funding is cut from the federal budget (as in the case of NCLB and special ed which is mandated to pay 40% yet only pays approx. 12%) then the balance must be made up from somewhere else. If the state refuses to fund schools in the name of “cutting taxes” then those funds come from somewhere else or the schools continue down hill. Communities then must run levy and referendum questions to raise those funds. Call it what you will but the schools are funded. I call a tax a tax.
“Erik Paulsen was fine as a state rep.”
Sure - if you hate gays and other minorities - and thought the way to improve public education was by cutting funding. Oh, but if you were a Racino backer, or “no new taxes (at the state level)” kind of guy, I guess I understand why you’d say that.
“He is well-liked by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. “
Not according to the DFL House Members I talk to; see above.
“DTM…The three are very far apart on social issues. Dillon and Madia are more socially moderate. Paulsen is a social far rightwinger. Dillon even said so at the last debate.”
Go to any of the candidates’ websites, and click on “Issues”. You will find no social issues as their primary platform planks. Not for Paulsen, not for Madia.
They may be very different on social issues, but none of them are prioritizing social issues as part of their term should they be elected. I for one think that is how it ought to be. Social issues become distractions. The business of the people is the other stuff… healthcare, economy, security, etc.
WMD,
Please direct me to where education was actually cut at the state level. Cutting the rate of growth in spending does not count. I think it happened once at a very low level. It’s not Paulsen’s fault federal funding was cut. And whatever problems our education system has is not for lack of funding. Why do we spend more than every industrialized country yet get worse results? You can thank teacher’s unions and lack of choice for our education problems. Your argument that Erik is not qualified to work on budget issues at the national level because he’s worked on state issues is outrageous. Remember that Madia has NO experience. None. How does that make him qualified? Serving in Iraq gives him no credentials on the economy, education, the environment, spending, taxes, health care, etc. Partner that with never holding public office and you have someone who is qualified on one issues under your criteria. To say the Paulsen isn’t qualified (you would argue unfit) to be in the US Congress is laughable. The Aspen Institute certainly thought enough of him on national issues. Apparently your standards are higher or just totally illogical.
TwoPutt,
I would ask Ann Lencewski, Denise Dittrich, Debra Hillstrom how they feel about Erik. No way they agree with him on a lot but I think you’d get some positive answers. Please tell me how Erik hated minorities as a state rep. How does his ties to the Somali community which he represents square with your assertion?
” How does his ties to the Somali community which he represents square with your assertion?”
110%. Just before the last budget was passed, here on the prairie, the local republiCons on the City Council voted to fire the Somali Outreach Coordinator, but also voted to keep the white guy in parks. And they did this “right” before Christmas.
Paulsen did a heckuva job working tho local elected members of his own party on that one, didn’t he?
From what I have heard, the Somali community knows exactly which party supported their needs, and they are supporting Democrats up and down the ticket as a result. And since they have a very large voting block of citizens this election cycle, they may actually be a force to be reckoned with.
I have also been told, by a strong republican, that the republicans are going to post poll watchers at the precincts that are strong Somali residents, and challenge the citizenship of every Somali who comes to vote.
Anyone who believes that Paulsen, Pawlenty and friends “balanced” the state budget without raising taxes is either uninformed or just another GOP’er on “spin cycle”. Passing the buck to future generations by unwisely using bonding (buy now, pay later), cutting state aid to cities and counties (increase property taxes), and cutting funding to schools (have you heard of inflation) caused most school districts to present levy referendum questions to their voters. In a rich senate district like Eden Prairie (Paulsen’s home) with only one high school this isn’t a big deal, but in more diverse settings like my district (Osseo Area Schools #279) with 3 high schools and more than 70 languages being spoken, this creates an incredible hardship and when the voters don’t vote yes, people looose their jobs and maybe their houses and have to move. This affects the economy and everyone loses. The state has a constitutional duty to fund equitable education for all and with the GOP leadership of Paulsen they have shirked that responsibility. How anyone can feel that Paulsen is a “fit” for our district is beyond me….he certainly isn’t for me. I’m proudly supporting Madia and everyday more voters are realizing what I already know…Madia the Patriot is going to be our next Congressman, and fortunately for Target, Erik Paulsen can start really earning his pay there…..Dillon would have been a better candidate for the GOP.
Rainman,
Ironically, your argument about bonding completely conflicts with your party’s stance this past year where they insisted and more and more bonding. Not for education, but for pet projects. Governor Pawlenty warned local governments that the state was tightening its belt and that local governments should do the same. Many chose not to.
TwoPutt,
Erik Paulsen is not responsible for other Republican elected officials relationship with the Somali community. You don’t need to take it from me or TwoPutt, take it from a member of the Somali community:
“We were very glad that Rep. Paulsen spoke at this historic event,â€� said Murshid Barud, an event attendee and community leader. “His participation once again shows to Minnesotans that Rep. Paulsen is ahead of the game when it comes to engaging and understanding U.S. foreign policy towards Africa. Rep. Paulsen’s attendance is proof to all of us that he will be ready to handle complex foreign policy issues when elected to
Congress.â€� “ http://paulsenforcongress.com/index.asp?Type=B_EV&SEC={988B9D2B-ACA9-49D0-937D-B4C8640D009B}&DE={5175F6B0-DE6C-45FB-8FF0-49BDE9B21789}
You bond for long term capitol projects, but you do it wisely.
You generate tax and fee revenue for current expenses.
A family uses their monthly paycheck to buy food, clothes, gas, entertainment, utilities. But they use a mortgage to buy their home.
Bonding itself isn’t bad. What matters greatly is that it is used for the right purposes.
mnpolwatcher, if Paulsen can’t influence members of his own party, below him in the GOPer food chain, how pathetic is that?
Here’s a hint: (very)
TwoPutt,
Madia is one pathetic soul when it comes to influencing Bonoff supporters to get behind his campaign then…how pathetic is that?? Keep up the good work.
Dan the Man says:
So, Eva Young points out that it would be discrimination to not allow someone who is unmarried or doesn’t own a home to run for office. She is 100% correct. But with my vote, I can vote for someone who I best think understands my situation through their own life experience. That is what many voters will do this November.
EY: If I’m going to have surgery, I’m going to be concerned whether the surgeon is qualified as a surgeon, has the proper certifications, and has a good record. I will not be concerned whether they are single or married, or whether they own property. In the same way, when I evaluate candidates for office, I will look at previous political experience. Do they have a history of getting things done? I will also look at positions they have taken on issues, and voting record.
As I mentioned before - 37% of the electorate is single - and that’s a huge slice of the electorate to alienate with this sort of attack.
At first I had disagreed with the whole race card being drawn thing, it seemed a bit of a stretch. But over at Swing State Project, they put a link to what Michels’ had said and this is one huge racial overtone. What they are essentially saying is that, he isn’t like your family so you shouldn’t vote for him. What kind of stupid line of attack is that unless it is meant to hint at, he’s a person of color and I’m white so vote with who you trust, one of your own or him.
Sorry to just come in and change the subject, but I feel like posting about the original thread topic instead of what everyone has talked about,
Ps, MNPublius should really update itself and maybe do more Kos style type of commenting, I simply cannot stand seeing one huge list of comments and not be able to respond to certain people effectively which in then turn just makes me not read any of the comments nor comment myself half of the time.
The only person using demographics to play the race card is Madia
““There are an estimated 2.5 million Asian Indians in this country, and an estimated 30,000 Asian Indians in the state of Minnesota. We have ZERO Asian Indians representing us in our national Congress. The Indian community of Minnesota could be the first in the nation to make sure an Indian gets elected into U.S. Congress. But only you can make this happen.” Ashwin Madia Feb, 2008
mon…you are totally off base. Madia playing the race card? Seeking support from people that feel they have lacked representation is quite normal, but not racist. What Paulsen and his “talking heads” did was coded racism….BIG difference. You should go back to posting on MDE where your nonsense is appreciated and supported.