Release: Dean Phillips Invites Rep. Erik Paulsen To Participate in Public Voter Forums

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Richard Carlbom: 651-261-1306

Dean Phillips Invites Erik Paulsen To Participate in Public Voter Forums
Pressure mounts for Paulsen to appear as Phillips announces a series of free public forums

Today Dean Phillips once again invited Congressman Erik Paulsen to join him at a series of public voter forums where people in Minnesota’s Third District would have the chance to hear from and ask questions of the candidates at a free and accessible event. An invitation to attend the first event in the series, held on Monday in Coon Rapids, was ignored by the Paulsen campaign.  

“Third District voters deserve to be heard by candidates seeking to represent them, not just through television ads, but side-by-side at open and public forums in their community,” said Dean Phillips. “I believe representation begins with listening, and I hope Congressman Paulsen will afford voters the chance to be heard.”

Several additional voter forums are planned in the coming weeks, including August 21st in Eden Prairie, August 27th in Edina, August 31st in Chanhassen, and continuing through Election Day.

“Congressman Paulsen has developed a reputation for only listening to those willing to write the biggest checks and only in environments where questions are carefully screened by his team. Voters shouldn’t have to pay big money just to speak to their representative,” said Phillips.

Despite saying “we’ll have other debates,” Congressman Paulsen has not responded to a debate invitation from The League of Women Voters, and has only committed to one hosted by the TwinWest Chamber, a $60 ticketed event. In April of 2018, Phillips invited Congressman Paulsen to join him in signing The Minnesota Way pledge, a mutual pact that includes a promise to hold two public events per month – while also committing to no PAC funding, no self-financing, and no spending by outside groups.

Upcoming Third District Voter Forums:

August 21st: Eden Prairie
August 27th: Edina
August 31st: Chanhassen

September and October events will be held in the following cities: Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Edina and Chaska.

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