Capitol View: March 26, 2010 Archive

DNC runs ads supporting Walz and Oberstar

Posted at 7:09 AM on March 26, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The DNC is running TV ads thanking DFL Reps. Tim Walz and Jim Oberstar for their health care votes.

"The ads will praise House Democrats who supported historic legislation to reform our nation's health insurance system and highlight House Republicans who voted against health reform, which makes health insurance more affordable, reins in insurance company abuses and extends coverage to millions of Americans who lack it today," a DNC news release said.

You can watch the Walz ad here.

You can watch the Oberstar ad here.

For your viewing pleasure...

Posted at 5:33 PM on March 26, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Here's a look at this weekend's public policy shows. GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann gets a national speaking slot on Face the Nation.

TPT's Almanac:
Tonight on Almanac Duluth Mayor Don Ness talks up his city's bid to get ultra-high-speed broadband... St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman responds to the KSTP-TV investigation of his Public Works Department... Dick Day debates racinos with a rep from the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association... and Mary Lahammer sits down with Jesse Ventura who tells her that paranoia can be a good thing.

KSTP's At Issue:
They didn't get back to me. Political analysts Sarah Janacek, Carhie Hartnett and David Strom.

WCCO's Sunday Morning:
DFL Sen. Al Franken

Capitol Report:
An alternative way to prepare potential teachers is detailed in committee, and on this weeks program. Julie Bartkey sits down with Senate author Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka) to discuss the initiative. Tom Dooher, Pres. of Education Minnesota, details why the union he heads up opposes the bill, and offers his reform ideas. Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) gives her perspective as a former school teacher on education reform. Finally, Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy) discusses his idea to use a scratch off lottery game to fund Veterans programs.

ABC's "This Week" - White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett.

CBS' "Face the Nation" - Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn.; Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine.

NBC's "Meet the Press" - Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

CNN's "State of the Union" - White House senior adviser David Axelrod; Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.

"Fox News Sunday" - Debate between Republican candidates for U.S. Senate: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Hackett hits Paulsen on spending

Posted at 5:53 PM on March 26, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

The Associated Press is reporting today that GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen's congressional office spent $413,996.12 on mass mailings, teleconferences and other communications. That's third highest among the 54 freshman members of Congress:

"With so many significant issues being discussed in Washington such as health care reform, jobs and the economy, we are constantly being asked what Congress is doing and what is in these bills," Paulsen spokesman Andrew Foxwell told the AP. "It is our job to inform citizens in a timely manner and to ask for their feedback, which is why we are aggressively striving to communicate with constituents."

One of Paulsen's DFL opponents, Maureen Hackett, criticized the spending in a news release:

"While every representative has an obligation to reach out to his or her constituents, the $413,996 Paulsen spent on mass communications last year-the third-highest total in Congress, according to the Associated Press is beyond excessive.

The people of the 3rd Congressional District would be far better served if Paulsen opted for a few less taxpayer-funded, campaign-style mailings and meetings in front of hand-picked, friendly audiences. Instead, we need a representative who's willing to listen directly to the people and respond to them without the aid of spin-masters, graphic designers and tele-town hall phone operators."

Hackett is seeking the DFL endorsement against Jim Meffert. The 3rd Congressional District's DFL endorsing convention is scheduled for April 10th

Update: Meffert's campaign released this statement:

"For someone who claims to be a fiscal conservative, those numbers just don't add up. While members of Congress need to keep their constituents informed, Paulsen's blatant misuse of taxpayer funds is irresponsible and hypocritical," Meffert said, adding that 'while branding himself a fiscal conservative, Paulsen has overtly abused hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars for his own political gain.'

"This is not leadership, it's sleight-of-hand. The repeated use of taxpayer funds to send out campaign-style mailings shows that Paulsen is not as concerned with representing our district as he is with winning at any cost. Paulsen has been on the government payroll for 20 years - it's time for him to go.'