Rep. Paulsen disputes Bachmann remarks
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Rep. Erik Paulsen says the recent comments made by fellow Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann about Islamic fundamentalists infiltrating high levels of U.S. government were "not appropriate" and "not accurate."
Paulsen offered his view on the controversy on Monday after his appearance at a Minnesota legislative committee hearing on federal health care issues.
Bachmann has faced bipartisan criticism for suggesting that Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison and a top State Department staffer had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Paulsen would not say whether Bachmann owes anyone an apology.
"Well, I'll just say I don't agree with her comments," Paulsen said, "and I don't think they were right to go after an administration official without any background that would prove otherwise. And it's up to her to kind of handle that on her own now."
Asked if he believes there are any links between U.S. government officials and the Muslim Brotherhood, Paulsen answered with an emphatic no.
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