Minnesota DFL News

Celebrating Diversity, Fighting for Equality

Sat, 06/26/2010 - 13:39

DFL Party proudly stands with GLBT community to support social justice and equality

St. Paul (June 26, 2010) - As the Twin Cities Pride Festival is held this weekend, the DFL Party proudly stands with members of the GLBT community to celebrate diversity and fight for equality. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"The DFL Party is based on values that support building strong families. Our Party celebrates diversity and promotes fairness. Our activists and elected officials have fought for decades for social justice. But for far too long, some Minnesotans have been denied the right to declare their love and commitment through marriage. Every person should be allowed to take care of their significant other emotionally, financially and legally. We are proud to stand up this weekend and declare our support for the GLBT community, to renew our fight for marriage equality, and to affirm our commitment to ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."

Members of the Stonewall DFL and other DFL supporters will walk with DFL-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher in this year's Pride parade. Margaret will hold a rally with more than 100 supporters before the parade, at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 28th, on 3rd St, between Marquette and 2nd Ave.

 

Related to:  Margaret Anderson Kelliher

“Good People” Indeed

Thu, 06/24/2010 - 14:12

Tom Emmer's ties to anti-gay organization and homophobic leader is troubling for Minnesotans

ST. PAUL (June 24, 2010) - Tom Emmer recently came under fire for his ties to the organization You Can Run But You Can't Hide International, and its leader Bradlee Dean who has equated homosexuals with pedophiles and encouraged his followers to stand up and "enforce God's laws" on their own. When asked to address his relationship with Dean and his organization, Emmer simply said "these are good people."

"Is Tom Emmer kidding? Good people indeed," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "Tom Emmer stood up for a man who called members of the GLBT community predators, who has encouraged violence against homosexuals and would like to impose his narrow-minded beliefs on the whole of America. It doesn't get more bigoted or extreme than that, and Tom Emmer once again is there standing up for these right-wing beliefs. It's shameful."

Tom Emmer has contributed money to You Can Run But You Can't Hide International, done interviews with and been a guest in the home of the organization's leader, Bradlee Dean.

The DFL Party released this web video on the shameful company Tom Emmer keeps:

 

Stonewall DFL United Behind Margaret

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 15:23

DFL caucus endorses Margaret, releases video on her dedication to the GLBT community

St. Paul (June 23, 2010) - As the Twin Cities Pride Festival approaches this weekend, members of the Stonewall DFL Caucus rallied behind their endorsed candidate for governor, Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

"Margaret has a long record of standing up for social justice, and fighting for issues that matter to the GLBT community," said Mary Doran, Associate Chair of the Stonewall DFL Caucus. "Margaret shares our belief in fairness, will work for marriage equality, and is the only candidate with the experience and drive to get it done. We are proud to endorse Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor."

Stonewall DFL members filmed their reasons for supporting Margaret and released this web video:

 

Stonewall DFL is a political organization that works for a safe and equitable Minnesota by electing GLBT and allied Democrats to office in Minnesota and within the DFL Party. The DFL Party is proud of its record that demonstrates its commitment to social justice and fair-minded equality.

 

Political District Tags Statewide office:  Governor

Special Delivery: Pawlenty Sends $1.4 Billion in Health-Care Funding to Other States

Tue, 06/22/2010 - 16:24

Governor gets ball rolling for Tom Emmer to continue forfeiting thousands of jobs in hospitals and clinics

St. Paul (June 22, 2010) - Governor Pawlenty sent a letter to the Health & Human Services Commissioner today, officially announcing his intention to send $1.4 billion in federal health-care funding to other states. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Giving $1.4 billion away to other states will eliminate thousands of jobs in hospitals and clinics in Minnesota, will place unnecessary strain on our own state budget, and will hinder our ability to create jobs and opportunity here in Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty's action today is just another valentine to the far-right wing as he fights to promote his own ambition and paves the way for Tom Emmer to continue his extreme, failed Republican policies."

GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer has also pledged to decline the $1.4 billion in federal funding, but has offered no ideas for the future otherwise. Governor Pawlenty's decision would get the ball rolling for Tom Emmer to continue the failed Pawlenty policies that eliminated countless jobs and created the looming budget deficit in Minnesota.

Today is the 53rd day since Tom Emmer was hand-picked by Sarah Palin and endorsed by the Republican Party of Minnesota - still no budget plan.

Political District Tags Statewide office:  Governor

The Guessing Game Continues

Fri, 06/18/2010 - 15:21

Emmer still refuses to say what he will do as governor or put forth a plan

ST. PAUL (June 18, 2010) - Today, Tom Emmer took aim at journalists and voters asking for answers on what he'll do as governor, saying he's "not running to be the accountant" at a speech to his hometown crowd in Delano.

"Well I guess we have another item to add to the ever-expanding list of things that Tom Emmer won't do," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "Tom Emmer has already refused to provide a budget plan, support education, and create jobs in the future, so ‘be an accountant' is just the latest declaration of what he won't do for Minnesota. But the question still remains, where is Emmer's plan? What will Tom Emmer do? The guessing game continues."

Today is the 49th day since Tom Emmer was hand-picked by Sarah Palin and endorsed by the Republican Party of Minnesota - still no budget plan.

Background

Defending his refusal to offer a plan for voters, Emmer says he's not running to be the accountant. "Republican-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer took aim Thursday at politicians and journalists who have pressed him on his refusal to give any details about how he would resolve the state's multibillion-dollar projected budget shortfall. ‘I am not running to be the accountant for the state of Minnesota,' he said at a Delano Chamber of Commerce luncheon." [Star Tribune, 6/18/10]

Political District Tags Statewide office:  Governor

Severson’s Week of Political Stunts

Thu, 06/17/2010 - 11:18

Severson pledges to support "all efforts" to disenfranchise voters with photo ID requirements, takes his show on the road

St. Paul (June 17, 2010) - GOP candidate for Secretary of State, Dan Severson, held his most recent political stunt earlier this week, pledging to support extreme measures that would disenfranchise voters around the state, then kicked off a state-wide tour to promote photo ID requirements for voting.

"Minnesota has one of the best systems of voting in the country - as evidenced by last year's recount which was blessed by 12 judges and nationally recognized as an example of democracy at work," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "Dan Severson once again is simply trying to drum up controversy where three is none in an effort to make himself seem relevant."

Minnesota has several requirements for proving residence when registering to vote, but because not everyone has a credit card or driver's license, a government-issued photo ID is not currently required. Instead of focusing on how include people into Minnesota's voting system, Severson pledged to support all efforts to disenfranchise voters by requiring photo identification at the polls.

Background:

Severson touring state trying to make himself seem relevant. "Stopping in Mankato and three other towns Tuesday, Severson promoted legislation requiring photo IDs for voters and signed up legislative candidates to take a "voter protection pledge." [Mankato Free Press, 6/15/10]

Photo ID requirement is a solution in search of a problem. Minnesota has one of the best systems of voting in the nation. There are security measures in place to make sure that the people voting are eligible to vote. Even Senator Coleman's lawyers, who had every motivation in the world to find voter fraud in 2008's election, commented "we were looking for fraud, and we didn't see it." [Almanac, 2/5/10]

Photo ID requirement will disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible voters.

• Not everyone who is eligible to vote has a credit card or a valid photo ID. There are plenty of requirements for proving residence when registering to vote. Requiring a valid government issued photo ID is just too restrictive. Senior citizens who no longer drive, families who have recently moved, students and young voters without a license, as well as those who cannot afford the fees associated with government issued IDs would all be negatively affected by the ID requirement.

• "Repeated Republican attempts to make the change have been defeated by Democrats in the Legislature, who say the requirement would disproportionately reduce participation in elections by the poor, disabled and minorities. It would also make it harder for college students who don't have an up-to-date address on their drivers license to vote in their college town." [Mankato Free Press, 6/15/10]

 

Political District Tags Statewide office:  Secretary of State

Slim Pickings for Republicans

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 16:51

Candidates in congressional district four GOP primary both have repeated run-ins with the law

St. Paul (June 16, 2010) - As news reports continue to uncover more information about GOP-endorsed candidate Teresa Collett, it's now certain that whomever wins the GOP spot in August will have a record of repeated legal infractions.

Collett, who admitted this week to having two driving-under-the-influence- related incidents in the past five years, joins fellow GOP candidate, Dr. Jack Shepard, who is a fugitive currently living in Italy under allegations of arson. Dr. Shepard has previous drug possession and criminal sexual conduct convictions.

"It's slim pickings for Republican voters in the CD4 GOP primary," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "We don't envy them a bit."

Background:

DWI past surfaces for Teresa Collett. "The Republican-endorsed congressional candidate in the St. Paul area, Teresa Collett, has had two run-ins with the law in recent years while driving under the influence of alcohol, according to police records." [Star Tribune, 6/16/10]

Fugitive Jack Shepard holds previous criminal sexual conduct and drug possession convictions. "Shepard made news in 2004 when Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer booted him off the 2004 primary ballot because she believed he was a fugitive felon, something Shepard denies...The Pioneer Press' Pat Sweeney reported in 2004 that ‘Hennepin County authorities said they believe the candidate is a former Minneapolis dentist who had already been convicted of criminal sexual conduct and drug possession when he was accused of arson in 1982.'" [MPR, 7/6/06]

Political District Tags Congressional District:  04

Anderson for Governor, Take Two?

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 16:41

GOP auditor candidate still unclear on which office she's running for, making promises she's can't keep

ST. PAUL (June 16, 2010) - Republican state auditor candidate Pat Anderson has spent the last month on a state-wide tour telling media and voters that, if elected, she will work to redesign government and solve Minnesota's budget deficit. There's just one problem: the state auditor does not have the authority to do either of those things.

"Pat Anderson is traveling around the state making promises she can't keep," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "Pat Anderson is either misleading people or she is confused about what the job of state auditor really is - either way it doesn't bode well for Minnesota. Perhaps she thinks she's still running for governor?"

The state auditor has no power to redesign government and no direct impact on the state deficit - those are the jobs of the governor and the legislature. The task of the state auditor is to ensure accountability and transparency in Minnesota's 4,300+ local governments - that means cities, counties, towns and school districts.

"You'd think in her four years in the office, she would have learned the job's basics," Sosanie said. "But then, we already knew Pat Anderson had trouble paying attention to details, she has an eight-year pattern of financial errors that prove that point."

In her travels, Anderson has also told editors that, if elected, she would work to improve the relationships between state and local government. But Anderson herself was responsible for the breakdown in that trust.

"People won't be fooled by Pat Anderson's newly-minted alternate reality - it's a matter of public record," Sosanie said. "The cuts that have hurt greater Minnesota and driven up city property taxes by a whopping 102% can all be laid squarely at her feet."

Pat Anderson first recommended cutting Local Government Aid, and labeled things like libraries, parks, and community health services as "non-essential services" so that they could be cut.

"The fact is that Pat Anderson created the relationship problem that she's now pledging to fix," Sosanie finished. "She is entitled to her own opinions, but not her own facts."

Background

Pat Anderson said she'll work to redesign government and address the state deficit. "We have to redesign government,' Anderson said. ‘We have to rethink what we should be doing and who should be doing what, because we just can't continue on this path.' The state auditor is constitutionally charged with overseeing spending by local governments and has no authority to make the broad changes Anderson believes are necessary. But if she's elected, she said she intends to use her position as a bully pulpit to try to push the legislature to make those changes." [Pipestone Star, 6/10/10]

• The State Auditor does not have the power to do either of those things. "The Office of the State Auditor is a constitutional office that is charged with overseeing more than $20 billion spent annually by local governments in Minnesota. The Office of the State Auditor does this by performing audits of local government financial statements and by reviewing documents, data, reports and complaints reported to the Office. The financial information collected from local governments is analyzed and serves as the basis of statutory reports issued by the Office of the State Auditor." [Office of State Auditor, accessed 6/15/10]

Pat Anderson's record is riddled with financial errors.

• "Two of the four republican candidates for State Auditor have made financial errors on their 2009 campaign finance reports. Candidates Pat Anderson and Randy Gilbert have filed reports that don't add up." [Pioneer Press, 2/4/10]
• "State Auditor varies from Dept of Ed by $87.5 million. Auditor report on Minnesota schools differs on student count as well; Uses the wrong inflation period; some schools counted twice, others not at all. State Auditor Patricia Anderson's widely publicized report on Minnesota schools, released last June, varies from figures published by the Minnesota Department of Education and has problems in its analysis." [ECM, 9/20/06]

Pat Anderson said she'll work to rebuild relationships that she broke in the first place. "Another issue Anderson sees is that the relationship between local governments and the State are at an all-time low, mostly due to cuts in local government aid." [News Enterprise, 5/28/10]

• Anderson first proposed cutting LGA. "Minnesota Auditor Pat Awada said on Monday that the state could erase nearly 12 percent of its $4.2 billion deficit in fiscal years 2004-05 with a targeted cut of 43 percent in state aid to cities." [Pioneer Press, 2/11/03]

• Anderson labeled things like libraries, parks, and community health services as "non-essential services" so that they could be cut. "In her prior term, her advice on "essential services" eligible for LGA didn't sit well with rural communities. She declared libraries a ‘non-essential' local government service." [Bemidji Pioneer, 5/30/10]

• Cuts to LGA have driven up property taxes by 102%. "As federal and state governments have reduced the amount of aid to cities, the result has been a greater reliance on revenues derived from property taxes...Between 1999 and 2008, actual revenues derived from property taxes grew 102 percent, compared to 10 percent for revenues derived from intergovernmental sources." [Minnesota City Report, 2008 Revenues, Expenditures and Debt, accessed 6/15/10]

 

45 Days Later: Still No Emmer Budget Plan

Tue, 06/15/2010 - 13:42

St. Paul (June 15, 2010) - Earlier this month, Tom Emmer expounded on the need for the state legislature to address the budget crisis early in the session, saying the legislature should deliver a budget within 45 days of the governor's proposal. But Emmer himself still has not provided any details on his plans for the Minnesota budget. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Forty-five days have come and gone, but still no budget plan from Tom Emmer. Minnesotans deserve to know what Tom Emmer would do as governor - but, as always, Tom Emmer has no details. It's just cut-cut-cut rhetoric from the Tea Party candidate, and that lack of ideas doesn't add up to anything good for Minnesota."

Today is the 46th day since Tom Emmer was hand-picked by Sarah Palin and endorsed by the Republican Party of Minnesota.

Background

After standing on the sidelines during the budget negotiations, Emmer called for the legislature to propose a budget within 45 days of receiving the governor's proposal. "During the session I proposed that the Legislature put forth its own balanced budget within 45 days of receiving the governor's budget. As governor, I will insist upon it." [Winona Daily News, 6/4/10]

 

Sixth District DFLers Unite to Defeat Michele Bachmann

Sun, 06/06/2010 - 19:38

Maureen Reed ends campaign, endorses DFL-endorsed candidate, Tarryl Clark

St. Paul (June 6, 2010) - Dr. Maureen Reed dropped out of the election in Minnesota's sixth congressional district today, and endorsed State Senator Tarryl Clark. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"First, I want to congratulate Dr. Reed for running a diligent and spirited campaign. She and her staff, volunteers and supporters have put in long hours and done their part to spread the word on Michele Bachmann's failures. Throughout it all, we were working toward the same goal, and now, we welcome them to the team of supporters uniting behind Tarryl to take back the sixth district.

"With such major challenges facing our state and our nation, there is a lot at stake in this year's elections. DFLers are united and focused on unseating Minnesota's most ineffective, absentee member of Congress who will do anything except work for the people of her district. Working together, we will elect Tarryl Clark this November, and finally give sixth district residents the representation they deserve."

Mark Ritchie: Experience, Leadership, and Results

Tue, 06/01/2010 - 18:19

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie files for reelection

St. Paul (June 1, 2010) - Today, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie officially filed for reelection. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Mark Ritchie has repeatedly shown that he has the judgment, determination and leadership to effectively serve as Minnesota's chief elections officer. Secretary Ritchie has worked to replace politics with professionalism in the Secretary of State's office, to strengthen relationships with local election officials, increase access to the polls for eligible voters and to renew Minnesota's long tradition of civic engagement. He has succeeded.

"Under Mark Ritchie's leadership, we have seen an increase of over three hundred percent in successfully cast absentee ballots for military personnel serving overseas. And when Minnesota needed a nonpartisan leader for the Senate recount, Mark Ritchie led us through a process that was nationally recognized as an example of democracy at work. Minnesotans can be proud of the work Mark Ritchie has done as their Secretary of State, and the DFL Party is proud to support him for reelection."

Where’s the Leadership?

Tue, 06/01/2010 - 15:51

Severson has no record of leadership on improving overseas voting practices for military personnel

St. Paul (June 1, 2010) - The GOP candidate for Secretary of State today claimed to be an advocate for the voting rights of military personnel, but his record in the state legislature tells a different story.

"Dan Severson has repeatedly failed to lead on improving voting practices for our military personnel and is only now stepping into the discussion to play politics with our soldiers' rights," said DFL spokesperson Kristin Sosanie. "Not only did Severson oppose military voting assistance legislation in 2007, he also voted against moving the primary to help overseas voters in 2009. Let's be serious, if Severson wants to pretend to lead on military voting, he needs to first explain his opposition to reform and lack of leadership over the past eight years."

Over the past decade, the US Department of Defense, through their Federal Voting Assistance Program, has recommended an earlier date for the Minnesota primary to allow 45 days for absentee ballots to be sent out to citizens overseas. Since Mark Ritchie took office, he has strongly promoted legislation to comply with this recommendation. Dan Severson voted against it repeatedly before finally flip-flopping earlier this year.

Background:

Dan Severson's record shows no leadership on military voting.

• Dan Severson voted against military voting package included in the state government finance bill in 2007. [SF 1997]
• Dan Severson repeatedly opposed moving the primary to help overseas voters.
  • In 2007 Severson opposed HF 201, a bill to move the state primary from September to August. [HF 201]
  • In 2009, Severson did not show up to vote on SF 1331. [SF 1331]
  • Then, Severson eventually showed up to vote against SF 1331 after it was amended. [SF 1331 as amended]
• Severson finally flip-flopped earlier this year when the legislature moved the primary date to August 10th. [SF 2251]

 

Mark Ritchie has led the nation in increasing ballots from military personnel serving overseas, tripling the number of servicemen and women who were able to vote

• The count rate jumped from 18% in 2006 to 59% in 2008 [Election Assistance Commission, 2006 & 2008]
• 3396 military ballots were counted in 2008 vs. the 1072 counted in 2006 [Election Assistance Commission, 2006 & 2008]

 

 

Tom Emmer’s Budget: No Plan, No Details, Big Problem

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 10:20

GOP candidate for governor repeatedly comes up short on details on how to address historic budget deficit

ST. PAUL (May 28, 2010) - Earlier this week, Representative Tom Emmer refused once again to provide details on what he would do to address the budget crisis if elected governor.

"Minnesota will be facing a record budget deficit next year, and Minnesotans deserve to know what Tom Emmer would do as governor - but, as always, Tom Emmer has no details," said DFL spokesperson Donald McFarland. "Why won't Tom Emmer say what he'll do as governor? It sounds like he can't say because he has no idea. All we do know is that Tom Emmer's solution to the budget mess is to put teachers out of work and take police off the street."

The DFL Party released this web video:

 

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Related to:  Tom Emmer Political District Tags Statewide office:  Governor

Dan Powers: Ready, Willing and Able to Lead

Wed, 05/26/2010 - 16:28

DFL-endorsed candidate files for election, pledges to stand up for main-street Minnesotans

St. Paul (May 26, 2010) - Today, Dan Powers officially filed for election to Congress from Minnesota's second congressional district. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Dan Powers is an energetic and dedicated leader who will work everyday for his constituents and deliver real results. As a former construction worker, small-business owner, and member of a union family, he knows how to stand up for main-street Minnesotans and work for DFL values. Dan Powers will provide the accessible, transparent kind of leadership that second district residents have been waiting for - the kind of leadership they deserve."

Tarryl Clark: The Right Choice for DFLers

Tue, 05/25/2010 - 10:31

DFL-endorsed candidate has proven record of results for Minnesotans

St. Paul (May 25, 2010) - As candidates continue to file in Minnesota's sixth congressional district, State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Tarryl Clark is the only candidate seeking the DFL nomination who has shown that she can win elections and can attract both DFLers and independent voters. She is the only candidate with a record of results that make a difference in the everyday lives of working families. She has a broad base of support, and has earned every major endorsement in this race - including the DFL endorsement, which brings an unmatched network of thousands of staff and volunteers who are all excited to work for Tarryl's election. The DFL-endorsed congressional candidate has gone on to win the primary in every race in recent history and, with so many eyes trained on the race in the sixth district, the DFL Party will deliver victory for Tarryl Clark in the primary and general elections."

 

Bachmann Record: Nothing Much to Run On

Mon, 05/24/2010 - 15:26

Minnesota's most absentee and ineffective representative files for reelection

St. Paul (May 24, 2010) - Today, Michele Bachmann officially filed for reelection to Congress from Minnesota's sixth congressional district. State DFL Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Michele Bachmann has repeatedly chosen her party's fringes and her own glory over working for her constituents. With her divisive rhetoric, partisan obstruction, and chronic absenteeism, Representative Bachmann just isn't there for her constituents: not in the sixth district, not in Washington, and not on any issues that matter. Her record doesn't justify reelection, and the sixth district's people deserve better. They deserve a leader like Tarryl Clark, who has a strong record of results, a broad base of support, and a clear vision for the future."

 

DFL Endorses John Gunyou for Lieutenant Governor

Sun, 05/23/2010 - 13:43

Bemidji, Minn. (May 23, 2010) - Today, the DFL State Central Committee endorsed John Gunyou for Lieutenant Governor to run with Margaret Anderson Kelliher. State Chair Brian Melendez released this statement:

"Margaret Anderson Kelliher has proven her ability to get the job done for Minnesotans even in the toughest and trickiest of circumstances. Now, with John Gunyou on her team, they will be an unstoppable force for Minnesota's values.

"John's unmatched knowledge of the state budget, lifetime of experience in public service, and unique perspective as a veteran and former teacher will be paramount as the next administration faces serious fiscal and policy challenges in our state. John Gunyou is the right choice for Margaret and for the future of Minnesota.

"Together, Margaret and John will provide the strong, balanced leadership that Minnesota needs and deserves. The DFL Party is proud to endorse the team of the best and the brightest: Margaret Anderson Kelliher and John Gunyou."

Political District Tags Statewide office:  Governor

Bachmann Exposed: Day 3

Thu, 05/20/2010 - 13:35

As Bachmann refuses to disclose total amount of money received, DFLer calls on her to return state funding

St. Paul (May 20, 2010) - With Rep. Michele Bachmann still under fire for taking tens of thousands of dollars in funding from government programs like those that she has criticized as being "socialized medicine," Minnesotans are calling on her to return the funding she censured.

"As one of the country's most right-wing members who rails against funding for vital services, it's disrespectful and offensive to those of us in Minnesota's sixth district that Rep. Bachmann doesn't even practice what she preaches," said Circle Pines resident, Cathy Harrison. "Since Michele Bachmann has no problem criticizing government programs in order to earn Tea Party points, she should reimburse the state and taxpayers for the money that her family's clinic received. That $27,564 could be put to use in another struggling health-care facility whose operators - and those they serve - are grateful for the help."

Bachmann Exposed: Day 2

Wed, 05/19/2010 - 14:44

How much money did Bachmann actually take from programs she lambasted?

St. Paul (May 19, 2010) - With Rep. Michele Bachmann under fire for taking tens of thousands of dollars in funding from government programs like those that she has criticized as being "socialized medicine," Minnesotans have yet to learn exactly how much money Bachmann has received.

News reports uncovered this week that Bachmann accepted $27,564 in state funds for her husband's clinic. But the online database only lists funding accepted since 2007- the clinic has been open since 2003. How much money did Bachmann actually take?

"Given Michele Bachmann's regular rants against government programs and spending of any kind, and with her excessive opposition to any efforts to improve the health-insurance system or policies that would provide vital services to her constituents, it's hard to believe that she has the nerve to personally benefit from this money. It makes one wonder how she has accepted it with a clear conscience," said DFL Associate Chair Donna Cassutt. "As we learn more and more about her hypocrisy, the next question that comes to mind is: how much money did she really take? It's time for Rep. Bachmann to come clean."

Bachmann's clinic received tens of thousands in state money since 2007, and additional funding not available through online records. "Information from the state's Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP) shows the Bachmann's earning $27,564 in state payments since 2007. The clinic likely received more, since TAP's online data only records payouts given since 2007." [Minnesota Independent, 5/17/10]