End Citizens United (ECU) today launched a new TV ad in Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district focusing on the millions of dollars Congressman Erik Paulsen has taken from Big Pharma and insurance companies, and his support of legislation that could lead to premium hikes for constituents. Paulsen has received the fifth most PAC money in Congress, a sharp contrast to his opponent, Dean Phillips, who refuses all PAC money. This is the second time ECU has spent in the race. Its earlier $740,000 ad campaign, “One of the Biggest,” spotlighted Dean Phillips’ commitment to rejecting all special interest money.
The ad, titled “Money Talks,” is part of a $575,000 broadcast ad campaign.
“Congressman Paulsen has repeatedly put his donors’ needs over his constituents’,” said ECU President Tiffany Muller. “He continues to demonstrate the corrupting influence of special interest money by supporting Big Pharma at the expense of Minnesota families, while Dean Phillips is proving his commitment to Minnesotans by refusing all PAC and special interest money.”
In December, ECU named Paulsen to its Big Money 20 list, identifying him as one of the worst pay-to-play politicians in Washington. Recently, Dean Phillips was a leader of a coalition of 107 House challenger candidates who sent a letter to the House of Representatives demanding that a reform bill be the first item on the agenda in 2019.
Click here for supporting information for “Money Talks.”
Full script below:
VO: They say money talks. Erik Paulsen’s sure listening. He’s pocketed more than $2 million from big money corporate special interests PACs and lobbyists.
VO: Made the top five in PAC money.
VO: Paulsen’s taken hundreds of thousands from big drug and insurance companies.
VO: And boy they got their money’s worth. He voted to let them jack up our premiums and gut coverage for pre-existing conditions.
VO: Erik Paulsen sold us out. It’s time to vote him out.
VO: End Citizens United is responsible for the content of this advertising.
Unlike dark money groups, ECU is entirely transparent and every penny is disclosed with the Federal Election Commission. Unlike Super PACs, ECU is entirely grassroots-funded with an average contribution of $14.
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