Eden Prairie News - For Paulsen, It's All About The Dough - Comments

Thank you for pointing out

bigfoot — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:03:35 -0500

Thank you for pointing out that the Minnesota Daily on-line archives in fact do precede 1998. I stand corrected. And corrected I was: You stated that they go back to 1996, but actually they go back to 1900.

http://www.mndaily.com/archive/archives/1900/05011900.pdf

We all make mistakes, but I know if I voted for Al Gore or George Bush in 2000. Do you? Jigar Ashwin Madia does, and he lied about it earlier this year. Truly, I can understand Madia's reasons for doing this; he was in a tough endorsement battle with Terri Bonoff. The Bonoff camp made the distinction that she was a life long Democrat and Madia had a long history of supporting Republicans.

Does Madia's reason for lying to the DFL make it right? Madia was caught in his lie. The extremists in the DFL party have chosen to blow this off, which is to be expected. What about the moderate Democrats and independents?

The Lacy letter that you stated was from 1997 was published on February 27, 1998. Here is another 1998 story from the Daily which exposes Madia as just another flip-flopper.

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/1998/01/21/5271

In the story Madia states: "I am revoking the veto not because of political power or a second guess, I firmly stand behind myself and my decision," and "I am revoking because the issue is moot, it is time to go back to the real, day-to-day issues and legislation that effect the students." If the Headless Horseman were to have read this, even he would have rolled his eyes.

Regarding Wikipedia: I am not a member of the Wiki community. I have never posted on Wikidpedia nor will I ever post on Wikipedia. There is no possibility that I wrote or contributed to article that stated he was "homophobic." Also, I had nothing to do with the short blurb on the Chappaquiddick incident that is included in the Wikipedia article on Ted Kennedy.

(BTW: Do you know what the penalty is for DUI in Massachussets? ... Re-election to the senate.)

Earlier this year the Madia campaign accused the Bonoff campaign of spreading rumors that he is homophobic. Could it be that her people were behind the homophobic reference? For months the reference to Madia's homophobia on Wikipedia existed and then in the few key strokes of a volunteer editor it was removed. Is it possible that you are the editor who removed the reference to Madia's homophobia?

In response to the tile of your post, Madia: An Excellent Addition to US Congress ... The only office that Madia has held was a one-year term as MSA President at the University of Minnesota. During this term he created an atmosphere of divisiveness, mostly attributed to his power mongering. Before you dispute that, re-read the links I've already provided.

Young bright-eyed Ashwin has the gift for the gab. He defeated Terri Bonoff by lying about his past and telling the DFL Establishment what they wanted to hear: MPR bullet points and CNN sound bytes. His lack of experience is problematic. More problematic is that his one year term as MSA President is not one he could be proud of.

Erik Paulsen has a record he can be proud of after serving several terms as a State Representative. That's why Jim Ramstad endorsed him.

http://southlaketonka.blogspot.com/2008/04/erik-paulsen-endorsed-by-jim-...

“We have the right person to represent the Third District at this critical time in our nation’s history. Today, friends, it is my distinct privilege to pass the torch of leadership to a new generation… To a leader who has the integrity, energy, vision, experience and character… A leader who will serve the people of our district with distinction at this critical time in our nation’s history,” Ramstad said.

Madia: An Excellent Addition

kizzieb — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:49:05 -0500

Madia: An Excellent Addition to US Congress

Bigfoot, FYI when I went to the Minnesota Daily site I found information all the way back to May of 1996.

Your quote from Brandon Lacy Compos was written in 1997. In 2007 that same Brandon Lacy Compos, in a direct email to Ashwin, says “…best of luck with your campaign…I think you will be an excellent addition to the U.S. Congress.” Ashwin’s commitment to equal rights for all people of the 3rd District has clearly earned him Brandon’s endorsement.

In response to your rant about the change to the Wikipedia biography (thanks for the link):
For those of you that don’t know about Wikipedia, ANYONE can add or edit anything that is written on these biographies. If you remove information that someone previously entered, you explain why. The official web site policy states: “This article must adhere to the policy on biographies of living persons. Controversial material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous.”

The specific comment about the Ashwin Madia change was: “… While balanced commentary on a politician is fair under Wiki rules, lines that suggest that Madia only changed parties for political purposes, etc. are not….I'm also removing the accusation that he was "homophobic". The accusation is not in an impartial article, where a journalist or someone else, can corroborate quotes by finding secondary source or interviewing a broad number of people to see if such a statement is true, but is rather made by one former classmate in the letters section."

How do you get “The standards must be that only nice things are to be written about Democrats.” out of that? Is it possible you were the one that edited that crap into the Wikipedia biography to begin with? Is that why you are upset that it’s been removed? Is that possible? Let’s face it Bigfoot, it takes time for the honest and fair-minded people of the world to pick up the slanderous doo-doo a (thankfully) small number of others leave behind – maybe that’s why the comments were out there for months before being removed.

So Bigfoot, why is Erik Paulsen committed to denying citizens of our 3rd District equal rights and freedoms under the law?

Thanks for the link to one

bigfoot — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 03:56:55 -0500

Thanks for the link to one former U of M student who has written about Madia's homophobia. .....

"I about choked on my lunch when I saw that Jigar was running as a DFLer. As MSA President, Jigar was an active member of the College Republicans, virulently homophobic and a staunch enemy of mandatory student fees. He was no friend to the cultural centers. In essence, he was the perfect conservative poster child.
I was a member of MSA and was once given an award by Jigar as having the best knowledge of the MSA Constitution and By-Laws, which I used (constantly) to stop Jigar and his friends from gutting free speech and freedom of expression, in as much as MSA had such power (mainly through the vehicle of the Student Service Fees Committee).
I believe all people have the ability to change. And I hope that Jigar's, excuse me, Ashwin's are much more than a change in preferred name and other cosmetic expressions."

__________________________________________

The Minnesota Daily on-line archives only go back to January of 1998, Jigar Madia's term as MSA president in May of that year.

Here is some of what was written about Madia during the five month time span.

POOR LEADERSHIP & DEFENSE OF HOMOPHOBIC MSA FORUM MEMBER:

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/1998/02/27/5975

"Roos should step down completely ...
Minnesota Student Association president Jigar Madia proved that his title should be Dictator Madia. Madia seems to think that leadership is exemplified by declaring that if he doesn't get his way he'll veto the decisions made by the MSA Forum." ... "One of the issues Roos disagrees with is homosexuality. Through her lawsuit she is attacking every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person on campus."

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/1998/04/20/6672

UNAUTHORIZED SPENDING:

"Madia faced criticism several times throughout the year by forum members, but his heaviest adversaries appeared after he allotted money in the fall for homecoming. The move went against the association's bylaws.
MSA forum members discussed a possible impeachment of Madia following the episode, saying his actions were unethical."

VETO OF VOTE REMOVE HOMOPHOBIC MEMBER:

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/1998/04/20/6672

"The forum also voted to remove Jessie Roos in February from her position of chairwoman of the Academic Affairs committee after she filed a lawsuit with four other students against the Board of Regents. The lawsuit claims mandatory student service fees are a constitutional violation. Madia vetoed the resolution, and Roos remained as chairwoman."
_________________________________________

MORE ON HOMOPHOBIA FROM THE ULTRA-LIBERAL WIKPEDIA:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Ashwin_Madia

The editor explains that she removed a reference to Madia's homophobia, because it doesn't meet her standards. The standards must be that only nice things are to be written about Democrats. The "Homophobic" reference was there for months, it was removed. The article is now completely void of his activism at the University of Minnesota.

MADIA LIES

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/ar...

MPR: 2000 election, of course, McCain wasn't the nominee. Did you actually vote for Bush in 2000?

Madia: No.

MPR: You didn't? You voted for Al Gore?

Madia: Yes.

The context in which he lied is serious. He was trying to convince the DFL that his Republican politics were well behind him and he was now a true tax-and-spend liberal.

Madia Equal rights for all

kizzieb — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:17:53 -0500

Madia Equal rights for all Americans
Bigfoot, I’ve seen your signature attached to several blog entries that attempt to malign Ashwin Madia. Today I find I need to comment on just one of the many inaccurate and misleading statements you made in this last posting.

Your words: ‘His political experience consists of serving on the Student Association at the University of Minnesota, and during that time he was well known for his homophobia.’

This comment seems to be based on a single source – an article that was printed in the Minnesota Dailey in November 1, 2007. If there are other primary sources for these comments let me know: (http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/01/72164235 ).

Did you know that the author of that article, after doing a bit more research, emailed Ashwin to say “…best of luck with your campaign…I think you will be an excellent addition to the U.S. Congress.”? (http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/05/72164303 )

Does a homophobe successfully defend a gay Marine against the military's bigoted and shameful "don't ask, don't tell" policy?

Would a homophobe be an outspoken supporter of same-sex marriage and full equality under the law for gay couples?

Does a homophobe publically acknowledge and have unconditional love for his gay brother?

On the other side of the aisle we have Erik Paulsen whose words and voting actions in 2004 and 2006 make it crystal clear that he is an opponent of equal rights for LGBT Minnesotans. Remind me again which candidate best fits the definition of a homophobe? Right!

Check your facts BigFoot – you’re so far to the right on this one that you’re off the page!

One more thing before I go:
Can you please tell me what ‘political experience’ that Erik Paulsen had before his first term in the Minnesota House of Representatives? I didn’t see anything mentioned on his campaign’s web page or anywhere else I looked…not even that he served in student government at St. Olaf…

See also: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/11/06/72164331 the article “More Support for Madia” written by another U or MN contemporary of Ashwin Madia’s and a fellow military veteran. OR the post of another U or MN contemporary http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/02/06/72165371 the article “Praise for Ashwin Madia”

"Partisan pi$$ing contest",

bigfoot — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:05:02 -0500

"Partisan *******ing contest", Mr. Brome?

Was it partisan when Jigar Ashwin Madia was seeking the DFL endorsement and he and fellow DFLer Terri Bonoff were whizzing all over each other? Back then Madia's handlers were claiming he was being swift-boated.

Many of the people I talk to are Bonoff supporters. They feel Madia has been given a free pass by the liberal establishment. Specifically, Madia was not challenged on his lack of experience, and his past anti-gay activism wasn't questioned.

His political experience consists of serving on the Student Association at the University of Minnesota, and during that time he was well known for his homophobia. Did he suddenly wake up one day and decide he was no longer homophobic, or is he playing to the DFL crowd?

How is Madia's tax and spend platform going to help the middle class? I'm sure that sounds good to democrats, but come the general election it won't be you and the tax-more, spend-more crowd making the decision.

Bigger government and higher taxes won't help the middle class. The majority of voters realize this. Madia's handlers were able to cover for him during the DFL endorsement process, but as we near the general election he will be exposed.

Bigfoot, I’ve stated what

CentralLion — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:35:12 -0500

Bigfoot, I’ve stated what I know. If that is not good enough for you, do your own homework, and give your report for the rest of the class. If you get a standing ovation, then I congratulate you.
Seriously, if this is your best strategy, then there are some flaws in your plan. If Republicans & Democrats start squabbling and tossing mud at each other so much it turns off voters, voters can turn to the Independence Party candidate, David Dillon. He could point out this is an example of the partisanship you get in Congress when you elect a Democrat or a Republican. I do wish the Independence Party a good campaign, but I have already made my choice of Madia and I’ll work to support him.
Also, Rep. Erik Paulsen should have run against someone. Because Ashwin Madia ran against a very strong candidate, Sen. Terri Bonoff, Madia faced more scrutiny, built up name recognition, and heard from more people about their concerns. If Rep. Paulsen had run against Sen. Hann or Sen. Michel of Edina, it would have drawn more attention to the winner and it would have brought out problems before the start of the general election. You would have someone that more than just your base could rally around. Instead, you all were quiet. Now how many people in CD3 really know who Rep. Erik Paulsen is? Are you depending on winning with the “Republican” brand name? What surprises are ahead for Rep. Paulsen and the Republican Party?

Madia: Fighting for Middle

danbrome — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:23:18 -0500

Madia: Fighting for Middle Class Families

I'd be curious to know who these laughing, name calling people are that you "discuss" Captain Madia with.

I have personally contacted hundreds of voters in the Third District on the phone or at their front doors. They are not in the least bit interested in partisan ******* contests that you seem to thrive on.

They are concerned about the issues that impact their families and their future:

* Education
* Healthcare
* Energy Policy
* War and Peace
* Civil Liberties

Ashwin Madia is a strong advocate for middle class families. Can you say that about Erik Paulsen? You are just kidding, right?

I don't door knock or make

bigfoot — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:14:38 -0500

I don't door knock or make phone calls for political purposes.

When I discuss the topic of Jigar Ashwin Madia with people, they laugh at how he fooled the DFL into thinking he is a credible candidate. They also mention what a fraud he is.

Bigfoot, “Wall-E” is an

CentralLion — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:55:48 -0500

Bigfoot, “Wall-E” is an animated movie produced by Pixar. It is about a robot and his adventures about 800 years in our future. It is an excellent movie with many lessons and laughs for people.
When you go door knocking or make phone calls or talk to people, is the discussion about how Madia voted for President in 2000, or about his law license, or about where he lived? Is it very important to them? Or do they talk to you about their own problems?
From what I’ve heard, the people in the 3rd Congressional district face serious problems. People are tired of government not working for them. I believe Ashwin Madia will help turn that around. What do you believe Rep. Erik Paulsen will do?

I haven't a clue about

bigfoot — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:56:41 -0500

I haven't a clue about Wall-E, is that another Al Gore fabrication?

The topic at hand is Ashwin's credibility, so please answer this question: Why did he publicly state he voted for Al Gore in 2000, when in fact he voted for George W. Bush?

And, please answer this question: Why are Ashwin's mouthpieces continuing to use his military service in Iraq as an excuse for the lapse in his license to practice law? Jigar Ashwin Madia left Iraq more than two years before his license expired. Jigar Ashwin Madia has been actively campaigning for office in the 3rd district since last year.

Finally, please answer this question: Where was his mail being sent when he worked for Ciresi?

Nice try though, in trying to deflect Madia's dishonesty onto something else.

Is that all you have,

CentralLion — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:58 -0500

Is that all you have, Bigfoot? When you go door knocking or make phone calls or blog, do you focus on Representative Erik Paulsen’s positive qualities? Can you promote your candidates or do you expect to win by only throwing mud? Is it too hard to promote Republicans these days?
When Rep. Erik Paulsen did the press conference at the gas station, was that really an advertisement to sell gasoline? Does his standing in front of a British Petroleum gas pump have special significance? If Exxon Mobil gave him money through a PAC, why is he standing in front of a BP gas pump? I don’t think they got their money’s worth.
Rep. Erik Paulsen voted against Minnesota’s participation in a regional greenhouse gas reduction program this year. Why? Does he support increasing the amount of air pollution? Will his leadership lead us to create a world like the future Earth in the movie “Wall-E”?
Rep. Erik Paulsen has previously voted against support for renewable energy sources in 2005 and 2001. What is he going to do differently in Congress to prepare our country for the future?

Why did Ashwin Lie? You may

bigfoot — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:37:15 -0500

Why did Ashwin Lie?

You may not care if he voted for Gore or Bush, and I don't care either. But why did he lie about it? (The official response from the Jigar Ashwin Madia campaign is that he "flubbed" the answer) He lied about who he voted for to the public, and he lied to the DFL. There is know dispute about that.

Did Ashwin still list his address with mom and dad when he was working for DFLer Mike Ciresi the ambulance chaser? The time-line of Madia and his mailing address excuse doesn't make sense. He is either lying or is totally irresponsible. Possibly both.

Madia has been actively campaigning for office in the 3rd district since last October. Are voters to believe that he didn't have a legal address in the district during that time?

The DFL has the strong

CentralLion — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:34:12 -0500

The DFL has the strong candidates we want this year. I don’t see Republicans warmly embracing their candidates this year. Or is it the public that doesn’t like the Republican brand anymore? What have Republicans done for our country, again?
Now, I personally don’t care if Ashwin Madia voted for Gore or Bush in 2000. Many people at the time thought it really did not make any difference. If Ashwin Madia voted for Bush, then he was fooled like many other intelligent people. What matters most now are the votes on November 4, 2008.
While serving in our country’s armed forces, Ashwin Madia listed his parents’ home as his home address to simplify getting and responding to his mail. It is a common practice for those serving in the military. At the time of the expiration, Ashwin Madia was not practicing law. He was concentrating on how to solve the problems of the people in the 3rd Congressional District. He took responsibility and paid the full amount and the late fee to renew the license. Are you going to argue this is more important than the problems facing voters right now?
Now it’s the Republicans’ turn: What will Representative Erik Paulsen do to reacquaint Congress with fiscal responsibility? What is “fiscal responsibility” anyways? Was it something made up to fool voters?

Typical liberal mantra "The

Gino G — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:43:36 -0500

Typical liberal mantra "The other guy is doing it too". How about standing up for what you believe in and performing your due dilligence. Sadly, the DFL has a very thin pool of candidates again this year. You need a few more Lieberman types.

That sounds like the same

bigfoot — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:21:05 -0500

That sounds like the same excuse Angry Al Franken made: It was someone else's fault.

Regarding Representive Bachman, Senator Coleman, and Governor Pawlenty: All three have opted for inactive status. It is not uncommon for elected officials to do so and the blog you linked to clearly explains the reasons why.

When did Madia last serve in Iraq? It was March of 2006. His law license expired more than two years later. In fact before his license expired, Madia had been actively campaigning in Minnesota for months. Did he not have a permanent address in Minnesota's 3rd District?

I find it hypocrital that someone who's despartely trying to establish himself as a credible candidate for U.S. Congress would use as an excuse that "the renewal letters were mailed to his parent's home, and were overlooked."

Madia claimed to have voted for Al Gore in 2000, when in fact he voted for George W. Bush, was that something that he "overlooked" or does he blame mom and dad?

For Paulsen, It's All About The Dough

twoputttommy — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:20:30 -0500

On January 10th, 2008, it was noted that Candidate Erik Paulsen had his new website up and running, but: while there was a distinct lack of information, they made it plenty easy to send dough. They didn't tell you, back then, why you should send dough; they just told you to send it.

And it has been noted on several occasions on several blogs over these last several months that apparently, to Erik Paulsen, Iraq does not exist - that when "Iraq" is entered into the search field of Paulsen's website, "No items contained the text "iraq" is the result.