| Representative Erik Paulsen from Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District used campaign funds to pay his wife nearly $10,000 according to FEC filings. According to the reports, Carolyn "Kelly" Paulsen received payments starting in late August 2008. The payments continued until early December 2008, well after the campaign had ended. The payments were made as payroll disbursements and one travel reimbursement of $728.37, indicating that Congressman Paulsen appears to have hired his wife to serve as a staff member on his campaign in addition to providing for travel expenses.
What the Congressman's wife did for approximately three months to earn nearly $10,000 in payments is unknown.
Several attempts to obtain a comment from the congressman's staff were made prior to publication. A message seeking a statement was left with Lawyer and Lobbyist Reid LeBeau, the treasurer who filed the FEC reports. In addition, the congressman's press secretary Andrew Foxwell was notified of this story.
At this time, there is no official comment from the Congressman Paulsen or his staff. Updates to follow once the congressman's staff provides an explanation.
Update: the following is the response we got from Reid LeBeau: Kelly Paulsen, spouse of Erik Paulsen, was employed as office manager with the campaign from approximately 8/15 until 12/15. During the transition period from 11/11 to 12/11, Kelly worked with additional campaign staff members to wind down remaining campaign operations.
Note to Readers: This article was cross-posted from www.brianfalldin.com |
