Erik Paulsen

Erik Paulsen has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 3rd district of the State of Minnesota, since 2009 (map).

Seniors
Paulsen opposes privatization of Social Security. On his campaign website, Paulsen says he will work to lower prescription drug prices for senior citizens, and make long-term can more affordable and accessible.

Education
Paulsen believes that communities, parents and teachers should be able to make decisions about their school's curriculum.

Healthcare
Paulsen supports increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

Environment
Paulsen supported the Minnesota Greenhouse Gas reduction program.

Bio
Paulsen is a State Representative. He was raised in Chanhassen, Minnesota as the oldest in a family with four children. While attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, Paulsen met his wife Kelly. His first real job after college was at the Cable Value Network (CVN), where he gained experience in marketing. After, he worked for Senator Rudy Boschwitz, and then in Washington, D.C., he worked for eighteen months in Congressman Jim Ramstad's office. When Paulsen returned to Minnesota, he directed Ramstad's state office. Paulsen has four daughters, Cassie, Briana, Tayler, and Liesl.

In addition to pursuing a political career, Paulsen developed himself as a businessman. Currently, he is a business analyst for Target. Over the past sixteen years, he has worked in the operations department of a small computer support company, and was an investment associate and marketing analyst in different firms. When he worked in McDonalds following high school, Paulsen won the title of "speediest burger flipper."

Record as MN State Representative
Since 1994, Paulsen has represented Edina and Eden Prairie in the Minnesota House of Representatives. One of many leadership roles previously designated to him was the House Majority Leader. Now, he sits on the Ways and Means, Taxes, Commerce and Rules committees. A secure and robust economy, funded and responsible education system, clean and preserved environment, and beneficial tax reform plan comprise the issues most important to Paulsen.

Paulsen wrote and passed laws on "education equity funding, Mandarin Chinese language programs in schools, Wildlife Management Area acquisition, an India Center at the University of Minnesota, and the Gift of Life income tax deduction for organ donors." Additionally, as House Majority Leader, Paulsen worked in conjunction with Governor Pawlenty to get rid of a $4.5 billion state deficit without having to increase taxes.

2008 elections
Paulsen is the Republican nominee seeking to challenge Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) in the 2008 congressional elections. He ran unopposed in primary elections which took place on September 9, 2008. Paulsen defeated Democratic nominee Jigar Ashwin Madia in the November 2008 general election.

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Committees
Paulsen will be assigned committees if and when he is elected to Congress.

Affiliations
Paulsen has been involved in the following leadership and fellowship programs:
 * The Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership
 * The German Marshall Memorial Fellowship
 * The Young Leaders Forum of the National Committee on U.S.-China relations
 * American Council of Young Political Leaders

He is also involved in the following groups:
 * Minneapolis Institute of Arts as Board Trustee
 * Southdale YMCA as Board Member
 * Eden Prairie a Better Chance Foundation as Board Member
 * Learning Exchange, a place that helps people with disabilities, as Volunteer

Contact
Friends for Erik Paulsen 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 120 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 934-8999 - Anne Mason/Laurie Esau

Email: [mailto:erik@paulsenforcongress.com erik@paulsenforcongress.com]

External Resources

 * Official Paulsen for Congress website
 * "The battle over suburban, exurban vote", The Politico