Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen didn’t show up at a Fourth of July parade where he was expected on Tuesday, leaving a gap that protesters and his possible challenger quickly filled in, along with questions about Paulsen’s absence. Paulsen’s staff seem to have provided two different explanations for his absence, which is a good way to look like you’re not telling the truth:
John Swon, the chair of the parade, said that a Paulsen representative called him Sunday to say that the congressman had a scheduling conflict and would not be able to attend the parade. [...]
On Tuesday, Paulsen’s spokesperson, Andrew Johnson, wrote to WCCO-TV, saying that since it was an “off year,” the congressman didn’t plan on appearing in the parade.
“As was the case two years ago in the last off year, he didn’t participate then either, so nothing new here,” Johnson said. “I think it’s more of an on-year versus off-year thing.”
It was a last-minute scheduling conflict … no, he was never planning to be there at all!
Also, what a great excuse: The congressman only shows up for the Fourth of July parade during years in which he wants your vote. When you won’t be voting for another year, he has better things to do than wave and shake hands. In any case, Paulsen’s absence provided an opportunity:
Paulsen’s no-show left an opening for his critics, as protesters took his place in the parade.
“Our congressman didn’t show, so we are here instead,” said Clara Severson, who said she lives in Paulsen’s district.
Joining the protesters was Dean Phillips, a potential 2018 challenger to Paulsen.
If Paulsen was looking to avoid protesters by not being at the parade, he did a good job of making them the story. If he really isn’t interested in getting out where his constituents are except in election years, he’s handing his challengers a big opening to show they care about voters more than he does.