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.

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 was born May 14, 1965, Chanhassen, Minn. He graduated from St. Olaf College and took jobs with the Cable Value Network and later Sen. Rudy Boschwitz and Rep. Jim Ramstad. He currently is a business analyst for Target.Paulsen and his wife, Kelly, have four daughters. In 1994, Paulsen was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and served there through 2008. From 2003 to 2007, he was the majority leader in the House.

2008 elections
Paulsen was the Republican nominee in the 2008 congressional election for the seat left open by the retirement of Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.). 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.

Money in politics
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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

External resources

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