[Mpls] Campaign lit incident

[Phyllis Kahn]

With the continuing presence of items on this subject here and in
various local newspapers, it's probably time for me to make a more
complete statement:

It was wrong for me to have taken four pieces of campaign literature
that fell out of doors as I was door-knocking for another DFL candidate
in July.  I acted thoughtlessly and I gave my candidate's opponent an
issue on which to attack.  I apologized to both candidates. I was sorry
right after I did it and I'm still sorry.  I also need to apologize to
all my associates and constituents many of whom have had spent an
inordinate amount of time supporting or defending me. 

Under Minnesota Statutes 609.135 (the "vacate and dismiss" section)
my plea is vacated and the case is dismissed so long as I am not charged
with anything similar within a year.  You better believe that I won't
be do anything like this again in my lifetime. 
 
I knew that what I did in New Hope would be used against the candidate
I was supporting.  I hoped that what happened would not be exaggerated
and exploited.  I am dismayed that the exploitation is occurring but in
the end I am to blame for creating the opportunity.  Lynne Osterman, the
candidate whose literature was at issue, (after saying I was the best
member of her team) lied about what Sandy Peterson her DFL opponent
said, accusing her of saying that I was an "inexperienced" (a word
not used by Sandy) volunteer.  I can only hope that this campaign will
return to the critical issues facing the state.

The one positive part of this event is that my very public prosecution
has resulted in less of this sort of thing happening in the current
campaign season.  Several  candidate (in both parties) told me that my
example was enough to make them stop while reaching for a piece.

With all of the discussion of this incident (An experienced political
writer said he had seen serial murders, rapists and million dollar
embezzlers get less public attention), I thought I might add some
information on several unpublicized aspects. (to be continued in my 2nd
post for the day.)

Phyllis Kahn State Rep 59B