What's missing in this is the Union Money. Rep Ellison claims to be Pro Worker and Pro Union yet sadly I have seen a different side. I was a 7 year Union employee. My union is one of Rep Ellisons biggest donors. One day I was hurt while working. The company said your heavy, any injury must be your fault. With that I was let go. My union was too busy to even file a grievance. A Minnesota judge would later rule that Delta & the insurance company lacked logic and common sense. That no medical evidence was used other then well your kinda fat. I won my case but the damage was done. I lost my house and job and for two years became homeless. Rep Ellison finally reached out to me Jan 2012 saying he wanted to meet. His people later told me thats not going to happen. I questioned Rep Ellison who told me he wanted to..... then blocked me. That was 6 months ago. I was abandoned by my union and Mr Ellison while Ellison continued to get money from the money collected from my union dues. Where is the outrage over what happened Mr Ellison? You got $10,000 from my union last year thanks to my dues and yet I get abandoned by both? A judge saw through what Delta did.... you ignore it. Instead of focusing where others money is coming from Keith should get his own house in order. @gregstaffa

Campaign donations by individuals are limited, but I don't think that there are limits that can be shifted from one candidate to another, or their self-serving charities. Correct me if I'm wrong but I see this as a racket to protect incumbents and hide the source of donations from public scrutiny. The Dems scream about Citizens United and yet have multi-thousand dollar dinners? How much money has Ellison received from CAIR? What foreign government did that money initially come from?

Getting money out of politics is not going to happen, neither party will allow that, they could not stay in power without it. Politics is all about staying in office and trying to destroy the other side. Doing what is right for the American people is so far down the list it is laughable. Big money from big business runs this country and now that Citizens United is the standard bearer the poor and middle class will only suffer more. I am done with both political parties, they are both corrupt.

Oh please--how can you run Chris Fields' misleading assault on Keith Ellison as just a "Local Voice" and fail to identify him as a political candidate running against Ellison for Congress?! Southwest Patch may not feel bound by any journalistic ethics, but you at least owe readers the information that would put garbage like this in some context.

Chowenhouse, Did you give money to Keith Ellison for his re-election bid? Did you know your money was going to other candidates in other states? Are you ok with that? It sounds like a bait and switch to me. Name one fact that is wrong in my post. As for being a local voice, that is in fact what I am. I could mention that I am a retired combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps and I could also mention that I am a North Loop resident. The point is there are a number of ways to describe who I am, a local voice works just fine. If you prefer I am the alternative to Keith Ellison. My campaign represents a chance to restore integrity back in to our politics and bring common sense to Washington Dc.

Chowenhouse, I'm pretty sure when Chris said "my campaign" it was pretty obvious who he was. And if you click on his name, it goes to his profile, which also identifies who he is. So, tone down the anger a bit, take a deep breath, and try to focus on the facts.

Keith Ellison is complaining about money in politics while outspending his opponent 20:1. He also takes cash from the same PACs he claims to be against. To me, that's dishonest and hypocritcal.

I'd also welcome an explanation of why you think this post is misleading. It looks pretty straightforward to me.

The Fifth District elected Keith Ellison to support and promote a progressive vision for this country. He does that by his votes and by being a progressive Public figure. He does that by being the co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, by supporting other progressive candidates and by organizing the Fifth District to become politically engaged and vote. A majority of the funds raised by the campaign go to hiring organizers to energize the electorate and get out the vote. The people giving to Keith want him to do just that in the hopes that the Fifth District can continue to insure a Democratic Majority.

Carla, I thought the people of the Fifth District elected Keith Ellison to represent them in Congress. Thanks for clarifying that Keith's goal is to be a "progressive public figure" and not to represent his constituents. That makes his actions much more understandable.

To have a clarifying statement like this come from Keith's Lawyer and Campaign Treasurer is helpful indeed.

Is your statement an official response on behalf of the campaign?

Let us not be sucked up in Mr. Steele's word games. Keith represents the progressive values of his constituents in his votes, through his public speaking on issues that affect the Fifth district and all Americans and through the other activities outlined by Carla Kjellberg. Those who do not feel well represented by Congressman Ellison's voting record and public positions . . . should ask what values the alternative offers.

Carla Kjellberg is now in the mix? That is classic. Hey Carla, as Keith's divorce lawyer, how much knowledge do you have of him assaulting his ex-wife Kim while she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis? You progressives are such a noble breed of people!

A couple of years ago I traveled to DC for the annual National Bike Association Convention. We spent a day on the hill visiting with our Congressional Representatives. Keith, of course, was not available which didn't surprise me but his staff would not even take our literature to give to him. I, and several others in the group, were told to drop it off at his office in Minneapolis. Kinda hard to feel he represents me. Additionally, I have on occasion submitted letters on issues that do affect me. Invariably I get a response that demonstrates that my comments have not even been read before responding to them as the position/solution is the exact opposite of what I suggested. It then thanks me for supporting his position on the issues. If that is the representation of a "progressive public figure" I don't need it.

These comments are as informative as Chris' article. Very interesting.

Keith has been a terrific representative. He's been very accessible and open to input from his constituents. Keith is inclusive of all different kinds of people and the budget that he and the Progressive Caucus proposed a couple years ago would have not only helped with job creation, but would have put us on the road to dealing with the debt.

For Chris Fields is not say that he is running against Keith and act like he's just any old constituent with an opinion is really low - if this is an example of Chris's ethics, I'd say he's lacking, seriously lacking.

So far, both in the comments and the original post itself: a lot of attacks on the incumbent. Yet, ultimately, not a lot said. If you want to be taken seriously by most people...forget about your opponent - tell the voter WHAT YOU'LL DO IF YOU'RE ELECTED. Specifics, not red-white-and-blue flag waving rhetoric - practical, real detailed articulations on what you would intend to accomplish and how you intend to accomplish them. All I've seen so far is that you and your supporters are willing to call names or point fingers. Kind of ironic considering your campaign materials highlight the virtues of "coming together" and rejecting the idea of employing "a message designed to fan the flames of distrust and division for political gain" which you accuse your opponent of using. Please, just stop. Really.

Until then, as someone in the district where you are running as a candidate, I won't take you or your campaign seriously. However, I hope to see some actual detailed information on your plans. As in, NOT your opponent! Is this too much to ask?

AKA and Coyote50,

I can appreciate your defense of Ellison's record but it does make me question why Keith isn't speaking up.

Coyote50, your lack of respect for military service is frankly appalling and if I were Keith Ellison I would be ashamed to call you a supporter.

To your points:

As a member of a body of legislatures your success in promoting the policies that support the people you represent hinges on your ability to work with other legislatures. Specifically that is where I will excel and where Keith has not. If he had succeeded our district would be in far better shape. It is not enough to stand for things that make the hair on the back of peoples neck tingle. If you can't ever get anything passed then at the end of the day, you let the people down and its time to go.

What we need is focused leadership. If elected I can do something that Keith can never ever do, bring Republican votes to common sense ideas even if they come from the left side of the aisle.

Finally, I will never shy away from pointing out his record. He doesn't get to stand on a soap box and talk about wonderful things when his record clearly demonstrates the opposite. The people loose when career politicians are not held accountable.

coyote50 - funny you should bring up bridges. Keith Ellison was in office when the 35 W bridge fell. But when the time came to vote to replace the structurally deficient bridge in Stillwater, he was one of the few that voted no. So let's not pretend Keith is a guy who cares about bridges.

Coyote50, you need to understand the difference between having served in the military vs retiring from the military. Someone that has retired from the military has served 20+ years, and has the same level of skills and professional background as any other professional: lawyer, doctor, professor, business leader, etc. There are many members of congress that retired from the military and then went directly into politics. This is really not an uncommon thing. Speaking of which, many US Presidents went directly from being a career military officer to POTUS.

Also, no one “attacked” you Coyote50. There is clear difference between debating and attacking someone. Sadly it appears you are rather thin-skinned, and have probably not experienced a real confrontation in your life. Furthermore, exposing someones political and legislative record is not an “attack”. If the local news would have said the same thing about Keith’s Million Dollar Machine, would it have also been deemed an “attack” by you? No, it would be considered good journalism, which sadly is something lacking here in the Twin Cities.

And finally, do you really think Chris Fields is never going to issue a specific policy position? He already has a few videos and interviews online where he does get more specific. The irony of this is, you probably voted for Barrack Obama, and he was the most vague politician of them all! Hope and Change? Come on, what does that really mean?

I am really tired of reading Chris Fields' diatribes. The visual in my head of him when I have read his website, his blogs, or his comments is of a tiny man standing on a very broad but not high soapbox throwing wild punches at thin air. What a sad image of a Marine. As a resident of the 5th district, I would like to know more specifics about Chris, besides being a retired Marine (which he bleats rather loudly and repeatedly).
1) Where did Chris Fields earn a degree and in what area of interest?
2) I found a previous addresses for Mr Fields in Temecula, CA (he stated before he had a home in San Diego, CA), St Paul, MN (his wife is life long resident of Minneapolis?). So what is the truth and if what you stated was not the complete truth then why lie about seemingly miniscule truths?
3) How long has Mr Fields been wanting to run for office? The motivation to represent the people in 5th district lacks substance considering Mr Fields is not a Minnesotan, a Midwesterner, or for that matter much of a Minneapolis resident.
4) Instead of trying to level the Ellison Campaign funds to the paltry Fields' level, why not work to raise more?
5) Does Mr Fields have better tactics in a political campaign than killing the messenger in hopes of killing the message? What might be refreshing is being genuine, authentic,honest.

Chris,

Please point me to where I defended anyone's record. In fact, might I point out to you, since you failed to notice, that I didn't even mention him. I mentioned you. For someone who doesn't want this to be about the "politics of division", you're sure quick to lump me in with the group that isn't on board with you. It's laughable that you think that automatically means I'm defending or supporting anyone.

I have no problem with you pointing out where your opponent is lacking. However, when that's largely done in place of actually proposing something material and concrete, well, that's when I stop taking your campaign seriously. It's just more of the same - which, for the record, comes from both of the 2 major parties.

Someone, wake me up when we've got a candidate that runs on their own ideas, not solely pointing out the failures of everyone else. I'm tired of it. I'm not alone in this regard.

I find the anti-military slant of some of the comments here quite appalling. Maybe it's just me, but I would never tell someone who literally put their life on the line for my freedom that they should "move on", or imply that their service doesn't qualify them to serve in Congress.

I for one would rather see more veterans and fewer lawyers in Congress.

The only reason Keith Ellison is up with such a large cash advantage is because you're a throw-away candidate. The GOP would be throwing a lot of cash at your campaign if they thought you had a chance, but Ellison is a strong candidate in a liberal area. No offense to you; it cuts both ways, there are several democrat candidates going against strong GOP candidates in conservative areas that also receive little funding/support because they realistically have little chance of winning. *Yawn*

Good point, Brie. My original post June 14 was meant to criticize the blog for running Fields' critical piece about Ellison without pointing out that Fields is running against Keith. The firestorm it set off has given this Fields guy and his stooges more attention than his credentials or status as a Republican placeholder . . . ever merited. 'Nuff said . Let's talk about something or someone who matters.

What's awesome is that Chowenhouse and Brie just proved Chris' point for him, but they don't see the irony. Chris has argued that because Keith Ellison is in a "safe district" then he has no accountability. Because he's virtually guaranteed re-election, no matter how poor of a job he does, he doesn't have to perform for his constituents.

It's an odd view of Democracy that has been put forth here. According to team Keith, Chris is a "throw-away candidate" and doesn't merit attention. I get the impression that if it were up to Chowenhouse, et.al, we'd just crown Keith right now and not even bother with an election.

Who's job is it to keep Keith accountable for the rest of us? Unlike the astroturfers here, I'm actually a resident of the Fifth, and I am unhappy with my representation in Washington.

Why does Keith get to just run unopposed and unchecked? And why, since he's guaranteed a win, does he need a million dollars? This just doesn't make sense.

Well this has gotten interesting! Good conversation!! Keep it up! If you didn't catch my press release on this matter, check out my website. Good Comments Jim!

Here are a couple of comments:

Brie, If I have little chance of winning then why has Keith Ellison spent over $1 million dollars already? Shouldn't he tell people to send their money directly to all of the other candidates he is required to support according to his treasurer. Or better yet help the poor with their hard earned cash. Why the shell game? Why use me in his fundraising letters to justify raking in more cash that he doesn't need?

Chowenhouse, I don't think Keith Ellison shares your point of view. He must think that my credentials and message are substantive because he has chosen not to answer my call for a debate in every city in the District. Given his staffs previous comments and the post by his treasurer they do appear concerned. I get that. Its like I said on the Late Debate with Jack and Ben yesterday. Paul Wellstone had his bus; Keith Ellison has his Gravy Train. Ellison and his people don't want the Gravy Train stopped.

You should be encouraging him to debate me. One in every city. I'll focus on real issues and you'll get the info you need to make a good choice.

For now, I would just prefer that you answer questions, state a coherent idea, have some substance and merit. Come on, dude - your rhetoric is surface and getting old.

Keith Ellison was, is, and always will be a "do as I say not as I do" charlatan. His theatrics in Congress are an embarrassment and only meant to divert attention from the fact that he is incompetent.

@Daniel - thanks for the constructive commentary and supporting argument.

Thank you, Chris, for answering some of the questions above! Nice to see a candidate in the comments section for a change. And Rep Ellison should absolutely agree to a series of debates. It's ridiculous not to be open to that. That being said, can you please settle two subjects once and for all? 1) when did you move to Minneapolis? And why did you move to Minneapolis? 2) Do you have a college degree, and if so, in what major and from where? Your website as near as I can tell does not provide the answer to either question. Thank you so much.

Scott,

Thank you for your questions.

I moved permanently to Minneapolis in April 2011 and was officially retired from the Marines in August of 2011. My wife and I choose to live in Minneapolis for a variety of reasons. The short answer is I am an urban dweller and while San Diego (where I spent most of my military career in the states) is nice, I am a city guy.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Degree in Finance from Park University which is located in Kansas. I attended the courses on their Satellite Campus at Camp Pendleton while on active duty.

Please feel free to email me anytime.

I'd love to hear what the people commenting in this article have to say on this topic:

How Do You Define These Controversial Words?
http://hopkins.patch.com/articles/how-do-you-define-these-controversial-words