DFL PARTY RESPONDS TO EMBER REICHGOTT JUNGE’S PRESS RELEASE

07/28/2006

(ST. PAUL) 7/27/06 – Today, the Minnesota DFL Party received a press release from the Ember Reichgott Junge campaign [attached]. It was faxed to Brian Melendez from a location in Chandler, Arizona.

Although it admits no wrongdoing, the release states Ember Reichgott Junge’s intent to finally comply with Minnesota election law and change her billboards accordingly.

“I am pleased that Ember Reichgott Junge has decided to abide by the law. I only regret that it took three orders from a judge [July 18, July 21 and July 25] to persuade her to do the right thing,” said Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez. “While her press release appears to be from Chandler, Arizona, we hope that she is now aware that Minnesota election law requires candidates to be truthful in their political advertising.

“The DFL Party is committed to protecting our endorsement. Ember Reichgott Junge bypassed the endorsement process entirely and has since then systematically attempted to use the party to promote her candidacy. She attempted to broadcast her radio show, which is paid for by her campaign, from inside our State Convention. And then she misled the voters of the 5th district by implying our endorsement on her billboards and campaign materials.

“Ember Reichgott Junge is a seasoned campaigner, a former legislator, and a lawyer. She knows what the law is.

Ember took a calculated risk, but she was wrong, and two tribunals have now concluded that she crossed the line into illegal conduct. I’m just glad that 5th congressional district voters will no longer be deceived or confused that the DFL Party has any endorsed candidate other than Keith Ellison.”