Rep. Paulsen will again benefit from GOP plan to help vulnerable House members

Star Tribune

Last update: May 19, 2009 - 10:01 PM

For the second election cycle in a row, national Republicans are extending a helping hand -- and cash -- to freshman U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) planned to present an incumbent protection effort designed to help potentially vulnerable GOP House members.

The "Patriot Program" is the successor to the party's Regain Our Majority Program (ROMP), which helped Paulsen win the open Third Congressional District seat in Minnesota last year.

With the retirement of former Rep. Jim Ramstad, the Third District race was considered wide open, but Paulsen beat his Democratic opponent by a comfortable margin.

The ROMP effort also helped Rep. Michele Bachmann, who had been intensely targeted by Democrats.

This time around, Paulsen is one of 10 GOP House freshmen who are in competitive districts or are facing serious challenges in Democratic-leaning districts.

The NRCC calls Paulsen "a reformer who is promoting an agenda that will create jobs and strengthen our economy."

The organization is conducting a fundraising effort online.

BOB VON STERNBERG

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