Robo Calls Owner: Jeff Larson Longtime Norm Coleman confidant

[MagickMuffin]

NFIB and Chamber of Commerce, running ads on Coleman’s behalf, are both clients of Coleman’s roommate FLS-Connect

St. Paul (September 18, 2008) — Today, DFL Chair Brian Melendez held a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol to release a complaint that the Minnesota DFL Party has filed with the Federal Election Commission charging illegal coordination between Senator Norm Coleman and outside groups advertising on his behalf.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business, which have endorsed Coleman for reelection and have run or are running independent advertising on Coleman’s behalf, are also clients of the political consulting firm FLS-Connect. Senator Coleman’s campaign and political-action committee are also clients of FLS-Connect and have paid FLS-Connect $1.6 million for consulting services. The owner of FLS-Connect, longtime Coleman confidant and powerful Republican operative Jeff Larson, is the treasurer of Coleman’s political-action committee.

As numerous media reports have mentioned in the last several months, Coleman rents living space in the English-basement apartment of a million-dollar townhouse that Jeff Larson owns in Washington, D.C., for which Coleman pays far under market value. In addition, Coleman shares the apartment with offices of FLS-Connect, which consults for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the NFIB that are running supposedly independent ads on Coleman’s behalf.

DFL Chair Brian Melendez made the following remarks:

“The all-too-cozy relationship between Senator Coleman, his best Republican operative friend, his roommates at his best friend’s house and his roommate’s clients simply doesn’t pass the smell test. There’s nothing ‘independent’ about it.

“Today the DFL Party has filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission, alleging the possibility of illegal coordination — between the Coleman for Senate campaign on the one hand and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business on the other — and asking the commission to open an investigation. We make several allegations:

“First, that the NFIB may have made in-kind contributions in excess of the legal limit of $5,000.

“Second, that the Chamber of Commerce, which is a corporation, may have made, and Coleman may have accepted, illegal in-kind corporate contributions.

“Third, that both the NFIB and the Chamber of Commerce may have failed to properly report their in-kind expenditures on Senator Coleman’s behalf, in violation of federal reporting requirements.

“And fourth, that Senator Coleman may also have violated federal reporting requirements by failing to report the in-kind contributions from NFIB and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Minnesotans deserve some answers from Senator Coleman — because if Senator Coleman sleeps under the same roof as the consultants to the outside groups that are advertising on his behalf, how can Minnesotans be sure that illegal coordination is not taking place right in Coleman’s Washington home?

“Senator Coleman can clear this issue up, however, by coming clean on the following questions:

“Which clients does FLS-Connect do business with in the million-dollar townhouse where Senator Coleman lives?

“Which FLS-Connect employees work in the townhouse, and what do discuss or coordinate with those clients?

“Which FLS-Connect employees have worked both on Norm Coleman’s campaign and on independent expenditures?

“Finally, has Senator Coleman ever been a party to any FLS-Connect business transactions that have taken place in his home?

“Senator Coleman can easily clear this issue up by answering these questions, but to date, he has refused to do so.

“For this reason, and to honor Minnesota’s long tradition of open elections, it is imperative that the FEC open an investigation into the specter of illegal coordination.


Coleman’s All-Too-Cozy Relationship With Washington Insiders Pays Off

THE US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AN FLS-CONNECT CLIENT AND COLEMAN “CAMPAIGN PARTNER”, HAS ALREADY RUN FOUR ADS ON BEHALF OF COLEMAN:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an FLS-Client and a Coleman Campaign Partner. FLS-Connect lists the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a client, and Coleman’s website touts the Chamber’s endorsement.

US Chamber has run three anti-Franken ads and one pro-Coleman ad in Minnesota. On August 8, 2008, the US Chamber of Commerce released a television ad attacking Al Franken for his stance on the Employee Free Choice Act. On August 28, 2008, the Chamber released a two television ads: one attacking Al Franken for supposedly wanting to increase taxes while allegedly failing to pay his own, and one praising Coleman for his support of Medicare Part D. On September 13, 2008 the Chamber released a fourth television ad again attacking Al Franken for his stance on the Employee Free Choice Act. US Chamber of Commerce Ad; Ad; Ad; all accessed 9/18/08. Note: Fourth ad available upon request.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, A SECOND FLS-CONNECT CLIENT AND COLEMAN “CAMPAIGN PARTNER,” RAN PRINT ADS ON BEHALF OF COLEMAN

National Federation Of Independent Business Is An FLS-Client And A Coleman Campaign Partner. FLS-Connect lists NFIB as a client, and Coleman’s website touts NFIB’s endorsement.

September 5, 2008: NFIB Ran Print Ads In Both The Star Tribune And Pioneer Press. On September 5, 2008, NFIB ran a full-page print advertisement in both the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press attacking Al Franken for supposedly wanting to increase taxes. Note: copy of the ad available upon request.

FLS-CONNECT PARTNER LARSON IS A KEY FIGURE IN COLEMAN’S POLITICAL OPERATION

FLS-Connect Partner Jeff Larson Is Part Of Coleman’s “Inner Circle Of Advisors.” According to the Pioneer Press, Larson is “among the inner circle of advisers to Sen. Norm Coleman.”

Larson Is The Treasurer Of Coleman’s Political Action Committee. According to records filed with the Federal Election Commission, Jeff Larson has served as treasurer for Norm Coleman’s political-action committee, Northstar Leadership PAC, since the committee was formed in April 2003.

Coleman Called Larson “The Most Connected Person In D.C. That Nobody In Minnesota Knows.” According to National Journal, Coleman said of Larson, “He’s the most connected person in D.C. that nobody in Minnesota knows.”

COLEMAN’S CAMPAIGNS AND PAC HAVE PAID FLS-CONNECT MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION
Coleman Campaign Has Paid More Than $1.3 Million To FLS-Connect For Consulting Services And Rent. According to FEC expenditure reports, Coleman’s campaign has paid FLS- Connect $1,341,773.70 for consulting services and rent, with $469,395.64 in 2007 and $176,274.40 in the first quarter of 2008 alone. In 2006, FLS-Connect took in $109,019.04 from Coleman; 2005: $193,751.61; 2004: $144,139.63; 2003: $80,135.29; 2002: $139,738.62 and in 2001: $29,319.65.

Coleman’s PAC Has Paid FLS-Connect More Than $193,000 For Services. Coleman’s Northstar Leadership PAC has paid FLS-Connect $193,214 for services. In the first quarter of 2008, Coleman’s PAC paid FLS-Connect $49,849; 2006: $52,903 and during the 2004 cycle, FLS-Connect was paid $91,462.

As Recently As August 2008, Coleman’s PAC Rented Office Space From FLS-Connect; Owed $17,500 In Rent. According to Northstar Leadership PAC’s preprimary filing with the FEC, Coleman’s PAC reported two payments on August 5, 2008 of $3,500 to FLS-Connect for rent and PAC management salaries. Coleman’s PAC also reported an outstanding debt of $17,500 to FLS-Connect for rent and PAC-management salaries.

FLS-CONNECT USES PART OF COLEMAN’S DISCOUNT-RATE APARTMENT FOR OFFICE SPACE TO WORK FOR CHAMBER, NFIB AND COLEMAN’S CAMPAIGN

FLS-Connect Employee Uses Apartment To Work And Take Calls. In June 2008, National Journal reported, “Coleman has a bedroom and a bathroom in Larson’s town house and shares the remaining living space, which includes his old couch, table, and chairs, with FLS-Connect. A company employee uses a portion of the apartment to work and take calls on some days, according to Larson.”

COLEMAN IS GETTING A SWEETHEART RENT DEAL IN LARSON’S MILLION-DOLLAR HOUSE

Coleman Is Paying Just $600 Per Month To Live The Basement Of Jeff Larson’s “Simply Divine” Million-Dollar House. In June 2008, National Journal reported, “In July 2007, Coleman began paying Larson $600 a month in rent for a portion of a one-bedroom basement apartment in a Capitol Hill town house that Larson owns.” In February 2007, 140 North Carolina Ave SE (Larson’s house) was placed on the market and listed on the website of Phyllis Jane Young Realty. Included in the listing is “a huge English basement with a media center, office space, gorgeous custom marble and oak bar plus an airy guest bedroom and bath…Simply Divine!” According to District of Columbia records, Larson paid $989,900 for the house.

· Coleman Missed Two Months’ Rent; Retroactive Rent Paid Only After Press Inquired. According to National Journal, “Earlier this month, after National Journal questioned Coleman and Larson about the living arrangement, the senator said he discovered that his rent for last November and January had not been paid. In mid-June, Coleman covered the back rent with a personal check for $1,200 made out to Larson and signed by the senator’s wife.”

· Coleman Paid Several Months’ Rent Late. According to National Journal, “Coleman and Larson have had a rather loose arrangement when it comes to the senator’s monthly $600 rent payments. Copies of the checks they provided to National Journal showed that the checks were often written nine or more days after the first of the month. Larson didn’t cash a check written on March 10 until June 17 — after NJ questioned Coleman and Larson about their arrangement.”

· Coleman Sold His Own Furniture In Lieu Of One Month’s Rent. According to National Journal, “To cover one month’s rent, Coleman sold Larson a couch, a table and chairs, and a desk from his old apartment. How did they determine that the furniture was worth $600? Larson: ‘We just looked at it, estimated it was $600 and one month’s rent. We were always conflicted — if it was too high, somebody would say it’s not worth that much. We erred on the side of taking one month’s rent, valued at $600.’”

COLEMAN DIDN’T PAY UTILITY BILLS IN LARSON’S APARTMENT FOR 12 MONTHS
Coleman Didn’t Pay Utilities For 12 Months. According to the Star Tribune, “the Coleman campaign Wednesday released copies of the lease that Coleman and Larson signed July 3, and the $532.88 check that Coleman’s wife, Laurie, made out July 14 to Larson for 12 months’ worth of unspecified utilities.”

· Free Utilities Violate Senate Gift Ban; DFL Party Filed Complaint With Senate Ethics Committee. On August 14, 2008, the Minnesota DFL Party filed a complaint with the Senate Ethics Committee, alleging that the free year’s worth of utilities that Coleman accepted from Larson amounts to a violation of Rule 35 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, which covers the Senate’s gift ban.

COLEMAN’S SWEETHEART HOUSING DEAL HAS COME UNDER FIRE

Washington Post’s “Capitol Briefing:” Revelations Surrounding Coleman’s Living Arrangement With Larson Means Coleman “Probably Needs A Good Lawyer.” In June 2008, the Washington Post’s “Capitol Briefing” detailed Coleman’s living arrangement with Republican operative Jeff Larson, adding, “Coleman appears to have a good friend in Larson and a great place to live in D.C. Now he probably needs a good lawyer.”

Independent Watchdog Group CREW Filed A Complaint With Senate Ethics Committee Requesting Investigation Into Whether Coleman’s Rent Of FLS-Connect Apartment Violated Senate Ethics Rule. According to a July 1, 2008, press release, “Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics asking for an investigation into whether Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) violated the Senate gifts rule by accepting lodging from Republican operative Jeff Larson … CREW is asking the Senate Ethics Committee to look into whether or not Sen. Coleman is paying fair market value for the apartment, whether Sen. Coleman would have paid the November 2007 and January 2008 rent had National Journal not raised the non-payment as an issue, whether Sen. Coleman and Mr. Larson had agreed that Mr. Larson would not cash the March 2008 rent check, why Sen. Coleman suddenly made up his back rent after National Journal asked questions about it, and why Sen. Coleman’s office announced that Ms. Kainz would be leaving the senator’s employ after National Journal asked about her role.”

CREW Executive Director: “Senators Must Abide By The Ethics Rules At All Times, Not Just When They Get Caught Flouting Them.” In July 2008, CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloane said, “Few Americans have landlords who sometimes fail to cash their rent checks, ignore unpaid rent, or accept furniture in lieu of rent. That Sen. Coleman has just such a landlord, who also happens to financially benefit from his relationship with the senator creates exactly the sort of appearance of impropriety that undermines the public’s faith in government.” Sloan added, “Senators must abide by the ethics rules at all times, not just when they get caught flouting them.”

Under Senate Rules, Ethics Complaints Trigger A “Preliminary Inquiry” By The Ethics Committee. According to the Senate Ethics Manual, “Upon the receipt of allegations of misconduct, a preliminary inquiry is commenced of such duration, scope, and conduct as may be deemed appropriate, judgments which are normally made by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting jointly. Such preliminary inquiry may include any inquiries, interviews, sworn statements, depositions, or subpeonas (sic) deemed appropriate to obtain the information to make any required determination.”

Common Cause: Coleman Is Paying Below Market Value For D.C. English Basement. In August 2008, Mary Boyle, vice president of the independent watchdog group Common Cause, said, “This is a legitimate question to be asking in light of the fact that he is apparently renting from someone with an interest in his official actions as a senator … It would be one thing if he was paying above market value and they could argue that it is included in his rent. But he is paying below market for this apartment.”

Common Cause: At a Minimum Not Paying Utilities Would Be Violation Of the Congressional Gift Ban. In August 2008, Mary Boyle of the good-government group Common Cause told Sam Stein of the Huffington Post, “At a minimum would be a violation of the congressional gift ban. Certainly under no way is it okay for a member of Congress to be taking free or subsidized rent or benefits from anyone, particularly from someone you are working with."

Washington Post’s “The Fix” Coleman “Is Going To Continue To Face Questions” About Living Arrangement In Larson’s Basement. In August 2008, the Washington Post’s “The Fix” blog, in ranking Coleman’s Senate seat as the seventh-most likely to change parties in 2008, highlighted Coleman’s sweetheart living arrangement, noting, “Sen. Norm Coleman (R) is going to continue to face questions in the coming months about his housing situation while in Washington.”

COLEMAN RECEIVED “DISHONORABLE MENTION” ON MOST CORRUPT LAWMAKERS LIST FOR SWEETHEART HOUSING DEAL

Coleman Received Dishonorable Mention on Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington’s (CREW) Twenty Most Corrupt Lawmakers’ List. In September 2008, Coleman received a dishonorable mention from CREW on its list of twenty most corrupt lawmakers in Washington, citing the ongoing investigation into Coleman’s questionable living arrangement with a Washington lobbyist. CREW wrote, “Over the past year, Sen. Coleman appears to have accepted lodging from Mr. Larson for at least three months without paying the agreed upon rent until caught by National Journal…Because lodging clearly falls within the Senate’s definition of “gift,” Sen. Coleman appears to have violated the Senate gifts rule by accepting free lodging from Mr. Larson, someone who financially benefits from his relationship with the senator.”


DFL PARTY HAS PREVIOUSLY CALLED ON COLEMAN TO COME CLEAN AND EXPLAIN HOW MUCH FLS-CONNECT BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED IN HIS APARTMENT; COLEMAN STAYS MUM

June 2008: Minnesota DFL Party Called On Coleman To Explain What FLS-Connect Business Is Conducted In His Apartment. In June 2008, the Minnesota DFL Party held a press conference to address Coleman’s sweetheart living arrangement. Among the questions the DFL called on Coleman to answer was: “How extensively do employees of Larson’s company FLS-Connect use the living space for corporate business? What business do they conduct there, and how much contact does Coleman have with them?”


http://www.dfl.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BBB64F6EA-94CE-43DA-93B9-B26FF9EFFE0B%7D&DE=%7BA1F347EB-BE4F-45F7-AAEA-2CBCD6D74B0C%7D


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Now for some more interesting info:

FLS Connect
7300 Hudson Blvd Suite 270
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55128
United States
Website: www.gopphones.com
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]


Revenues: $1.6 Million
Employees: 15
Description

We are innovators in the voter and constituent communications industry. We couple state-of-the-art technology with pioneering minds to develop programs that deliver the right message to the right people at the right time.

We have assembled an experienced team that is highly skilled in designing and implementing successful programs in all 50 states.

FLS Connect takes great care to ensure that we are organized to meet the requirements of the Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA). With the help of our legal experts, we have developed an organizational structure and program process to ensure we are fully compliant with the BCRA laws. Our employees have gone through extensive compliance training and possess an in-depth understanding of what is acceptable as it relates to coordination. We have retained the services of the Washington law firm Patton Boggs LLP on an ongoing basis to assist in our effort to fully comply with the law. Our ability to separate our clients into sectors of business in compliance with BCRA allows us to effectively manage all of our clients' needs. Our Federal Candidate division is headed by Tony Feather in Jefferson City, MO. Our State and National Party Division is headed by Jeff Larson in St. Paul, MN.

Our client list consists of the last five Presidential Campaigns and Bush/Cheney 2004. We also provide services for the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senate Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and hundreds of Republican State Parties and candidates on all levels, as well as corporations, associations and other organizations.

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As you can see by their company profile they claim that they are Bi-Partisan, yet their website is listed as gopphones.com this would seem to me that they are extremely PARTISAN. Concerning the Robo calls I think the Obama lawyers need to look into their claims of being Bi-Partisan.

[Hope And Change]

1. K & R!Thanks for posting.

[MagickMuffin]

2. I know there is a lot of info in it, but this needs to become known to ALL of us

I really do HOPE that Obama investigates these jerks. They shouldn't make claims that they are Bi-Partisan and then make these disgusting Partisan attacks.

[BlueManDude]

3. MN is sometimes hard to figure - why is this race even close?

[catgirl]

4. Another MN GOPer getting the boot!

Minnesotans don't like corrupt officials.

[MagickMuffin]

5. Go Al Go

I would love to see Al Franken in the Senate. He can be very serious while adding his personal style of humor. C-SPAN would definitely be worth watching.