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| Date: | April 25, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR CARLA NELSON RECEIVES 2ND REPORT OF FRAUD IN ROCHESTER COMMUNITY |
St. Paul- A second report has come in to the office of Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) of an individual going door to door in Rochester, distributing literature with Senator Nelson’s photo and contact information, and soliciting donations. This is the second report in just one week, the first of which the individual led residents to believe the donation was for Senator Nelson and the second unclear of where the funds would go. These individuals are not associated with Senator Nelson or her office or her campaign.
Following the initial report, Senator Nelson distributed a Public Service Announcement to alert constituents about the fraudulent behavior and ways of preventing themselves from falling victim.
“The safety and security of my constituents is always of concern. When I learned of the first incident, I took immediate action to alert residents of the fraud and I contacted the Rochester Police Department,” said Senator Nelson. “Unfortunately, this incident was not isolated. I am extremely concerned about the continued harassment or fraudulent representation of me, my office or my campaign in our communities.”
Residents have characterized the behavior of the canvassers as harassing, nuisance and even threatening. One resident who didn’t have any money was told they “weren’t doing their part,” and after repeatedly refusing to pay $60, $40 and even $5 was told by the canvasser that they would be back at 9 pm that evening to collect. In both reports, the canvasser was distributing fliers that said Working America, an allied organization of the AFL-CIO.
“I'm asking the AFL-CIO to manage their canvassers to ensure that no resident or member of our community feels threatened again. I believe these individuals are acting unlawfully -- going door-to-door, harassing residents and asking for money, sometimes even in my name. I have not, my campaign has not and my Senate office has not and will not solicit money door-to-door. If residents encounter anyone using my name and taking this type of action, please call the police,” concluded Senator Nelson.
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