Today, less than three weeks before the DFL Primary, lifelong Republican Richard Painter refused to say he’s a Democrat. Painter claims he wants to focus on the “issues,” but four months ago Painter had no problem publicly declaring himself a Republican. What gives?
Well, Painter is now running in a DFL Primary – not because he believes in the DFL Party or the values DFLers fight for, but because he viewed it as an easier path than running as a Republican.
Minnesota Democrats should not be fooled by Painter’s blatant political opportunism and attempt to deceive voters.
Don’t believe us? Here’s Painter in his own words:
Today | Three weeks before the DFL Primary, Painter refuses to call himself a Democrat.
As a DFL candidate, Painter is now distancing himself from his Republican past. But asked if he now considers himself a Democrat, Painter stops short of declaring a new party allegiance.
“My views on the issues I think are what’s most important,” he said. [MPR, 7/26/18]
June 13, 2018 | One month ago, Painter said “enough with the talking about Democrat values.”
“Enough with the labels. Enough with the talking about Democrat values.” [Hoops Brewing, 6/13/18]
June 7, 2018 | One month ago, Painter said he ran in the DFL Primary because that’s all that was left (not because he believes in the DFL Party or the values DFLers fight for)
“But at this point the Republican Party will not welcome dissent, and for a federal race will not welcome anyone who does not swear allegiance to Donald Trump. No go. So that leaves the Democratic Farmer Labor Party.” [Drinking Liberally, Facebook Live, 6/07/18]
April 30, 2018 | Three months ago, Painter said he chose not to run as a Republican because Republicans would spend millions to humiliate him (not because he believes in the DFL Party or the values DFLers fight for)
“And I happen to know if I entered into a Republican primary against anyone, whether it’s for the U.S. House or the U.S. Senate, against anyone who is a supporter of President Trump the White House would make sure that millions of dollars is spent to take me out to humiliate me.” [Painter Announcement Press Conference, 4/30/18]
March 11, 2018 | Four months ago, Painter refused to shut the door on running as a Republican, and said he has not been a Democrat and doubts he ‘would go that route’
Host: Now you’re saying you might run, but you’re saying you’re not sure if you’re gonna run as a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent.
Painter: Well, I have been…
Host: You’re a lifelong Republican.
Painter: Exactly. I’ve been with the Republican Party for 30 years. … I do not want to foreclose the possibility of jumping into this Republican Party, but I have to recognize that’s a serious obstacle. I’m not likely to run as a Democrat. … I have not been a Democrat over the years, so I doubt that I would go that route. [WCCO Facebook Live, 3/11/18]
Dec. 23, 2017 | Seven months ago, Painter said “I am still a Republican…”
@RWPUSA I am still a Republican because after they are all voted out of office (most of them should be) somebody needs to help rebuild. 2018 will be a GOP bloodbath but our democracy requires two parties. We also need more energy in the center where most Americans are but the GOP is not.
Nov. 14, 2017 | Eight months ago, Painter said “I am staying a Republican.”
@RWPUSA I am staying a Republican. Will not let GOP be taken over by Russian collaborators, racists, pedophiles and outlaws. Will oppose all elected officials who do not stand up for the rule of law.