As Vice President Joe Biden visits St. Paul Union Depot this morning to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the stimulus package, let’s recall when CD2 GOP candidate Darlene Miller accepted federal stimulus funds twice for her company, and then lied about it at a press conference.
In a move that immediately backfired, then-gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer touted Darlene Miller as a model businesswoman at a press conference, not knowing that his anti-government success story had actually held out her palms twice for stimulus dollars: once in 2008 and again in 2010. Realizing his error, Emmer cut the press conference off, but not before Darlene Miller repeatedly denied taking any stimulus money at all – and actually tried to physically shield herself from reporters’ questions by hiding behind Emmer.
“Pro-tip: If you’re going to accept federal stimulus dollars – not once, but twice – don’t hide it from voters. Own it!” said Sacha Haworth of the DCCC.
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HEADLINE: “Reality Check: Emmer’s Model Business Got Stimulus” ‘Permac owner Darlene Miller told reporters: “We have not received any federal stimulus money or employees whatsoever through that program.” But that’s not completely accurate. An April 2008 White House press release said Permac would use federal funds to purchase equipment and hire at least five workers… Permac also benefits from the Obama stimulus, employing workers this year whose wages were paid by stimulus funds, according the Minnesota’s Department of Economic Development.’ [CBS Minnesota, 09/07/10]