Earlier this month, we looked at the Brainerd Dispatch's coverage of the politics of insulin costs in Nystrom: Novo Nordisk hired lobbyists to kill 2019 Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act.
One remarkable statement in Gabriel D. Lagarde's coverage at the Dispatch? This comment by Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa:
Speculating that political opponents might be using the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act as a disingenuous ploy, Gazelka noted it can take years for legislation to pass the finish line in some cases. Even emotionally charged or divisive bills, such as those pertaining to preventing traffic fatalities, can fail at the end of session, just to overwhelmingly pass the following year.
“This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and we are addressing,” Gazelka said during a phone interview Friday, July 12. “Quinn Nystrom has never been an elected legislator. She doesn’t know all that goes on end of session. We have taken significant steps in this last session and will continue to take more steps related to insulin and all other life-saving drugs. [emphasis added]
In the latest article, Setting the record straight: Nystrom explains statewide insulin debate, Legarde's reporting includes this astonishing copy:
Nystrom took issue with the Dispatch’s July 13th headline: “Diabetes advocate lambastes state GOP for not passing insulin act, but Gazelka pushes back against allegations” -- noting her criticisms were mainly leveled at Minnesota Senate Republican leadership, while she had enjoyed fruitful discussions with GOP figures at all levels of government.
“When I say it’s a non-partisan issue, I believe that,” said Nystrom, who reiterated she’s advocating for insulin-dependent diabetics of all political stripes. “I meet with whatever side will meet with me. … At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for. I can’t ask them to vote a certain way.” . . .
. . .Nystrom said she has sought to speak with Gazelka on multiple occasions, but to no avail. At the time, Gazelka refuted these statements, telling the Dispatch Friday, July 12, that Nystrom had not contacted his office or spoken with Gazelka himself on the subject of reducing insulin costs. He extended an invitation for further conversation.
But Nystrom has contacted Gazelka’s office. She presented phone records to the Dispatch that indicate a 6:03 p.m. call on May 23 and a follow-up attempt at 10:46 a.m., May 24. She noted she either did not receive a response, or didn’t hear back from assistants who answered her call.
In a statement to the Dispatch, Gazelka conceded these calls may have occurred, but during a particularly busy stretch of business down in St. Paul.
“Our office may have took the calls but I was in negotiations with the Governor and the Speaker on May 23rd and 24th and wasn’t seeing any lobbyists or constituents at that point,” Gazelka wrote. “I’m still willing to see Quinn Nystrom about her concerns and what we might be able to do to help people with life-threatening problems.”
One wonders why he simply didn't ask staff to get back to her to set that up--and why he claimed the citizen advocate never contacted him. In keeping phone records, perhaps Nystrom knows more about what goes on at the end of the session than Gazelka would have the public believe.
As for the issue not being partisan or "a disingenuous ploy," Legarde reports in the latest article:
Nystrom took issue with the Dispatch’s July 13th headline: “Diabetes advocate lambastes state GOP for not passing insulin act, but Gazelka pushes back against allegations” -- noting her criticisms were mainly leveled at Minnesota Senate Republican leadership, while she had enjoyed fruitful discussions with GOP figures at all levels of government.
“When I say it’s a non-partisan issue, I believe that,” said Nystrom, who reiterated she’s advocating for insulin-dependent diabetics of all political stripes. “I meet with whatever side will meet with me. … At the end of the day, that’s all I can ask for. I can’t ask them to vote a certain way.”
State Rep. John Poston, R-Lake Shore, confirmed he had spoken at length with Nystrom and expressed solidarity with Nystrom’s frustration with high-prescription costs -- noting that he too is a diabetic, a sufferer of Type 2.
“I’m a diabetic. I get it and I support her efforts,” said Poston, who said he’s looking to work with Nystrom to get the bill passed in the 2020 Legislative session. “We had a lot of conversation about it during the session and I’m not sure why the bill didn’t make it into the final Senate HHS omnibus bill.”
Two other local politicians Nystrom said she had spoken with at various times and listed by name -- state Rep. Josh Heintzeman and state Sen. Carrie Ruud -- did not respond for requests by deadline. Ruud did not answer repeated phone calls. Heintzeman, who has expressed aversion to conducting face-to-face or phone interviews, did not return requests via email.
Shame on you, Majority Leader Gazelka.
For the role of Republican operative Ben Golnik in lobbying for a drug company, check out our post July 13 post, Nystrom: Novo Nordisk hired lobbyists to kill 2019 Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act.
Photo: Paul Gazelka.
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Lies to weasel out. Typical faux Christian.
Posted by: Kathi malone | Jul 19, 2019 at 08:29 AM
Paul Gazelka, Josh Heintzeman, Carrie Ruud - When you are too busy to “talk to the public” or even call back at a more convenient time, the ppl that you “supposedly” represent in our government, time to find another job!
Editor's note: According to the article, Ms. Nystrom met with Rep. Heintzeman and Sen. Ruud. They did not return the newpaper reporter's requests for confirmation (a routine part of good journalism).
Posted by: Roxane Reabe | Jul 19, 2019 at 11:29 AM
To say, in effect, you little people don’t understand, is a great way to become diselected so you don’t have to bear the heavy burden of office any more.
Posted by: Charles Quimby | Jul 19, 2019 at 10:49 PM
I also have attempted to communicate my wants and needs as a constituent to all three of these politicians and have only received snarky comments or automated emails. The only time any of them have even made an effort to accommodate me I was at the house of representatives office building and had to physically go to my representatives office. That meeting was a disaster as well.
I can honestly say that my representatives don't care enough to even try to understand the problems of the average citizens.
Posted by: David Schwanke | Jul 22, 2019 at 08:57 PM