Special Interest Trips

Norm Coleman is not on our side. He has accepted $575,000 from the insurance industry and has voted against measures that would have covered more uninsured Americans, including children.

Coleman Ranked 2nd In Senate For Privately Financed Trips. In January 2006, the Star Tribune reported “Since coming to Capitol Hill, he ranked second in the number of private trips he has accepted, trailing only Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., who has accepted 50 over that span.” [ Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1/21/06]

Coleman Opposed Ban On Privately-Funded Travel To Limit Lobbyists’ Access: Many members of Congress called for a ban on private trips as part of an effort to crack down on lobbyists' access. Coleman opposed a ban, telling constituents such trips were valuable to his work and hold down costs for taxpayers. [ Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1/21/06; Coleman Release, 1/19/06]

Coleman Attended Hormel Foods Board Retreat at Pebble Beach; Stayed in $545 Per Night Hotel Room. In September 2005, Coleman accepted a trip to Pebble Beach, CA, to speak at a Hormel Foods Corporation board retreat. Records show Coleman stayed in a $545 room for one night and ate at a banquet for 35 that featured steak and prawns, canapés, hors d’oeuvres and $1,200 worth of wine. The disclosure form estimated the meal cost $245.65 (the total cost divided by 35 people), but Coleman’s office said he probably had little more than a $105 plate of steak and prawns. Disclosure forms normally don’t contain such details and aren’t required to. “They’re probably not normal accommodations. I didn’t get to pick the room or not pick the room,” Coleman said. [Secretary of the Senate Travel Records; Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1/21/06]