Paul Gazelka
@paulgazelka
Followers
12K
Following
2K
Media
866
Statuses
6K
Longest serving GOP Mn Senate Majority Leader in modern history, 5 yrs from 2017-21, now retired. Business Owner.
Minnesota
Joined October 2009
Well when Governor Walz wouldn’t get the guard out, As Senate Leader I called the White House to see if Trump could do something. That was Friday. The Guard finally came out in full force the next night, at least 3 days too late.
Former President Trump repeats false claim that he sent the National Guard to stop the Minneapolis riots, claiming he had to do it because Gov. Walz wouldn’t.
155
851
3K
I wish Tim Walz well, and it’s a privilege to be selected as the candidate for VP. However, I’m passionately against the direction he wants to take our country and I think he is terrible in a crisis.
85
145
1K
Amy k says Walz gave Minnesota the biggest tax cut in MN history. I think she meant the GOP Senate in 2019 gave a tax cut. In 2023 Walz blew an 18Billion surplus, AND RAISED TAXES 10 BILLION, and now we have a future structural deficit.
33
464
1K
With this good news, schools and businesses should be able to stay open safely.
President @realDonaldTrump just announced a massive expansion in our nation's Coronavirus testing capability!
148
182
990
I do not approve of the Governor’s unilateral decision to continue the order to shelter at home until May 4th. We have to get on with our lives.
1K
170
964
I’ve never seen so many fraud schemes under any other governor’s administration in MN history. You have to ask why? What is it about this administration that has allowed so much fraud? The buck has to stop somewhere.
Would you believe me if I told you there is ANOTHER fraud investigation on top of the Child Care Center revelations this week? @maxrrymer @realakkamara @KathrynHindy in studio this morning to discuss. Listen live: #TCNT.
84
292
1K
I was downtown on Nicollet Mall a few hours ago. Thank you police and Natl Guard for keeping us safe. I will resist any effort to defund the police. The Natl guard aren’t 19 yr old cooks, they are my hero’s.
127
116
938
We are better than this. I lost a lot of money serving in government. Some monetize their legislative experience, many don’t.
Tim Walz, by his own admission, owns ZERO property. Think about it- a homeless man is running for VP. America truly is the land of opportunity!. (this isn't meant to draw attention to the fact he pays ZERO in property taxes. He's an 'Aw Shucks' Midwesterner, just like us).
127
49
873
@POTUS Too funny. President Biden is responsible for sky rocketing gas prices. Now the gas prices have lowered partway and he tells us we are saving gas money. If that’s his best victory lap, he isn’t doing a very good job.
29
29
964
Tim Walz is the VP candidate. As GOP MN Senate Leader during the MPLS riots, I can tell you Walz is not a strong decisive leader. When he does finally make a decision, it is often wrong. He is responsible for the burning of MPLS. I even called the White House to get him to act.
57
232
942
True. As GOP MN Senate leader I tried to get him moving, but under pressure of the crisis, he froze for 3 days beyond the MPLS Mayor’s request for help. Then he blamed the mayor rather than taking responsibility. That’s a bad leader.
Tim Walz refused requests for the National Guard, allowing rioters to burn more than 1,500 Minneapolis businesses & a police station. More than half a *billion* $ in damage. Walz could have stopped it, if he wanted to. Picking Walz shows how radical Kamala Harris truly is.
59
391
918
How about we just keep the flag we have?.
Here are the top vote getters from the 13-member committee. Middle row got four votes.
238
47
888
I think you know school lunches were already free for those who could not afford them. Walz gave “free” breakfast and lunch to every student. Paid for by increased taxes.
When I think of @GovTimWalz signing that free school meals bill I think to myself, ‘wasn’t feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, and visiting those in prison’ enjoined upon us?.
713
163
838
@RepAdamSchiff Rep Aschoff, you may have forgotten that you were the one that promoted the lie about Trump and the Russian dossier.
12
19
812
Governor Walz calls Trump a bastard. So much for Minnesota Nice.
Top VP contender Gov. Tim Walz calls Donald Trump a "bastard" and says Trump will wake up after Election Day "and know that a black woman kicked his ass." (via @LeftistsofMN)
388
233
823
You are aware Minnesota has a net loss of residence the last few years because of Gov Walz policies, right?. Education standings have been dropping too.
Why do so many young educated South Dakotans keep fleeing to Minnesota? Because their state government is aimed at improving the lives of young families and people have freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.
75
131
734
Today, with a bipartisan vote, we removed Commerce Commissioner Kelley. The final straw was stopping line 3 pipeline in northern Mn. It met all the requirements of the PUC, but rather than replace a very old pipe with a modern safe pipe, the Gov chose politics over safety.
107
101
557
An honor to sign-onto this letter in support of Judge Amy Coney Barrett #mnleg.
🚨 NEW this morning: 100 state legislative leaders from all 50 states have written to Congress urging a prompt, thorough, and fair hearing process for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Read their letter:
63
100
546
Where are the police? Where is the national guard? We have to save our cities.
178
90
592
Gov Walz expecting up to 5,000 people in ICU this June. New York State has less than 5,000 people in the ICU TODAY! NY has 19.5 million people to our 5.6 million. We have around 3000 beds available. We are ready for the surge now. Why shut MN business down for a NY sized surge?.
433
126
556
Goodbye, Minnesota. Unfortunately I hear these sentiments more often every day. I’m hoping todays political leaders pay attention before it’s too late.Not long ago, conservatives and liberals were content in MN,that is not the case today.
421
96
603
To be clear, I’m aware refugees are legal. I am drawing a firm line between legal immigration and illegal. Do all Democrats support illegal immigration? That is the issue. We don’t need to blur the line, it’s pretty simple. Legal immigration, YES. Illegal NO.
465
85
437
Today, 8-22-20 is the 163 day in a row of unilateral emergency powers for our Governor. Emergency, by definition is: a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.After 163 days, you can’t say it’s an emergency. Legislators need to be involved.
157
127
527
MN Gov tried to stop the Covid virus by closing everything down but MN has more deaths per 1000 and more state debt than WI & SD. He has to adjust the plan.
127
90
490
This is a huge insult to Christians. There are a lot of “firsts” under Walz…1st police precinct to burn down etc. But to prominently allow a satanic shrine at the Capitol takes the cake.
Is there anything Tim Walz won't do to insult Minnesotans?.
158
121
543
Property taxes are based on market value. If commercial market values in MPLS have dropped to almost nothing, homeowners in MPLS will have to pick up the tax shortfall. It’s sad to watch the consequences of bad local govt. We saw this coming.
Biz Journal reporting that the Ameriprise tower has sold for $6.25M. That's less than 3 cents on the dollar compared to the $200M sale price in 2016. I think we've hit the bottom of the market.
35
104
554
Today is the 161st day since Gov Walz first declared a Covid Emergency and took emergency peacetime powers. These powers allow a governor to make many unilateral decisions without the legislature. The virus is real but the emergency is over.
96
102
452
The more the police department of Minneapolis gets defunded the less I’m intersted in giving state help.
BREAKING: The Minneapolis City Council has voted 9-3 to eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department���s public information officer position. That includes John Elder, who you see on TV regularly sharing information with journalists. |
133
59
438
Before Dems took over in MN. Parents were notified if their child was pregnant. Employees weren’t taxed for benefits they already had,school lunches were free if you could not afford them,childcare costs were low. And taxes were much lower.
If you’re looking for a state that’s protecting reproductive freedom, establishing paid leave, providing free school breakfast and lunch, and cutting child care costs, then come on over to Minnesota.
36
112
502
Minnesota could soon face a budget shortfall. BECAUSE LAST SESSION DEMOCRATS WASTED AN 18 Billion surplus, little tax relief, and added new programs they can’t pay for without more taxes.
86
124
492
Mn Democrats jammed a liberal agenda down our throats. They will blow a 17 billion of surplus with little to show for it but future tax increases. I’m curious if we will have the same exodus as California is having. Rampant crime not addressed.
156
73
482
“Protesters”, moms, dads, scholl kids, were outside the Governor’s mansion demanding schools open up this fall. Our kid’s future depends on a good education. The teacher’s union is wrong. We can open up schools and keep teachers and kids safe. Our future depends on it.
248
95
396
So it’s actually worse. She promoted the site that raised money to get rioters out of jail so they could do more rioting, and worse. WCCO should apologize and more clearly correct their statement.
Trump falsely accuses Harris of donating to Minnesota Freedom Fund, bailing out "dangerous criminals"
37
106
488
We are now over a half of year of emergency powers,a record for MN. Today we will have our 4th special session this year, again a record. This is not how our state government was meant to work. Covid is real, unilateral power for the Governor is not the best way to combat it .
196
76
416
8-23-20. Day 164 of Covid emergency powers held by the Governor. What is the reason Gov Walz won’t relinquish these extraordinary unilateral powers? Are we lacking personal protection equipment? No. Is our bed capacity full? Not even close. Why exclude the legislature?.
103
118
391
We disagree on this one Dean Phillips. Walz and Frey let MPLS burn. Trump offered help then.daily car jackings. Little respect for police.Downtown business spaces rent for 10% of pre Walz era. It won’t turn around on current Democratic rule path.MPLS could be better.need change.
Shame on you @JDVance for coming to our community and calling us a city in decline. George Floyd’s murder and COVID’s destruction occurred under your emperor’s reign, and you’ve done NOTHING to help. Take your fear-mongering freak show back to lovely Cleveland.
25
106
474
Minnesotans hold onto old habits when buying a state flag - 5 Eyewitness News. THE NEW MN FLAG IS COLLECTING DUST ON THE SHELVES because it was not bipartisan.
111
62
447
8-29-20, Day 170 of emergency powers. I sent a letter to the Governor yesterday asking for the parameters he will use to end emergency powers. ICU bed capacity is high, PPE quantities are high, Deaths per day is low, infection rates hover between 4-5% even with mandated masks.
111
57
386
The Governor’s cavalier decision to give state workers a raise this July against the clear direction from the Senate has put a chilling effect on the cooperation between the Senate and Governor. It’s time for the emergency powers to end. #mnleg.
91
80
397
This is alarming. If Tim Walz does not support our 1st amendment freedom of speech,what other freedoms is he willing to take away.When he abused emergency powers in Minnesota for more than a year and a half, I saw firsthand the freedoms he is willing to take away from the people.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on MSNBC: “There’s no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech, and especially around our democracy.” Apparently, courses on the Constitution were not available at the schools where Mr. Walz taught in the past.
48
129
444
I called the White House after 4 days of unbridled rioting with the Governor frozen on what to do. I know that Gov Walz and Pres Trump talked. I know Walz finally brought the Guard out in full for the next night. But Walz was 3 days too late. Pressure may have made him move.
Here is an honest, straightforward, non-political, detailed Reality Check on former President Trump’s false claim that he, and not MN Gov Walz, called in the MN National Guard to quell the Mpls riots after George Floyd in 2020.
25
158
431
Democrats say we are better off now than 4 years ago under Trump. In what way? Grocery prices? Gas prices? Safer communities? Secure borders? State rights? Retirement investments?Is the world without wars now? I can’t think of anything better now than 4 years ago.
89
68
429
The Best States to Retire in 2023. For some reason MN did not make the list. I wonder why? Taxing social security income? Taxing a person’s estate at death? We can do better.
103
48
416
Only 6 Covid deaths in all of Minnesota, hospitalizations down. I know what I think the next step is, what do you think we should do?.
293
52
336
Walz says, Mind your own business. But that doesn’t jive with starting a hotline and encouraging Minnesotans to turn in their neighbor if they are violating Covid shutdowns. Which one is it?.
34
93
413
Yesterday, the Governor failed the state of Minnesota, again. Like the businesses and homes destroyed on Lake Street and University Avenue over the past couple weeks, he knew there was a threat and he failed to adequately protect public property. #mnleg.
94
73
352
But Democrats say crime is down.
A series of shootings across Minneapolis over the last week left five people dead and pushed up the number of homicides to a higher point than they were at the same time last year.
39
138
404
Mn Senate votes to remove Governor’s Emergency Powers. It passed with Bipartisan Support. Now it’s up to the House.
52
71
339
We can’t be One Minnesota without trusting one another. Mn is ready to open up safely, practicing social distancing. We are all in this together.
83
49
365
Minnesota is at a crossroads. Governor Walz will decide if churches and small businesses are open or remain closed. Will Shelter in place be lifted or not?Curve is flattened, it's time.
119
89
363
I want to go back. To safer streets, lower grocery prices. Lower home prices, lower gas prices. Protected border. Respect for the police. Energy independence. I want to go back.
40
46
390
Our Lt Gov does not speak for me. Our country has flaws and our leaders aren't perfect, but I'm proud to be an American, and I'm grateful for the 4 leaders presented at Mount Rushmore.
123
58
320
The elderly already need a photo ID for Medicare benefits. But, even so, when we tried to pass photo ID for voting in MN we provided a free ID for anyone who needed one. We didn’t want to disenfranchise anyone, but we only wanted legal voters. It was still opposed by most DEMS.
Hey, @elonmusk. That’s not true. Help create a solution for elderly and disabled Americans who are physically unable to get to a DMV to obtain a photo ID and then it makes perfect sense.
22
84
379
How can people think that school is not essential for our children? If a teacher or student is at risk, they can be a part of distance learning.Let school districts decide the best way to do this. If parents don’t want their kids in the classroom, they have other options.
179
49
320
You have to wonder why Walz would not defend his record in a live, statewide debate.
62
37
355
Day 178 of Emergency Powers. I drove to Bemidji today for an event. Trump signs everywhere. People are frustrated with mandates. They want advice on Covid, not forced mandates keeping kids out of the classroom, and causing businesses to fail.
109
48
301
Day 180 of emergency powers. Right now, 1 person has total control of MN government. Imagine if Democrats, who had planned a fundraiser for John Thompson, even after he threatened to burn down the city of Hugo, and the extreme left, have total control of government in January.
125
84
300
Tim Walz started as a moderate Congressman, but he morphed into a progressive liberal. He is far too far to the left for common sense folks.
75
48
348
Gov Walz predicted 50,000 Minnesotans would die IF we locked everything down.I said then it was a huge mistake. I said then, looking at the same data, 5000 people would die. A year later it was 5k. Walz made huge decisions on fear and misread the data. Fear makes poor leaders.
Gov. Tim Walz claims he would have "5,200 more dead Minnesotans" if he followed Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' COVID policies.
87
53
332
Kids getting a good education is critical. So, getting kids back into the classroom this fall is essential. Let our local school leaders decide how to accomplish this.
136
39
291
When this is over, my goal is to make Minnesota NICE again.
417
24
304
Having a grandson with Autism this makes me angry. Stealing money from people that really need help is unacceptable.
There isn’t a government program that the Somalis haven’t figured out of to defraud.
21
59
342
You know you are out of touch when the announcer at Farmfest tells the crowd to not boo before you come on stage. Might be a sign Governor Walz isn’t doing as well as he thought with rural Minnesota voters…#mnleg #farmfest2021.
69
44
314
Moderator never interrupts Biden but watch how she interrupts President.
88
41
270
They forgot to mention that most icu beds are filled with non-Covid patients.They also forgot to mention the extra icu beds available within a 24 hr notice and more beds available within a 72 hour notice.Why not share these important facts and reduce fear?
48
99
290
Every time I hear .Tim Walz brag in his tv ad about passing the largest middle class tax cut in 20 years, I cry FOUL!. It took a special session to stop his demands for billions of tax INCREASES. The tax cuts were fought for and won by the Senate GOP. Facts are important.
54
86
325
Trump‘s plan of not taxing overtime work is completely opposite of Harris’ plan to give away free money to people that have not earned it. Trump’s plan rewards those that are working beyond normal hours.
@paulgazelka Seems like a different way of giving $25k for first time home buyers.
35
81
329
I wish our AG would focus on the pressing issues right here in MN.
213
56
268
Tim Walz did not lower the middle class tax bracket in 2019. The MN Senate GOP did. Like 2023, Walz wanted big tax INCREASES. We said NO and won in negotiations. It included many hard fought tax decreases, not just income taxes.
Another #timwalzlies he did not pass the largest tax cut in MN history. The largest tax cut was signed into law by Arne Carlson when the tax rate for the bottom two brackets dropped .5% and .75% in the years ‘98-‘99. Tim Walz only dropped the middle bracket .25%
24
139
328
Here is a shout out to Lt.Bob Kroll of the Msp police department. When forbidden to wear the police uniform to the Trump rally he made t-shirts saying, “cops for Trump”. When Presidents Obama and Clinton came, police could wear their uniforms, now they can’t. What hypocrisy.
45
100
222
Day 174 of emergency powers. People need hope not fear. Covid is real. Hope says, be aware of your surroundings, follow CDC guidelines, and live your life. Fear says, shut everything down, hover over everyone, don’t go to school, and live under doom and gloom. I choose hope.
113
52
276
@charliekirk11 Learn the lessons of WORLD WAR TWO. If you try to appease evil aggression, not doing enough,it only gets worse. Russia and China have their eyes on more territory. They must be stopped.
187
4
296
I googled Donald Trump and most of the first group of articles was about Kamala Harris. And the article about Trump was negative. When people say the system is rigged, this is what they are talking about.
61
88
310
I’m surprised Senator Mitchell that you did not resign, last year, for your actions. They reflect poorly on the Senate. I’m even more surprised the Senate has not removed you. That also reflects poorly on the Senate.
Thank you to Stillwater Area Public Schools leadership (ISD 834) for inviting legislators out this AM to discuss the unique needs of our students, staff & community!.All 3 of my local school districts (622, 833, 834) so clearly care about best outcomes for all our children. 💕🚸
26
93
399
It's about time Walz lifted the mask mandate. But I'm disappointed it looks like our kids will still be masked in classrooms and when playing sports when they are not a high risk. Give our kids their lives back. #mnleg.
164
41
305
Tim Walz has country charm but we should not confuse that with supporting rural American values. Most rural Minnesotans that know him do not support him politically.
52
54
312
It’s sad to see all the local restaurants closing, mostly because of Democrat policies. High taxes, too high a minimum wage, WALZ COVID small business lockdowns, etc. and that doesn’t even include the new payroll tax coming to all small businesses.
Barrio tequila bar in downtown St. Paul abruptly shut its doors over the weekend after 15 years in business.
55
74
313
First red flag warning since 2007 called for Twin Cities Marathon - CBS Minnesota. There is risk of running a marathon no matter what the temperature is. I can’t believe they canceled the event. Let runners decide for themselves what is safe or not.
68
17
305
Looks like folks are getting serious about making sure Gov Walz does not close down schools this fall. No one under 20 has died of Covid. It’s a serious virus, but not enough to close schools.
290
59
264
I congratulate the common sense of the majority of Minneapolis voters in voting down the Defund the Police ballot question. They showed more political courage than Gov. Walz, who did nothing to defeat it out of political cowardice within his own party.
25
26
294
Mn lost over 20,000 residence last year. SD gained over 8000. I guess it’s not just the weather.
57
52
289
Trump town hall on Fox. Like him or don’t like him, he still has a clear plan for dealing with the border crisis, cheaper energy, and how to reduce federal debt. Biden has no plan for any of these glaring problems.
137
31
293
I just listened to a Walz VP stump speech. Every single election they lie and say GOP will get rid of Social Security, among other lies. Just look at what Trump did 4 yrs ago,And what Biden/Harris did not do. Safe streets, secure borders, booming economy.
46
42
293
Rochester. The folks keep coming. Most not happy Walz and AG trying to hinder the Trump event. Only 250 allowed in.
104
51
239
MN Republicans focus on making our streets safe again, getting kids back in school,and tackling a budget deficit created by Gov Walz shut downs. DFL FOCUS:?recreational pot, TRUMP,Locking down the state again. It’s Hope vs Fear, we choose Hope.
109
40
253
We have flattened the curve and we have prepared our hospitals and clinics with PPE and ventilators. We have to allow people to get back to their lives. If you can get a haircut, shop at a mall, or eat at a restaurant, you should be able to go to church. #mnleg
70
75
266
Day 177 Governor Emergency Powers. A reminder of my comments on Covid. The virus is real and serious. AND the Governor no longer needs unilateral powers to battle it. MN is best served by the Governor working with the legislative body as an equal partner.
59
41
235
USWNT eliminated from World Cup by Sweden in heartbreaking finish. I love when teams representing the USA do well. But this time I felt no disappointment because too many of their team showed public display of disrespect for the country they represent.
79
7
270
I think the best way to judge this is to ask what would happen if everything was completely opposite. I’m convinced Democrats would also confirm someone they wanted if they were in power. That is the benefit of being in the majority.
118
31
234
Is there any place else in America where police are immediately judged. I wish Moriarty had the same passion against criminals. Why would anyone want to risk being a police officer in Minneapolis?. Do you wonder why they can’t get enough police in that once grand city? I don’t.
BREAKING: MN State Trooper Ryan Londregan charged 2nd degree unintentional murder, 1st degree assault, 2nd degree manslaughter in traffic stop shooting death of Ricky Cobb II. Our @FOX9 coverage:.
52
43
277
Removing a commissioner is serious business entrusted to the Senate.The Governor picks,the Senate confirms. I privately told the Gov in Feb that DOLI commissioner was not working out. I asked him to find something else for her. That didn’t happen. Today she was not confirmed.
102
31
224
@GavinNewsom @GOP People were already serious about leaving California for other states. More will leave after CA Gov cancels contract with Walgreens.
102
9
248
Last year @GovTimWalz failed to act. As a result of his FAILURE, small businesses across the Twin Cities burned for days. One year later, crime has increased exponentially, small businesses are shuttered, and communities are left picking up the pieces. We deserve better. #mnleg.
97
41
255
Day 165 of the Gov’s “Emergency” Powers. The only way he will give them up is if the House and Senate vote to take them away.Looks like the GOP will need to keep the Senate and win back the House and then, by legislative action, the Gov will no longer have unilateral power.
57
36
220
I say that we should shelter seniors and open up the state to the rest of us, using CDC safe practices. Why do folks immediately say more people are going to die? The U of M modeling data confirms that what I am proposing produces the same outcomes and saves our jobs.
104
36
236
There has been more than enough space for people to protest. It is never acceptable to riot, loot, and wreck the communities we love.The police force must be swift and strong to stop anyone violating our laws.Thx to all the law enforcement on the streets last night.
36
41
232