Bob CollinsPolitics is often the parsing of words. “The definition of is,” for example is political legend.
The definition of “abandoned” occupies center stage in Minnesota politics today.
The quote of the day came early today, thanks to the Duluth News Tribune’s article on the Minnesota House of Representatives candidate whose daughter came forward to say he “abandoned” her years ago.
Leah Simonson, 20, went to the paper to say her birthfather, DFL candidate Erik Simonson, hasn’t seen her in 18 years.
“I wanted him to know that he is so against Gauthier for what he did and his actions — and that’s not OK — but I want him to know that what he did is not OK, either,” said Leah Simonson said.
That brings us to the definition of abandonment and Mr. Simonson’s response:
“That’s not true. I’ve paid my child support,” he told the News Tribune. “To say the word ‘abandoned’ leads people to believe that I didn’t do what I was supposed to do.”
“I’m not understanding why this is an issue now that needs to go to the media, but apparently somebody wants some attention, I guess,” he also said.
Question: Is it anybody’s business?
