Rep. Paulsen Says He'd Break With GOP to End Shutdown

Updated, 7 p.m., Oct. 1: Rep. Erik Paulsen is now saying that he is willing to break with House Republican leadership in order to end the shutdown.

"I think if I had the opportunity just to fully fund the government, I would do that. Yes," Paulsen told KARE 11 this afternoon. "I think there is a level of uncomfort among many of my colleagues that a government shutdown is not in anyone's interest." 

Paulsen said he still wants to repeal the medical device tax but would not make his vote in support of a continuing resolution dependent on the issue.

Original story, 3:30 p.m., Oct. 1: As the federal government shut down Tuesday for the first time in 17 years, Congressman Erik Paulsen, who represents most of Edina, announced on Twitter that he was requesting his pay be withheld for the duration of the shutdown.

“I continue to vote for bipartisan legislation to ensure the government stays open,” the Third District Republican said in a statement. “Minnesotans expect their government to work and I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to avert a shutdown.”

Congressional leaders had worked on a short-term spending package, but were unable to reach an agreement, meaning most government functions have been halted. Proposed legislation also included delays in the implementation of Obamacare.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Fifth District), who represents Edina's northeast quadrant, appeared on MSNBC'S The Last Word Monday night to decry the then-impending federal government shutdown.

"These people have mortgages, they've got bills to pay, they've got rent to pay, they've got tuition to pay, they've got groceries to buy--this is unconscionable,” he said, referring to the 800,000 Americans who may be furloughed because of the shutdown.

With reporting by Scott Carlson and Kris Janisch.