Research Book

Transcription

Research Book

Stewart Mills (MN-08) Research Book
The following report contains research on Stewart Mills, the Republican candidate in Minnesota’s 8th District.
Research for this research book was conducted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s
Research Department between August and November 2014, with additional research completed in February
2016.
By accepting this report, you are accepting responsibility for all information and analysis included. Therefore,
it is your responsibility to verify all claims against the original documentation before you make use of it.
Make sure you understand the facts behind our conclusions before making any specific charges against
anyone.
Table of Contents
Introduction / Executive Summary ........................................................ 3
Key Moments on Video ......................................................................... 32
Biography ............................................................................................... 39
Personal Information ............................................................................. 48
…Personal Finance ................................................................................ 48
Professional Career................................................................................ 77
…Mills Properties, Inc........................................................................... 79
…Mills Fleet Farm ................................................................................. 81
…Mills Automotive Group.................................................................. 110
…Mills Gas Mart ................................................................................. 116
Political Career .................................................................................... 119
Wrong for Minnesota .......................................................................... 138
Immature Behavior.............................................................................. 142
Abortion and Family Planning Issues ................................................ 152
Budget and Economy Issues ................................................................ 155
Environmental Issues .......................................................................... 158
Foreign Policy Issues ........................................................................... 162
LGBT Issues ......................................................................................... 167
Gun Issues ............................................................................................ 168
Health Care Issues ............................................................................... 176
Immigration Issues .............................................................................. 187
Labor Issues ......................................................................................... 189
Senior Issues ......................................................................................... 194
Tax Issues ............................................................................................. 196
Trade Issues.......................................................................................... 200
Women’s Issues .................................................................................... 205
Appendix I – Campaign Finance ........................................................ 207
Appendix II – Paid Media Summary.................................................. 211
Appendix III – Mills Fleet Farm Court Cases ................................... 223
Appendix III – Mills Auto Cash for Clunkers ................................... 232
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Introduction / Executive Summary
Mills Fleet Farm History
Stewart C. Mills, Sr. Founded Mills Companies In 1922; Started With Auto Dealerships And Then
Established An Oil Company. “1922: Mills Company Founded. Brainerd, MN. Mills companies are
founded when Stewart C. Mills Sr. buys the Lively Auto Company in Brainerd selling Chevrolets and
Hupmobiles … 1923: Mills starts Crow Wing Oil. Mills starts Crow Wing Oil Company, the region’s
largest pure oil and bulk oil distributor and gas station operator.” [Mills Fleet Farm, “Our History,”
accessed 1/15/16]
First Fleet Wholesale Supply Store Opened In Marshfield, Wisconsin, In 1955. “1955: First Fleet
Wholesale Supply opens. Marshfield, WI. Stewart C. Mills, his sons Stewart, Jr., and Henry C. Mills II
open the first Fleet Wholesale Supply in Marshfield, WI, to sell merchandise direct to farmers.” [Mills
Fleet Farm, “Our History,” accessed 1/15/16]
Mills Fleet Farm Building A New Store In Hermantown, Minnesota, Expected To Open In 2016;
Expanded The Chain To 36 Locations In Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, And North Dakota. “Site
work for the new 183,000-square-foot Mills Fleet Farm store in Hermantown continued in earnest this
past week. By the time the preparations are complete, an estimated 200,000 cubic yards of material will
have been moved. Fleet Farm Vice President Stewart Mills III said he expects the store's precast concrete
walls to be tilted into place and reinforced with steel in the next week or two. ‘It's imperative we get the
store enclosed before winter, and fortunately, we've been able to stay on schedule so far,’ Mills said. He
said he hopes to open the new Hermantown store by late summer or the early fall of next year. It will be
the 36th retail outlet in the Brainerd-based chain. Mills Fleet Farm most recently opened a store this
March in Mankato, Minn. The company now boasts stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North
Dakota.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 9/14/15]
Mills Fleet Farm Was Run By Members Of The Mills Family. “The Mills Companies were started in
1922 in Brainerd MN, by Stewart Mills, Sr. with an emphasis in the automotive industry. The Fleet Farm
component of the Mills Companies was added by Stew Jr. and Hank Mills in 1955 as outgrowth of
Stewart Sr.’s auto parts stores. Mills Fleet Farm is a growing, closely held, multi-generational family
business based out of Brainerd with 32 retail locations and on the web at www.fleetfarm.com. Today the
Mills Companies are headed by Henry Mills II and Stew Mills Jr., assisted by their children Charlie,
Andrew, Marisa and Stewart.” [Stewart Mills Facebook, “About,” accessed 1/16/15]
October 2015: Announced That Mills Fleet Farm Was In The Process Of Being Sold To New
Owners; Employed 6,000 People As Of October 2015 And Had More Than 30 Stores In Four States
Owners; Currently Employed 6,000 People And Had More Than 30 Stores In Four States. “Mills
Fleet Farm may have a new ownership later this year or early in 2016. Wednesday, Mills Fleet Farm
confirmed it is in the process of looking at a large pool of business suitors to find the right one to take the
company to the next level of growth for the future. The family company, which makes its headquarters in
Brainerd, first started serving customers as Fleet Wholesale Supply in 1955 and now employs about 6,000
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in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. The company's 36th store is currently under
construction in Hermantown, Minn., near Duluth and will continue for a planned 2016 opening.” [Forum
News Service, 10/07/15]
Mills: “We Have Several Interested Parties … We Care Very Much About Our Employees And We
Want To Make Sure Whoever The New Owners Are They Take Very Good Care Of Them.” “‘We
have several interested parties, but we are sorting through those interested parties to make sure they are
the best fit for us organizationally and also the best fit for our employees,’ Mills said. ‘We care very much
about our employees and we want to make sure whoever the new owners are they take very good care of
them. (The employees) have taken very good care of us.’” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Said It Was “A Painful Decision For The Mills Family” But The Right One For The Company’s
Long-Term Future; Said Capital From A Larger Company Was Necessary To Continue Mills Fleet
Farm’s Growth
Farm’s Growth. “Mills Fleet Farm's employees learned of the news in company meetings hosted at each
location last Friday. Mills said the company reached a point where, in order to continue to grow at a speed
to be competitive, it needs to look for outside sources for capital and can't continue to finance growth
solely through its own checkbook. Mills said they could sustain a much slower growth rate, but they know
the business potential is there for more and the decision to move forward was made by the family as a
group. ‘For the long term, this is what is right for the business, this is what is right for our employees,’
Mills said. ‘It's a very, very painful decision for the Mills family.’” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Said He Would Not Be Involved With The Company Until The Sale Was Completed Next Year;
Denied That The Sale Was Linked To His Political Goals
Denied That The Sale Was Linked To His Political Goals. “Mills said he will no longer be involved in
the company as the transaction is completed, probably sometime next year. The potential sale of the
business, he said, has nothing to do with his political aspirations.” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Planned To Get Involved In “Very Quiet Philanthropy, But Also Very Loud Public Service” Since
He Was Leaving The Company
He Was Leaving The Company. “Discussions on the company's future predate his interest in politics,
Mills said. He ran for the Minnesota 8th District Congressional seat in 2014 and expects an official
announcement on his intentions for the next election within the next two weeks. Mills said his personal
intention for his future is to engage in ‘very quiet philanthropy, but also very loud public service.’”
[Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Mills And Other Shareholders Stood To Profit As Much As $1.1 Billion From The Sale
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Mills And Other Shareholders Stood To Profit As Much As $1.1 Billion From The Sale. “According
to Mergermarket.com, privately held, Brainerd-based Mills generates about $130 million annually in
operating profit. Solid retailers are selling for up to nine-times earnings before interest, taxes and
depreciation. That would gross $1.1 billion for CEO Stewart Mills III and other shareholders.” [Star
Tribune, 10/17/15]
January 2016: KKR, A Private Equity Firm Based In New York City, Bought Mills Fleet Farm For
An Estimated $1 Billion
An Estimated $1 Billion. “Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company will buy Mills Fleet Farm, a familyowned discount retailer with stores in the Midwest, for undisclosed terms in its first deal of the year and
one that builds on its portfolio of retail companies. Mills Fleet Farm, based in Appleton, Wis., and
Brainerd, Minn., sells a range of goods, including clothes, children's toys, auto parts, firearms and farming
supplies through 35 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. It was founded in 1955 by
Stewart Mills Sr. and has been run by his sons, Henry Mills II and Stewart Mills Jr. The founder's
grandson, Stewart Mills III, is running for Congress in Minnesota. Hugh Leasum, who is on Mills Fleet
Farm's executive team, is expected to stay with the company after the deal closes. The family will retain a
minority stake … Mills Fleet Farm said last fall it was exploring a sale, looking for new capital to help
expand. Earlier reports said Kohlberg Kravis paid about $1 billion.” [New York Times, 1/06/16]
Estimated That KKR Bought Mills Fleet Farm For More Than $1.2 Billion, Including Debt.
“Buyout firm KKR & Co Lp is in the lead to acquire U.S. outdoor retailer Mills Fleet Farm for more
than $1.2 billion, including debt, according to people familiar with the matter, defying a slowdown in
private equity dealmaking.” [Reuters, 12/10/15]
Exact Terms Of The Sale Were Not Disclosed But Value Of Sale Was Based On Estimates.
“Family-owned Mills Fleet Farm has agreed to sell to New York-based KKR, one of the country’s
largest investment concerns that has holdings in various industries totaling about $100 billion. Terms
of the deal, expected to be announced Tuesday, were not disclosed. However, after the Mills family
put the privately held chain of 35 stores up for sale last fall there was speculation in the investment
trade nationally that it would fetch in neighborhood of $1 billion. Reuters last month cited unnamed
sources putting a likely price tag at more than $1.2 billion, including debt.” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Mills Fleet Farm Employed 6,500 Full And Part-Time Workers. “Mills Fleet Farm, which doesn’t
publicly disclose sales or results, operates its stores in rural towns and suburbs of Minnesota, Iowa,
Wisconsin and North Dakota. It employs 6,500 full- and part-time workers, including about 75 at its
corporate office in Brainerd. It also employs several hundred employees in merchandising and
operations in Appleton, Wis., said Hugh Leasum, a senior executive of Mills who will remain with the
company.” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Said He Was Saddened About The Sale Of His Family’s Business. “Stewart Mills III told
WCCO’s Pat Kessler recently that he was saddened by the family’s sale. Business experts say it is
rare for a family business to maintain control beyond several generations.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
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KKR Said They Would Invest In Opening More Stores As Well As Adding Infrastructure And Jobs
KKR Said They Would Invest In Opening More Stores As Well As Adding Infrastructure And
Jobs. “‘We anticipate investing significantly in the business, adding infrastructure, stores and local jobs,’
Taylor said in a statement. He added that KKR would ‘remain committed to Mills Fleet Farm’s founding
values — and those shared by KKR — of honesty, integrity, hard work, service and loyalty to our
customers and partners.’” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Said Mills Fleet Farm Needed More Capital To Build More Stores And Upgrade Their
Warehouse. “The family has declined to comment to the Star Tribune since the business went up for
sale last fall. Stewart Mills III, a third-generation executive, told the Brainerd Daily Dispatch in
October that the retailer needed deeper pockets to expand in order to add stores and update the
company’s warehouse. He also said the distribution network needs updating and investment. Stewart
Mills III is a grandson of the founder and is making a second run for Congress in the Eighth District.”
[Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Mills Fleet Farm Sought Additional Capital To Expand Their Stores Outside Of The Midwest.
“Despite the company’s 60 years of success, Mills Fleet Farm did not have the necessary resources to
expand beyond the Midwest. That is why company owners decided the best thing to do was put the
chain up for sale. New York investment firm KKR announced Tuesday it had reached a deal to
acquire Mills. But the challenge for KKR will be navigating the needed changes while not alienating
the chain’s loyal customer base.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
KKR Also Owns Academy Sports, Outdoors, US Foods, And Toys “R” Us Stores. “The private
equity firm also owns stakes in Academy Sports and Outdoors of Katy, Tex.; US Foods in Chicago;
and Toys ‘R’ Us of Wayne, N.J. … Nathaniel H. Taylor, the head of Kohlberg Kravis's consumer
retail group in the Americas, said the firm would invest in Mills Fleet Farm to add infrastructure and
stores.” [New York Times, 1/06/16]
Mills Family Still Retaining A Small Ownership Stake In The Company And Members Of The
Family Were Expected To Keep Offices And Serve As Advisers
Family Were Expected To Keep Offices And Serve As Advisers. “The Mills family will retain a small
ownership stake in the company. Some Mills family members are even expected to maintain offices and
work as advisers.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
KKR History
KKR Described As An Investment Firm That Manages Private Equity, Energy, Infrastructure,
Real Estate, Credit Strategies, And Hedge Fund Investments
Real Estate, Credit Strategies, And Hedge Fund Investments. “KKR is a global investment firm that
manages investments across multiple asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real
estate, credit strategies and hedge funds. As investors with an industrialist vision, we aim to generate
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attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined approach, employing high-quality
people, pursuing the highest standards of excellence, and aligning our interests with those of all our
investment partners.” [KKR, “KKR Today,” accessed 1/12/16]
September 2015: Managed $98.7 Billion In Assets. [KKR, “KKR Today,” accessed 1/12/16]
January 2016: KKR Recommended Holding More Cash Than Stocks Due To Potential Risks, Said
They Anticipated 2016 Would Be “Chaotic.” “For the first time in five years holding cash could
provide better returns than other assets as risks grow for global stocks, according to KKR & Co., the
private equity firm that correctly predicted the global stock rebound last quarter. KRR’s Global Macro &
Asset Allocation team recommends its clients hold 7 percent of their assets in cash, up from 1 percent in
September, according to its 2016 outlook report posted on its website. It also lowered holdings of global
equities to 51 percent from 55 percent, marking the first underweight rating since 2011. ‘Unfortunately, as
we look ahead, we do not see 2016 as a less chaotic year,’ the KKR team, led by Henry Mcvey, wrote in
the report. ‘We want to create a cash buffer at the start of the year that we can deploy amidst any
downdraft in risk assets.’” [Bloomberg, 1/12/16]
KKR Specialized In Leveraged Buyouts
1995: Leveraged Buyouts Had Become Less Common And Were Characterized As Part Of Wall
Street Decadence Of The 1980’s. “Once the rage of Western capitalism, leveraged buyouts have lost
their glamour and much of their respectability. Suggest an LBO today as a healthy way to create value,
and polite company outside of Wall Street will assume you are just trying to stimulate lively conversation.
Propose it as a means of improving operating performance by restoring strong, constructive relationships
among owners, managers, and other corporate stakeholders, and you may be viewed as a refugee of the
1980s, deluded by the decade of greed.” [Harvard Business Review, May-June 1995]
Leveraged Buyouts Became Known For Resulting In Layoffs And Cuts In Research Spending. “It’s
easy to see why LBOs have developed such a negative image. Even when they were booming, critics
complained about ‘paper entrepreneurs.’ And when the boom faded, a wave of bankruptcies ensued. Since
1987, scores of companies that had been acquired in highly leveraged transactions and that managed more
than $65 billion in assets have filed for bankruptcy. The spectacular fall of Drexel Burnham Lambert and
junk-bond pioneer Michael Milken added to the perception that the LBO wave had been whipped up and
sustained by unscrupulous financiers who enriched themselves at the expense of others. Harrumphing
members of Congress held hearings. Soon, a chorus of I-told-you-sos from LBO critics and fingerpointing in the savings-and-loan and banking industries turned leverage into a dirty word. Even the LBOs
that ‘worked’ were dismissed as good luck or, more often, the result of deep and painful cuts in
employment, investment, and R&D spending.” [Harvard Business Review, May-June 1995]
KKR Founders Pioneered Leverage Buyouts
Jerry Kohlberg Honed The Leverage Buyout Model Where An Equity Firm Bought Companies
With Borrowed Money And Then Sold Them For A Profit After A Few Years. “He discovered at
Bear Stearns that a small circle of investors could buy a company with borrowed money … use cash flow
to pay down the debt … and then sell the company or take it public at a big profit. He had unwittingly
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stumbled upon the essentials of leveraged buy-outs or, as they are known today, private equity
investments.” [Forbes, Obituary for Jerry Kohlberg by George Anders, 8/03/15]
The Washington Post Described Henry Kravis, One Of KKR’s Founders, As “The King Of RoughAnd-Tumble Leveraged Buyouts.” “Henry Kravis, the king of rough-and-tumble leveraged buyouts,
picked up a phone at his home in Palm Beach, Fla., and called the chief executive of one of Spain’s
biggest producers of building materials. At 70, Kravis, who’s worth $4.8 billion according to the
Bloomberg Billionaires Index, shows no sign of getting ready to retire. He and co-founder George
Roberts, also 70, are eager to make sure they don’t miss a juicy deal. They have been using their
legendary names to open doors and transform KKR into a nimble credit player that can act as lender,
investor and syndicator at the same time, making it reminiscent of banks such as Goldman Sachs, minus
the sales and trading, before regulators curtailed their reach.” [Washington Post, 7/25/14]
Kravis, His Cousin George Roberts, And Jerome Kohlberg All Left Bear Stearns And Founded
KKR In 1976. “Kravis founded KKR in 1976 with Roberts, his first cousin, and their former Bear
Stearns boss, Jerome Kohlberg. Three years later, they captivated Wall Street with a $380 million
purchase of industrial pumps maker Houdaille Industries. The deal’s cutting-edge debt architecture,
consisting of bank loans and junior debt, became the prototype for every leveraged buyout that followed.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts dominated the buyout world in the 1980s, even after Kohlberg left in 1987. Its
1988 victory in the $31 billion takeover battle for RJR Nabisco inspired the bestseller ‘Barbarians at the
Gate.’” [Washington Post, 7/25/14]
Leveraged Buyouts Became Known For Cutting Staff And Selling Purchased Companies After A
Few Years
KKR Founder Pioneered Leveraged Buyout, Famous For Cutting Staff And Selling Purchased
Companies After A Few Years. “In the 1960s Jerome Kohlberg Jnr pioneered the leveraged buyout, or
LBO, in which a company is bought using significant amounts of borrowed money. He went on to cofound one of the most feared powerhouses in the private equity industry, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co,
probably best known for the audacious purchase of the tobacco and food conglomerate Nabisco for a then
record $30.1bn…Refining the methods pioneered at Bear Stearns, KKR borrowed large sums from
institutions such as insurance companies and pension funds to buy underperforming firms. They would
retain existing management but cut staff, unload unprofitable assets and end costly perks like private jets,
then sell the company in whole or in parts within a few years.” [Independent, 8/24/15]
Forbes: “KKR Is Beginning To Look Like The Goldman Sachs Of Private Equity.” [Forbes,
10/28/2015]
Wall Street Journal Called KKR’s Purchase Of RJR Nabisco “A Resounding Flop” Though It Was
The Biggest Buyout In History At The Time; Company Was Inspiration For Book And HBO Movie
“Barbarian At The Gates”
“Barbarian At The Gates.” “It was the biggest buyout in U.S. corporate history, a six-week takeover
battle that captivated the nation and defined the ‘greed’ decade of the 1980s, spawning a bestselling book
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and a made-for-TV movie along the way. Now, six years later, the $25-billion (U.S.) leveraged buyout of
RJR Nabisco Inc. has ended as a resounding flop for Henry Kravis and George Roberts, leaders of the
powerful New York leveraged buyout company of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and for dozens of
institutional investors whose money they used. KKR, accustomed to annual returns of 25 per cent to 30
per cent on its buyouts in the 1980s, is barely scratching out single-digit yearly returns for its $3.1-billion
investment. Since it made its investment in RJR at an average cost of $5.62 a share, RJR's stock price has
risen only 2.3 per cent to $5.75, not counting dividends. In the same period, the Standard & Poor's Corp.'s
500 rose 47 per cent.” [Wall Street Journal, 3/17/95]
Book Explored KKR’s Leverage Buyout Of RJR Nabisco And Corporate Maneuvering Between
Executives. [New York Times, 1/21/90]
New York Times Book Review Said The Book Was “One Of The Finest, Most Compelling
Accounts Of What Happened To Corporate America And Wall Street In The 1980’s.” [New
York Times, 1/21/90]
Barbarians At The Gate Tagline: “After A Power Breakfast They’ll Still Eat You For Lunch.”
[IMDB, accessed 1/28/16]
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Analysts Said KKR Overpaid For RJR Nabisco And Soon Faced Costly Lawsuits Over The
Company’s Tobacco Division. “What went wrong? Analysts say KKR got caught up in a frenzied
takeover fight and paid too much for RJR at the peak of the '80s merger boom. And the firm bought into
the wrong industry - tobacco - not long before cigarette price wars and threat of litigation laid waste to
tobacco stocks.” [Wall Street Journal, 3/17/95]
Bought Safeway In The 1980’s Which Resulted In Layoff Of 63,000 Workers
Bought Safeway In The 1980’s Which Resulted In Layoff Of 63,000 Workers. “On the eve of the
1986 leveraged buy-out of Safeway Stores Inc., the board of directors sat down to a last supper. Peter
Magowan, the boyish-looking chairman and chief executive of the world’s largest supermarket chain, rose
to offer a toast to the deal that had fended off a hostile takeover by the corporate raiders Herbert and
Robert Haft … By selling the publicly held company to a group headed by buy-out specialists Kohlberg
Kravis Roberts & Co. and members of Safeway management, ‘you have saved literally thousands of jobs
in our work force,’ Mr. Magowan said. ‘All of us — employees, customers, shareholders — have a great
deal to be thankful for.’ … Nearly four years later, Mr. Magowan and the KKR group can indeed count
their blessings. While they borrowed heavily to buy Safeway from the shareholders, last month they sold
10% of the company (but none of their own shares) back to the public — at a price that values their own
collective stake at more than $800 million, more than four times their cash investment … Employees, on
the other hand, have considerably less reason to celebrate. Mr. Magowan’s toast notwithstanding, 63,000
managers and workers were cut loose from Safeway, through store sales or layoffs. While the majority
were re-employed by their new store owners, this was largely at lower wages, and many thousands of
Safeway people wound up either unemployed or forced into the part-time work force. A survey of former
Safeway employees in Dallas found that nearly 60% still hadn’t found full-time employment more than a
year after the layoff.” [Wall Street Journal, 5/16/90]
NOTE: For additional examples of layoffs that resulted from KKR buyouts please see the “KKR History”
section of the “Mills Fleet Farm” chapter of the book.
June 2015: SEC Charged KKR With Misallocating Broken Deal Expenses
June 2015: SEC Charged KKR With Misallocating Broken Deal Expenses. “The Securities and
Exchange Commission today charged Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) with misallocating more
than $17 million in so-called “broken deal” expenses to its flagship private equity funds in breach of its
fiduciary duty. KKR agreed to pay nearly $30 million to settle the charges, including a $10 million
penalty.” [SEC Press Release, 6/29/15]
KKR Paid $30 Million To Settle SEC Charges That They Misallocated $17 Million In Broken Deal
Costs. “KKR will pay $30 million to settle allegations the private equity giant breached its fiduciary duty
by misallocating more than $17 million in so-called broken deal costs to its flagship private equity funds.
Announcing the settlement Monday, a Securities and Exchange Commission order said KKR amassed
$338 million in broken deal or due diligence expenses related to unsuccessful buyout opportunities and
related issues during a six-year span that ended in 2011. KKR co-investors, including the company's
executives, participated in the firm's private equity transactions and benefited from deal-sourcing efforts
during that time, the SEC said. Yet KKR for years failed to require them to shoulder any of the broken
deal expenses, the SEC said.” [USA Today, 6/30/15]
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Broken Deal Expenses Defined As Equity Companies Passing Along Costs From Failed
Investments To Their Investors; KKR Had Passed Along Over $17 Million In Broken Deal
Costs. “For years, private equity firms operated behind a curtain of mystery when it came to how they
passed along expenses to investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission is now beginning to
pull back the curtain and shine a light on those practices. In a first, the commission on Monday said
that the private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company breached its fiduciary duty when it
passed along more than $17 million in ‘broken deal’ expenses to its investors. The action is expected
to lay the groundwork for similar cases in the coming months.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
2006-2011: KKR Incurred $338 Million In Broken Deal Costs From Unsuccessful Buyouts And
Passed On Costs To Limited Partners Including Several Public Pension Funds. “Some private
equity investors — which include public pension funds that invest on behalf of police officers,
firefighters, teachers and other government employees — have lately already been questioning their
investments in private equity funds. Such pension funds and other investors are known as limited
partners in industry parlance, and they typically make up a significant portion of the money that
private equity firms then use to undertake buyouts and other deals. Of concern to the S.E.C. is what
private equity firms like K.K.R. charge their limited partners and how that differs from the amount coinvestors — which include private equity executives — are required to pay in fees. Over a six-year
period, until 2011, K.K.R. incurred $338 million in expenses related to unsuccessful buyouts, the
S.E.C. said. Instead of making its own executives absorb some of those costs, the firm passed them on
to the funds of their limited partners without informing them.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
KKR Did Not Admit Or Deny The Charges But Paid To Settle The Charges. “The firm has
agreed to pay nearly $30 million to the settle the accusations … Private equity firms charge investors
a management fee of 1 to 2 percent of assets under management, as well as around 20 percent of any
gains each year. But there are other transaction costs that are often not disclosed, including “broken
deal” expenses, costs for monitoring investments and legal fees. These undisclosed fees often
represent a substantial weight on returns for investors, according to recent study by CEM
Benchmarking. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which neither admitted nor denied the S.E.C.’s accusations,
sought to put the issue behind it on Monday, saying that the settlement related to past issues and not
current practices at the firm.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
California Public Employees’ Retirement System Had Investments With KKR. “For some
investors, that pledge may come too late. In June, the California Public Employees’ Retirement
System, known as Calpers, announced plans to reduce the number of private equity funds it invests in
to 30 from 98 as it moves to simplify its portfolio. Calpers executives have also acknowledged that the
fees they pay to private equity firms are not transparent. Wylie A. Tollette, the chief operating
investment officer at Calpers, recently told an investment committee that the $300 billion pension
fund could not track those fees. Calpers is an investor in K.K.R. As part of the settlement, K.K.R.
agreed to pay a $10 million penalty, more than $14 million in disgorgement as well as more than $4.5
million in prejudgment interest. It had previously refunded clients $3.26 million.” [New York Times,
6/29/15]
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Admitted To Colluding With Other Private Equity Groups To Not Bid Against Each Other In A
Series Of Corporate Takeovers Including AMC Entertainment And Aramark During The Mid2000’s; Paid $475 Million Settlement
Series Of Corporate Takeovers Including AMC Entertainment And Aramark During The Mid2000’s; Paid $475 Million Settlement. “The Carlyle Group paid $115 million to settle a collusion case
Friday, less than a week before it was due for a major hearing on the lawsuit in Boston. District-based
Carlyle was the last of several private equity firms, including Blackstone Group, KKR and TPG, to settle
the seven-year-old case. Plaintiffs had alleged that Carlyle and the other private equity firms had colluded,
mostly through e-mail, not to bid against one another on takeover targets during the mid-2000s. Carlyle
declined to comment, and a person close to the negotiations said Carlyle settled the case without
admitting any wrongdoing on its part. Six private equity defendants had already agreed to pay $475
million to settle the collusion lawsuit. A group of plaintiffs, suing in federal court, accused Carlyle,
Blackstone Group, TPG Capital, KKR and others of agreeing among themselves not to bid against one
another in eight corporate takeovers that included theater chain AMC Entertainment, food service firm
Aramark and casino operator Harrah's Entertainment. The plaintiffs were represented by Patrick
Coughlin, an experienced class action attorney.” [Washington Post, 8/30/14]
May 2013: KKR Hired Former U.S. General, CIA Director David Petraeus As Chairman, Who Has
Supported TPP
May 2013: KKR Hired Former U.S. General, CIA Director David Petraeus As Chairman. “Private
equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR.N) said it appointed former CIA Director David
Petraeus as chairman of the newly created KKR Global Institute, which will study the investment
implications of global macroeconomic, social and geopolitical issues. Petraeus will also support KKR's
investment teams in the diligence process, particularly in considering investments in new geographies,
KKR said.” [Reuters, 5/30/13]
Petraeus Co-Wrote An Op-Ed In Support Of The Trans Pacific Partnership. “Both parties and the
Obama administration should conclude agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, important for
economic growth as well as for setting appropriate standards to help incentivize China to reform
economic practices (because TPP membership will not be available to China until it does so).” [USA
Today, 10/12/15]
Also Wrote That Congress Should Avoid A Shutdown Over Deficit And Urged Both Parties To
“Recognize The Importance Of Government Programs In Areas Such As Scientific Research,
Infrastructure Investment And Education.” “Congress should avoid any government shutdown or
self-induced debt crisis over anything except the most historic and major issues (which we do not see
on the horizon). Democrats and Republicans, in shaping their messages and agendas for the 2016
election, should recognize the importance of government programs in areas such as scientific research,
infrastructure investment and education, and then fashion budget priorities accordingly.” [USA Today,
10/12/15]
Petraeus Also Co-Wrote An Op-Ed Calling On Congress To Reauthorize The Export-Import Bank.
“Congress is now considering whether to renew funding for the Export-Import Bank. That should not be a
12
tough call. Economic and national security concerns argue strongly for continued funding. The Bank is, of
course, a small U.S. government agency designed to help American companies compete more effectively
for business abroad, by backing up loans and helping with financing in ways that wind up typically
costing the American taxpayer nothing or even (as in recent years) turning a profit. As things stand, the
Bank will stop functioning on June 30 unless action is taken. Beyond the specific economic benefits of
Ex-Im Bank actions, many of them to assist small companies and collectively helping sustain more than
one million American jobs, there is another reason to renew the Bank—strengthening the foundations of
American power. To see why, it is important not to focus just on the Bank by itself but to place it in a
broader context of long-term national economic strategy.” [National Interest, 6/10/15]
February 2016: Refused To Respond To Direct Question About His Position On The Trans-Pacific
Partnership; When Asked If He Did Not Want To Talk About TPP During The Campaign, He Said
“I Don't Want To Talk About Issues That Have Nothing To Do With Moving This District
Forward”
February 2016: Refused To Respond To Direct Question About His Position On TPP; When Asked
If He Did Not Want To Talk About TPP During The Campaign, He Said “I Don't Want To Talk
About Issues That Have Nothing To Do With Moving This District Forward.” “‘Do you just not want
to talk about the TPP in this campaign?’ asked Minock. ‘Well, I don't want to talk about issues that have
nothing to do with moving this district forward,’ said Mills.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
Called TPP A “Non-Issue” And Said It Was “Was Dead On Arrival” Because It Would Not Get
A Vote. “KDLH's Nick Minock sat down with Mills to get answers. ‘They (U.S. Senators) are not
going to vote on it. So, it's a non issue. The TPP is dead on arrival,’ said Mills.” [Northland News
Center, 2/07/16]
Said He Was “Hesitant To Give … A Direct Answer” On TPP. “‘KKR - the company that bought
Mills Fleet Farm - I was looking on their website and they support the Trans Pacific Partnership. Does
that impact your view of the TPP at all?’ asked Minock. ‘I have looked, first of all, I am making up
my own mind and in Washington D.C., I will read the agreements and the bills that I vote on and that
is why I'm hesitant to give you a direct answer,’ said Mills.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
Said KKR’s Support Of TPP Would Not Affect His Position On The Issue. “‘So are you saying
KKR or Ford Motor Company - their decision on policy isn't going to impact your decision on this
issue?’ asked Minock. ‘Absolutely not. It will not impact my position on this issue,’ said Mills.
Congressman Rick Nolan is against the Trans Pacific Partnership. Nolan is concerned that the TPP
would cost the United States jobs, just like NAFTA did.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
Faced Pressure To Provide An Answer On His Specific Position On TPP. “The Trans Pacific
Partnership continues to be one of the biggest issues in the Stewart Mills Rick Nolan rematch. On
Saturday, the Republican Party endorsed Mills in McGregor. Now that Mills has secured the GOP's
backing, he is facing more questions on where he stands on the TPP. It's a trade agreement that has
many on the Iron Range concerned for their jobs.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
13
November 2015: Questioned Whether Rep. Nolan Had Read The Text Of The TPP Deal “In Its
Entirety,” Said He Was Undecided On Whether Or Not To Support It
Entirety,” Said He Was Undecided On Whether Or Not To Support It. “Fleet Farms executive
Stewart Mills (R) said he still hasn’t finished reading the Trans-Pacific Partnership’s text and hasn’t
decided whether he supports it or not. He also questioned whether Rep. Rick Nolan (D) has actually read
it in its entirety. ‘I don’t believe he has fully read every word of that bill,’ Mills said.” [National Journal,
11/30/15]
Mills Gas Mart Had Several Leaks
Between 1997 and 2007, several Mills Fleet Farm “Gas Marts” had gas leaks. [Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency, accessed 8/21/13]
September 2011: Mills Fleet Farm Posted Fake Gas Prices to Keep Costumers Away
In September 2001, in the midst of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a Mills Fleet Farm gas station
raised “fake gas prices” were an attempt to disperse long lines of customers due to lines of cars attempting
to buy gas blocked traffic on a nearby avenue. [Legal Ledger, 9/17/01]
2008: Mills Gas Mart Customers Only Received 4.5 Gallons Of Gas When They Paid For 5 Gallons
In 2008, an inspection report showed that a Mills Fleet Farm gas pump in Waite Park, Minnesota was off
by 130 cubic inches, resulting in costumers only receiving four and a half gallons for every five gallons
they paid for. [St. Cloud Times, 7/06/08]
January 2016: Mills Fleet Farm In Mankato Was Fined For Selling Gas At Illegally Low Prices
That Drove Smaller Competitors Out Of The Market; Agreed To Pay $40,000 Penalty To State Of
Minnesota
Minnesota. “The Mankato Mills Fleet Farm became the second local fuel seller in three months to be
ordered by the state of Minnesota to stop selling gasoline so cheaply and to pay a substantial financial
penalty for illegally low gasoline prices last spring and summer that resulted in area drivers paying some
of the lowest prices in the state. Fleet Farm joins Sam's Club in agreeing to pay a $40,000 civil penalty,
although each company will see half of the total forgiven if it stays in compliance with Minnesota's fuel
pricing law in the future, according to the Department of Commerce. The law aims to keep large fuel
sellers from offering fuel at extremely low levels to drive smaller competitors out of the market. The
arrival of the Fleet Farm store on Premier Drive just off of Highway 22 on the north end of Mankato
seemed to be the impetus for a price war that most other gas stations and convenience stores were caught
up in from April through mid-July.” [Mankato Free Press, 1/09/16]
State Identified At Least 20 Violations That Mills Fleet Farm Had Incurred; Company Would
Only Be Responsible For Paying $20,000 If They Stayed Compliant With The Order. “Local
prices were often 20 cents per gallon lower than other parts of the state with the discount sometimes
14
topping 25 cents, prompting smaller convenience stores to file complaints with the Commerce
Department, which launched an investigation. Some pointed to Fleet Farm as the instigator while
others suggested Fleet Farm was doing nothing more than matching Sam's Club. In the end, state
investigators found both companies were selling at prices below the minimum allowed by law. A
‘cease and desist order’ was issued to Sam's Club, located on Madison Avenue, in late October. A
nearly identical order came to Fleet Farm last month. ‘ ... From April 14, 2015 through May 19, 2015
respondent (Fleet Farm) engaged in the continuing offer and sale of gasoline by way of posted price or
indicating meter below the minimum allowable price at its store located at 1850 Premier Drive,
Mankato, Minnesota,’ the Dec. 15 order states. ‘At least 20 violations ... were identified.’ The Fleet
Farm investigation covered the same dates as the Sam's Club investigation, also found 20-plus
violations and resulted in the same penalty — ‘that respondent shall pay to the State of Minnesota a
civil penalty of $40,000, of which $20,000 shall be stayed upon the condition that respondent remain
in compliance with this order.’”[Mankato Free Press, 1/09/16]
News Report Alleged That New Mills Fleet Farm Store In Hermantown Received Public Subsidies
But Were Not Required To Hire Percentage Of Union Workers Thus Allowing Them To Pay Below
Prevailing Wage; Mills Responded Angrily On Social Media To This Report
Prevailing Wage. “Despite its $900,000 gift, Hermantown officials green-lighted the project without
requiring that a percentage of the work go to union tradespeople. As a result, Fleet Farm can pay workers
well below prevailing wages.” [City Pages, 11/18/15]
Headline: “Stewart Mills Gets $1.5 Million In Welfare; His Workers Aren't So Lucky.” [City
Pages, 11/18/15]
Mills Was Upset About Article’s Portrayal Of Mills Fleet Farm And Accused DCCC Of
“Peddl[ing] Lies.” [Twitter, 11/19/15]
Mills Stated In A Facebook Post That He Was Not “Anti-Union” And That Some Of The
Project’s Funds Had Gone To Non-Union Contractors. “Normally I don’t respond directly to
comments on Facebook as the back and forth can take on a life of its own, but I feel there may be
some folks that have bought into the Democrats deceptive narrative of me and have the wrong idea
about what I stand for. First of all, Right to Work is a state issue, and I am running for federal office.
As someone who respects the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, I believe that the 10th Amendment
reserves such decisions the individual states themselves, and I will fight to keep the Federal
Government out of state affairs. Secondly, whoever says Fleet Farm’s Hermantown project is nonunion is deliberately misleading you. The truth is the majority of the contract dollars were awarded to
union shops. The Mills Family has always run an open bidding process, open to both union and nonunion shops. Some of the project dollars (a minority) were awarded to non-union contractors. We
have not tilted the playing field either way. Our general project manager goes through the bids and
selects the ones that can get the job done right, at the right time, at the right price. Union firms, as a
percentage of project cost, were over represented in that selection. If anyone tries to tell you I am antiunion they are liars, I believe strongly in the open bidding process, and American Free Enterprise that
has created and sustained both union and non-union jobs. –Stewart Mills” [Facebook, 12/02/15]
15
Education
Between 1992 And 1995, Mills Attended Northwood University In West Palm Beach, Florida. [Mills
for Congress Website, accessed 8/23/13]
Mills Earned A Bachelor’s Degree In Business Administration From Northwood University In West
Palm Beach, Florida. [Facebook, accessed 9/22/15]
2015: Keiser University Purchased Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus. “Northwood
University is handing its West Palm Beach campus over to Keiser University, which now has its first
residential campus. Located at 2600 Military Trail, the 100-acre site will be the second campus in the city
for non-profit Keiser University and the 17th in Florida. It has dormitories, a gymnasium and a student
center. Financial terms of the deal weren't announced … Northwood University's main campus is in
Midland, Mich. It said its students in West Palm Beach would have the opportunity to become Keiser
University students starting July 1. Most of its programs there are in business education. On the South
Florida Business Journal's list of largest local colleges, Northwood University reported having 749
students in fall 2014 compared to 7,341 for Keiser University. Northwood University currently has 586
students, according to school officials.” [South Florida Business Journal, 3/18/15]
Northwood University Described Its Cores Values As Belief In “Entrepreneurial, Free-Enterprise
Society” And “Individual Freedom And Individual Responsibility.” “We believe in: the advantages of
an entrepreneurial, free-enterprise society. individual freedom and individual responsibility. functioning
from a foundation of ethics and integrity. promoting and leveraging the global, diverse and multi-cultural
nature of enterprise.” [Northwood University, About, accessed 9/22/15]
University Website Said They “Practice A Healthy Skepticism Of Large And Powerful
Government” Because It Causes “Loss” Of “Freedom.” “We practice a healthy skepticism of large
and powerful government because we think history has clearly demonstrated that such structures move
rapidly from being of the people toward being over the people, and freedom is lost in the balance. Our
intolerance of monolithic power is consistent across the business, labor, and government spectrum. We
suspect, furthermore, that as a society we cannot gain from the establishment of legal monopolies except
in a very few and constrained circumstances.” [Northwood University, About, accessed 9/22/15]
University Had Several Locations Across The Country, Primarily In Michigan And Texas.
[Northwood University, Locations, accessed 9/22/15]
Crain’s Detroit Business Called Northwood University “The Nation’s Pre-Eminent Auto Retailing
School.” “Northwood University is selling its 31-year-old campus in West Palm Beach, Fla., a year after
shutting its residential campus near Dallas. The nation's pre-eminent auto-retailing school is also
restructuring its operations to improve revenue. The moves are in part because of recent poor financial
results.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 6/09/15]
Northwood University Was Established In 1959 And Focused On Free Enterprise. “Mills received a
business degree at Northwood University, a non-traditional higher education school created in 1959 that
focuses on free enterprise. He turned his attention after getting his degree on the family business, serving
16
in a variety of positions. In one of his television ads, Mills proudly says he started out sweeping floors and
graduated to stocking shelves. He's now a vice president.” [Mesabi Daily News, 9/30/14]
2000-2010: Director Of Personnel For Fleet Farm
Between 2000 and 2010, Mills served as the director of personnel for Mills Fleet Farm.
He oversaw the administration and management of a workforce of more than 6,000 and health insurance,
401k, profit sharing and other benefit plans. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
2010-Present: Vice President For Fleet Farm
Since 2010, Mills has served as the Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm.
According to his campaign website, he was the “originator of FleetFarm.com, innovative health care
plans, Mills Indoor Shooting and Archery, brands of Firearms and accessories and the “We Love It!
Outdoors” Television series. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
2000-2010: Oversaw Health Insurance And Other Benefit Plans
Between 2000 and 2010, Mills served as the director of personnel for Fleet Farm and oversaw health
insurance and other benefit plans. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
July 2013: Said He was Plan Administrator and the Fiduciary of Company Health Care Plan
In July 2013, Mills said he was the plan administrator and the fiduciary the company’s health care
plan.
“I am the plan administrator and the fiduciary of our company’s health care plan,” Mills said. [Crow
Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Family Business Accepted Millions Of Taxpayer Dollars
Between 1983 and 2013, Mills Properties received nearly $1.7 million from state governments.
[Chanhassen Villager, 3/28/13; City of Menomonie; Tax Increment Development Agreement, Oakdale Minnesota, 6/19/13]
Company Benefited From Cash For Clunkers
In 2009 and 2010, Mills Motor, Mills Auto Center and Mills Auto Enterprises participated in the Federal
Government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program, which was a program that offered $3,500 to $4,500 for
people who traded in an old car for a new one with higher fuel economy.
The auto centers made 144 transactions from the program, totaling $620,000 in federal dollar rebates, and
sold $3,146,560.00 worth of inventory. [New York Times, 7/30/09; Cars.gov]
NOTE: See “Cash for Clunkers” appendix for a full breakdown of all Mills Auto Center’s Cash for
Clunkers transactions.
17
2009: Mills Automotive called themselves the “Cash for Clunkers Headquarters”
In July 2009, Mills Automotive Group advertised themselves as the “Cash for Clunkers
Headquarters!” on their YouTube page. [Mills Automotive YouTube, Uploaded 7/30/09]
Company Denied Salvation Army The Right To Place Bell Ringers Outside Their Stores
In November of 2011, Mills’ father announced that Mills Fleet Farm would not allow Salvation Army bell
ringers at their 31 locations.
Mills’ father said that allowing bell ringers would open the floodgates to anyone else who wanted to use
the company’s property.
Salvation Army Captain Brian Goodwill estimated the loss due to Mills Fleet Farm’s decision would be
tens of thousands of dollars. [WAOW, 11/28/11]
Said Decision Was a “Win-Win”
In November 2011, Mills said the Fleet Farm’s decision to give individual donations to local
Salvation Army chapters was a “win-win.” [Associated Press, 11/29/11]
Reversed Course to Allow Salvation Army Ringers to Stand Outside Mills Fleet Farm Stores
In late November 2011, Mills Fleet Farm reversed course and allowed Salvation Army bell ringers
outside their stores.
“In an attempt to continue our longtime support of the Salvation Army we decided this year to make
direct donations instead of allowing bell ringers on our property to conduct their red kettle fundraising
drives. We felt that this would immediately benefit the local Salvation Army chapters in the
communities we operate stores. We were wrong. Our customers have spoken and in addition to the
money that we donated, they feel the red kettles and ringing bells raise awareness of those in need in
our community,” Mills said. [Brainerd Dispatch, 11/29/11]
Local Labor Union Accused Mills Fleet Farm Of Using Temporary Workers At Minimum Wage
In 2011, the Twin Cities chapter of the Laborers’ International Union of North America accused Mills
Fleet Farm Stores of using temporary workers at minimum wage for the construction of a new store in
Carver, Minnesota.
“Fleet Farm should be ashamed that it’s taking the cheapest and riskiest route possible to put up this outlet
in Carver,” said Tim Mackey, business manager for Twin Cities-based Local 563 of the Laborers’
International Union of North America. [Star Tribune, 11/16/11]
…Mills’ Father Disputed the Accusations of Labor Exploitation
18
In 2011, Mills Fleet Farm CEO, Stewart Mills Jr., disputed the claims of the local labor unions on
worker exploitation at the Mills Fleet Farm store in Carver.
Mills claimed that contractors were paying substantially more than minimum wage and that the jobs
were created locally.
“There isn’t anyone paying minimum wage,” Mills said. [Star Tribune, 11/16/11]
…But Mills Fleet Farm Contractor Breitbach Confirmed Some Workers Received Only
Minimum Wage
In 2011, Mills Fleet Farm contracted out its concrete construction to Breitbach Construction
Company, which in turn hired four men through the firm Labor Ready.
Breitbach reportedly paid $18 and $19 an hour for the four men they hired, but discovered that
Labor Ready was only giving the men the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
After a grievance was brought by the local union, Breitbach said it “completely discontinued” its
relationship with Labor Ready. [Star Tribune, 11/16/11]
Health Care Issues
Repeatedly Claimed He Had Seen The Negative Impacts Of Obamacare
Repeatedly Claimed He Had Seen The Negative Impacts Of Obamacare. “I’m the plan administrator
of our company’s self-insured health plan. I have seen first hand how our employees have been negatively
impacted by Obamacare. Not only that, all throughout our part of Minnesota, I’ve seen how people have
been hurt by Obamacare—higher co-pays, higher deductibles, higher premiums, skinnier networks—
people are paying a lot more and they’re getting a lot less.” [WDIO, 10/28/14]
When Asked What His Specific Plan To Replace Obamacare Was He Said It Was To Secure “Legal
Protections For Social Safety Nets Programs … And … The Free Market”
Protections For Social Safety Nets … And … The Free Market.” “[5:49] Q: What is your specific
alternative to the Affordable Care Act? A: Well, it’s a combination of two things. It’s on one hand, legal
protections for social safety nets and on the other hand the free market.” [WCCO, 10/21/14]
Said “All Options On The Table” For Social Security Reform
In October 2014, Mills said that all options need to be on the table when considering Social Security
reform.
“After identifying the problem, we have to come together on a bi-partisan solution because we don’t need
to do to social security and Medicaid, what the Democrat party has done to America with Obamacare. It
has to be both houses of congress, both sides of the isle, putting all options on the table to make sure that
19
we are able to make good on those promises to our seniors,” said Mills. [Minnesota Public Radio Debate,
10/07/14; Minnesota Public Radio, 10/07/14]
Said He Liked “The Good Things” The Affordable Care Act Had Done
Said He Liked “The Good Things” The Affordable Care Act Had Done. “By the time Mills conceded
there were outcomes of the Affordable Care Act he wished to keep – ‘I do like the good things it has
done,’ he said -- the divide between the major party candidates seemed narrower than expected.” [Forum
Opposed Children Staying On Their Parents Health Plans Until They Reach Twenty Six
In 2014, Mills opposed children staying on their parents’ health plans until they reach twenty six.
“Mills said parents who want that should pay for it, not pass along the cost to everyone else,” Minnesota
Public Radio News reported. [Minnesota Public Radio News, 2/12/14]
Said He Would Replace Obamacare With A Free Market System, Tort Reform, And Health
Savings Accounts
Savings Accounts. “The Nisswa man called for the repeal and replacement of the law, often called
Obamacare. In comments after his speech, Mills said he would replace the law with a free market-based
system with price transparency, purchases across state lines, tort reform and health savings accounts.” [St.
Paul Pioneer Press, 4/12/14]
Said He Would Replace Obamacare With “Something That's Free-Market Based And Actually
Works.” “Mills wants the Affordable Care Act repealed and says he has a sketch of a plan on what to
replace it with. ‘Something that's free-market based and actually works,’ he said.” [Duluth News-Tribune,
4/20/14]
Said More Flexible Health Savings Accounts Would Reduce Health Care Costs. “He ran the
employee health care program at Mills Fleet Farm for 14 years, he said, and he found there are three
essential parts to keep in control and keep costs down: Supply, demand and delivery. Cutting costs and
increasing quality of care is the goal of the current effort, he said, but ‘Obamacare is bringing us in the
exact opposite direction. It's driving up costs and bringing down quality.’ Mills said he would open the
insurance market across state lines and would increase the flexibility of health savings accounts. ‘Allow
people to contribute more and then, when it gets to a certain point, they can put that money into their
retirement accounts or into college savings plans.’ He said there also needs to be better transparency on
nonemergency medical procedures. ‘You should know what the prices are.’ He said he also would
advocate tort reform to limit claims made against practitioners.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
2015: Said He Would Make Replacing Obamacare A Central Focus Of His Campaign Platform
And Was “Still Very Much Against Obamacare”
2015: Said He Would Make Replacing Obamacare A Central Focus Of His Campaign Platform.
“Mills says many of the campaign issues will be the same: Replacing the Affordable Care Act with a
20
private-focused alternative, including Health Savings Accounts and the ability to buy catastrophic health
coverage across state lines. He says he’ll make ‘replacing Obamacare’ a focus.” [CBS Minnesota,
10/13/15]
Said He Was “Still Very Much Against Obamacare. “There's also an interesting turn in the their debate
over Obamacare, which was a focal point in the 2014 campaign. ‘I'm still very much against Obamacare,’
Mills said. ‘Rick Nolan is for Obamacare as a good first step to single payer.’” [Duluth News Tribune,
10/18/15]
Minnesota Had The Fifth Lowest Rate Of Uninsured People In The Nation In 2014
Star Tribune Headline: “Minnesota's Uninsured Rate Plunges As Affordable Care Act Kicks In.”
5.9% Of Minnesotans Were Uninsured In 2014, Fifth Lowest Rate Of Uninsured In The
Country; 8.2% Of Minnesotans Were Uninsured In 2013. “The share of Minnesotans without
health insurance fell to a record low last year, as new provisions of the Affordable Care Act kicked in
with a historic expansion in the nation’s insurance markets. Just 5.9 percent of the state’s population
was uninsured in 2014, giving Minnesota the fifth-lowest rate in the nation, according to the U.S.
Census Bureau’s annual report on income and insurance. That was a sharp drop from 2013, when 8.2
percent of Minnesotans lacked health insurance. Nationwide, the uninsured rate fell from 13.3 percent
in 2013 to 10.4 percent last year. The dramatic drop came as more consumers used state and federal
online insurance exchanges to buy coverage and tax penalties loomed for those who lacked health
insurance at the beginning of this year. The numbers were greeted as vindication of the controversial
federal law, especially by elected officials who embraced it early.” [Star Tribune, 9/17/15]
325,000 People Had Enrolled In Insurance Coverage Through The State’s Exchange Program.
“Since November, more than 325,000 Minnesotans have signed up for health insurance using the
state’s MNsure exchange. The vast majority landed in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, public
health insurance programs that now cover one of every five Minnesotans. About 70,000 Minnesotans
signed up for private plans on the exchange, with more than half receiving premium public subsidies.
Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said that although government insurance
rolls are growing, the state will benefit from a healthier population … Between 2008 and 2013,
Minnesota’s uninsured rate hovered around 8 to 9 percent. But in 2014, the number of uninsured
shrank by 123,000 people.” [Star Tribune, 9/17/15]
Second Amendment Issues
Created A Video Letter Against Gun Regulations, Including An Assault Weapons Ban In Wake Of
Newtown Shooting
In 2013, Mills released a video letter for Congressman Rick Nolan and Senators Franken and Klobuchar
on gun control legislation.
21
Mills’ main purpose of the video was to tout his opposition against gun regulations and to demonstrate
that Nolan’s duck gun was more “lethal and impractical” than assault rifles. [HuldraArms YouTube
account, uploaded 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Control Isn’t About Controlling Guns, It’s About Controlling People And Limiting
Your Freedom.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Free Zones Are Killing Our Kids … We Need To Put Armed Security In Every School
And Fund That Price Tag … We Need To Stop Guarding Our Banks And Our Sports Stadiums
Better Than We Guard Our Children.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “This Is About Politics … This Is About Gun Control Measures … They Really Don’t Care
About Solving The Problem. They Just Are Not Gonna Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste And
They’re Gonna Push Their Political Agenda.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Suggested That Violent Video Games And Mental Health Were Responsible For Gun Violence.
[Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Control Will Not Work … It Will Only Endanger Us.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Said We Need To Put Armed Security In Every School And Fund That Price Tag. [Huldra Arms
YouTube, 1/10/13]
Claimed Sporting Rifles Were Less Dangerous Than Duck Hunting Shot Guns. [Huldra Arms
YouTube, 1/10/13]
Called For Armed Security at Schools, Even If It Meant Increasing Federal Taxes On Firearms
In Mills’ video letter to Congressman Rick Nolan and Senators Franken and Klobuchar on gun control
legislation, he called for armed security at local schools, even if it meant increasing federal taxes on
firearms to finance the measure.
From his video:
“So what’s the solutions, we need to put armed security in every school and fund that
price tag. We have to stop putting things on our credit card and mortgaging our children’s
future to China. The ATF collects approximately $ 24 billion a year in excise fees. If we
need to increase the 11% ATF excise fee on firearms to 15% or whatever to pay for it,
we need to do that. We need to stop guarding our banks and our sports stadiums better than
we guard our children. There’s only so much money out there. We need to reform certain
institutions and the way that we collect taxes. We need to balance our priorities to get them
straight. The priority should be the security of our children. Locally here, in the Brainerd
Lakes area, we have an excellent law enforcement program. However, we graduate more
candidates than there are law enforcement positions for. I believe we should take the
reallocated funds and distribute it to local law enforcement to hire security police to
guard the doorways and hallways of our local schools.” [YouTube, posted 1/10/13; MinnPost,
7/9/14]
22
Tea Party Express Endorsed Mills, But Refused To Label Himself A Tea Partyer
Tea Party Express Endorsed Mills. “Mills, a relatively young and hip, long-haired businessman, has
fashioned himself as a small-government Republican. Though he touts more libertarian ideas than socially
conservative ones, Mills did garner an endorsement Tuesday from the Tea Party Express.” [Star Tribune,
10/08/14]
…But
Said It Was Not “Entirely Accurate” To Call Him A Tea Partyer But Welcomed Tea Party
Endorsement Hours Later. “In a debate early Tuesday in Duluth, GOP House candidate Stewart
Mills said it wasn't accurate to portray him as aligned with the Tea Party. ‘I keep getting accused (of)
being a Tea Partyer and I'm not sure that's entirely accurate,’ Mills said, when answering a question
about the virtues of the Keystone oil sands pipeline in a debate with Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan and
Green Party candidate Ray ‘Skip’ Sandman. A few hours later, the Tea Party Express threw its
support behind Mills, saying he ‘isn't your typical politician. He is someone that understands hard
work and will stop at nothing in order to fix a problem -- traits he picked up from his family's huntingcamp doctrine.’ … Mills’ camp responded Tuesday, noting, ‘We welcome the endorsements of all
political persuasions, from the National Rifle Association to the Farm Bureau, from the National
Federation of Independent Businesses to the Fraternal Order of Police.’” [Star Tribune, 10/07/14]
Refused To Accept Labels, Said He Did Not Belong To Any Wing Of The Conservative
Movement. “You know I’ve never had really any involvement with the tea party up until running for
office. And I’ve met with them and the one thing that impresses me about them is that they care more
about your rights and your liberties than anything they would want for themselves from the
government … I am not gonna define myself or accept any labels. But I consider myself a
conservative—and that is the business community, the second amendment rights community, the
Republicans, the constitutionalists, the Libertarians, and that also includes the tea party. So I’m not
necessarily in any wing of the conservative movement.” [KBJR, 4/19/14]
October 2015: Spoke At A Tea Party Event. [Minnesota Tea Party Alliance, 10/05/15]
Abortion Issues
Said He Was Pro-Life And Was “Very, Very Strongly Against Federal Funding … Going To Any
Abortion Provider”
Said He Was Pro-Life And Was “Very, Very Strongly Against Federal Funding … Going
To Any Abortion Provider.” “Mills said his social issue is being pro-life, although he added it
wasn't one of his main motivators for running. ‘I'm very, very strongly against federal funding
— our tax dollars — going to any abortion provider,’ he said.” [Forum News Service,
10/18/15]
Criticized Nolan For Receiving A Donation From Planned Parenthood And For
Supporting Continued Funding For The Group. “For Mills, this involves channeling uproar
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sparked with recently released anti-abortion videos that purport to show Planned Parenthood's
sale of fetal tissue for research. ‘Rick Nolan not only received money from Planned
Parenthood, Rick Nolan still wants to send money to Planned Parenthood,’ Mills said.” [Forum
Said Planned Parenthood Was Using “A Shell Game” And Called On Them To Stop Providing
Abortions
Said Planned Parenthood Was Using “A Shell Game” And Called On Them To Stop
Providing Abortions. “Mills acknowledged there's already a law prohibiting federal funding
from going directly to abortion, ‘but it's a shell game’ he said.” [Forum News Service,
10/18/15]
Mills: “If Planned Parenthood Really Is Serious About Providing Women's Services, They Should,
In An Instant, Stop Providing Abortions”
Mills: “If Planned Parenthood Really Is Serious About Providing Women's Services,
They Should, In An Instant, Stop Providing Abortions.” “‘Let's look at this way,’ Mills
said, ‘Planned Parenthood says that only 3 percent of their services are abortion-related. Well,
you can't fund one arm that then supports the other. If Planned Parenthood really is serious
about providing women's services, they should, in an instant, stop providing abortions.’”
Said The “Core Mission” Of Planned Parenthood Was To Provide Abortions And Accused Them
Of Using “Accounting Gimmicks” To Conceal Use Of Federal Funds For Abortion Services
Said The “Core Mission” Of Planned Parenthood Was To Provide Abortions And
Accused Them Of Using “Accounting Gimmicks” To Conceal Use Of Federal Funds For
Abortion Services. “The ‘core mission’ of Planned Parenthood is still abortion, Mills said. ‘It's
accounting gimmicks and it's semantics, but at the end of the day, through Planned Parenthood,
our tax dollars are going to fund abortions, and I am against that,’ he said.” [Forum News
Service, 10/18/15]
Opposed Abortion Rights
In June 2013, Mills opposed abortion rights. [Hot Dish Politics, 6/26/13]
Opposed Abortion Rights. “Mills has also contrasted his record with Nolan on supporting gun rights
(Nolan received an “F” rating from the NRA) and opposing abortion to appeal to socially conservative
Democrats who make up a significant share of the electorate.” [National Journal, 9/19/14]
Said He And His Wife Were “Proud To Support” The Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center, A
Local Crisis Pregnancy Center And “Provide Resources To Those Experiencing Unexpected
Pregnancies” To “Protect The Most Vulnerable Among Us”
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Pregnancies” To “Protect The Most Vulnerable Among Us.” “The Lakes Area Pregnancy Support
Center is such an important part of our community. My wife Heather, and I are proud to support them and
help provide resources to those experiencing unexpected pregnancies. We must protect the most
vulnerable among us.” [Facebook, 4/15/14]
Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center Is A Crisis Pregnancy Center. “Women and men are making
difficult choices every day. We can help them get the facts to make an informed decision about their
unplanned pregnancy.” [Lake Area Pregnancy Center Facebook, accessed 10/05/14]
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Known For Providing Misleading Information To Patients About
Their Options For Reproductive Services. “Operators of religious pregnancy centers have sued
Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris to block a new California law that requires such clinics to provide
information about abortion and contraceptive services offered by other providers. Under the
legislation, which was sponsored by Harris and abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America,
health clinics that offer certain pregnancy-related services have to tell patients that California has
public programs that offer low-cost or free family planning options, including contraception and
abortion. The clinics must provide a phone number to the patient's local county social services office.
Abortion rights supporters say these religious clinics, known as crisis pregnancy centers, offer false or
misleading information about abortion and reproductive health.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/13/15]
2015: Had Net Worth Between $34 And $115 Million
2015: Had Net Worth Between $34 And $115 Million. “Lawrence is also worth more than Stewart
Mills, the 2014 candidate in Minnesota’s Eighth District. Mills, who was attacked for his wealth, has a
stake in his family Fleet Farm business with a net worth between $34 million and $115 million last year.”
[Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 9/09/15]
Found Claim That The Wealthy Do Not Pay Their Fair Share In Taxes “Personally Offensive”
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Found Claim That The Wealthy Do Not Pay Their Fair Share In Taxes “Personally Offensive.” In
June 2013, Mills said he found the claim that the wealthy did not pay enough taxes “personally
offensive.”
From an event in Baxter, Minnesota:
“What happened in the last couple elections, where you have folks saying that the wealthy
are not paying their fair share that there are all these loopholes and they don’t pay any
taxes and we have to make them pay more. Well you know what… we’ve paid all of our
taxes, we reinvest the money that we make into our business. We provide jobs for people,
we provide health insurance for people. We are part of this community and then beyond that
we support community and civic endeavors. We donate to charity, we help with events, we
do a lot of things for this community, and to be singled out as a deadbeat, is personally
offensive. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Said His Family Got Their Hands Dirty And Claimed A Flax Tax Would Help Main Street
Said His Family Got Their Hands Dirty And Claimed A Flax Tax Would Help Main Street.
“Mills defended his company and family, saying they work hard and play hard and building the
business meant their hands got dirty and even ‘a little bit bloody sometimes.’ Mills said he
favored flattening the tax code to be friendlier to Main Street.” [Star Tribune, 10/08/14]
Touted His Blue Collar Roots; Said The Mining And Timber Industries Were In His Blood And
That Energy Policies Should Support These Industries
Touted His Blue Collar Roots; Said The Mining And Timber Industries Were In His Blood
And That Energy Policies Should Support These Industries. “‘Job creation on main street in
mining and the timber industry is in my blood,’ he said. ‘We have to look toward making sure
we have an economy that can foster that growth, but also not limit our timber industry from fully
reaching its potential, but also making sure our mining industry is supported, but not
handicapped by unnecessary hurdles and regulations.’ An energy policy that can facilitate a
healthy and robust economy is crucial to the mining and timber industries, he said.”
[International Falls Journal, 9/02/14]
Said He Had “Iron Ore” In His Blood Because His Great-Grandfather Worked In An Iron
Mine. “Mills is vice president of Mills Fleet Farm, a family-owned company with more than 30
retail stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. He cited his family's longtime work in the timber
industry as common ground with the Iron Range's miners. He said his great-grandfather even
mined iron on the southern edge of the Cuyuna Range in Crow Wing County. ‘I've got iron ore
in my blood,’ Mills said, before explaining that he believes he has an earnest connection with the
Iron Range.”[Duluth News Tribune, 8/29/14]
Said His Great-Great-Grandfather Worked In Timber. “‘My great-great-grandfather came
up from the Cities in the 1870s to work in the timber industry,’ Mills said at a café across from
his campaign office in Brainerd. ‘Those folks came up to work in the mining industry. The fact
they all came here in the 1870s through 1900 to work in the natural resource industries; there's a
26
commonality. So it's really easy to make connections with those people.’” [Duluth News
Tribune, 8/29/14]
Said His Family Sometimes Had “Callouses” On Their Hands. “And Stewart Mills, the Republican
challenger, refrained from using a label. Instead, the wealthy heir to the successful Mills Fleet Farm stores
strove for commonality with voters by saying of his family, ‘Sometimes we have callouses on our
hands.’” [Duluth News Tribune, 10/08/14]
Advocated For A “Flatter” And “Fairer” Tax Code
According to his campaign website Mills said he would “fight for a flatter, simpler, fairer tax code in
Washington.” [Stewart Mills for Congress, accessed 8/1/14]
Flatter Tax Lowers Tax Rate for High-Income Earners
In 2011, Alan Binder, former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, wrote in the Wall Street Journal
that “Eliminating the biggest deductions and exclusions is extremely unlikely, and flatter rates alone
won't make the tax system any simpler. It would, however, make it far less progressive.” [Wall Street
Journal, 11/14/11]
Called For A “Flatter, Fairer” Tax That He Claimed Would Benefit The Middle Class. “Mills called
for a ‘flatter, fairer’ tax that he said would be simple and fair and benefit the middle class. He faulted
Nolan for backing the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act and for his support for a single-payer
universal health care system. Mills also touted his endorsement from the National Rifle Association and
noted that the NRA gave Nolan an ‘F’ rating. ‘Representative Nolan talked about common sense
solutions,’ Mills said. ‘I hope that single-payer government-run health care is not a common-sense
solution to what we have to do with our health care economy.’” [Associated Press, 10/07/14]
Called For “Simple And Fair” Flat Tax
In October 2014, Mills supported a “flat tax that would be simple and fair and benefit the middle class,”
though he declined to offer details on his tax plan. [MPR News, 10/07/14]
15% Rate Would Give the Richest One Percent a $391,330 Tax Cut
Recently, Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich proposed to change the personal income tax by
introducing a “flat tax” that is described as having a single rate at 15 percent. “Former House Speaker
Newt Gingrich’s $18.1 trillion tax plan would give the richest one percent of Americans an average
tax cut of $391,330, which would be over 190 times as large as the average tax cut of $1,990 that the
middle fifth of Americans would receive.” [Center for Tax Justice, 1/06/12]
Flat Tax Raises Taxes On Middle Class to Cut Taxes for Rich
According to Citizens for Tax Justice the flat tax, “…would dramatically shift the tax burden away
from the wealthy--and onto the middle class and the poor.” [Citizens for Tax Justice testimony before the Joint
Economic Committee, 5/17/95]
27
Flat Tax Would Shift Burden from Rich to Non Rich
According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, lower tax rates for the wealthy under a flat tax
will have to be financed by some combination of higher taxes on the middle class and larger budget
deficits. A flat tax that raises the same revenues as our current tax code would shift a significant
portion of the tax burden from the rich to average workers. According to Citizens for Tax Justice,
under a flat tax, the fortunate few with incomes above $200,000 will see their taxes fall by an average
of $53,940. [Falling Flat: The Dubious Case for a Flat Tax, Economic Policy Institute, 1/17/96]
Wife Posted Photos of Mills Drinking Out of Beer Funnel
In February 2009, Mills’ wife posted photos of Mills drinking out of a beer funnel.
Below are pictures taken from her Facebook page:
[Heather Mills Facebook, posted 2/15/09]
28
NOTE: As of August 2013, the photos have been removed from Facebook.
Headline: Stewart Mills, GOP congressional candidate, hits a beer bong [PHOTOS] [City Pages, 11/22/13]
Featured In Photo Licking Woman That Isn’t Than His Wife
In December 2008, Mills’ stepdaughter posted a picture of Mills licking a woman’s lips. This woman was
not his wife.
Below is the picture taken from her Facebook page:
29
[Whitney Murraye Thomsen Facebook, posted 12/28/08]
July 2015: Cut His Signature Long Hair After What He Described As A July 4th “Grilling Incident”
July 2015: Cut His Signature Long Hair After What He Described As A July 4th “Grilling
Incident.” “Former Eighth District Congressional candidate Stewart Mills III is sporting a new short
haircut after his long locks were singed at a barbecue on July 4th. A picture on Mills’ Twitter account
showed the short cut. Mills tweeted, ‘Lost some hair, & a lot of pride, in a July 4 grilling ‘incident.’ Might
be time for a new look. #StillHaveEyebrows.’ In another tweet he says, ‘The new look after my July 4th
Bar-B-Q singeing. The haircut fixed a lot; luckily my eyelashes aren't as noticeable.’” [Star Tribune,
7/09/15]
Said He Was Trying To Light His Father’s Gas Grill When His Hair Was Burnt; Planned To Keep
His Hair Short. “In a phone interview, the Republican from the Brainerd area said he tried to light his
father's gas grill ‘once, twice and three times ... [and] when it went, it went.’ Mills said he's certainly not
the first backyard chef to get a hot blast while igniting a gas grill, but added, ‘I suppose having these long
locks singed was more noticeable.’… If he does hit the campaign trail again, Mills said he plans to keep
30
his shorter cut. He called the fuss over his hair ‘much ado about nothing,’ but did admit he has gotten a lot
of positive attention from the change. ‘It is comfortable and easier to maintain,’ he said.” [Star Tribune,
7/09/15]
Previously Dubbed “The Brad Pitt” Of The Republican Party
Politico Headline: “The ‘Brad Pitt’ Of The GOP.” [Politico, 6/23/14]
His Long Hair Generated Attention And Drew Brad Pitt Comparisons, Said He Did Not
“Look Like A Typical Politician.” “Mills, with his jaw-length blond locks and muscular
physique, has been compared to the heartthrob movie star by everyone from a national party
official to adoring teenage girls. And if it seems a little trivial and objectifying — he is, after all,
running in one of the more closely watched, competitive House races in the country — Mills
doesn’t mind. To the contrary, the 42-year-old businessman has put his distinctive looks front
and center in his sales pitch to voters — that he is not your father’s Republican. ‘Certainly, I
stand out in a crowd, like I did today,’ Mills said in an interview after appearing with other, more
traditionally coiffed Republicans vying for state office here. ‘The hair — I mean, everybody else
there was very groomed.’ His latest ad opens with Mills saying, with a shrug, ‘I guess I don’t
look like a typical politician.’” [Politico, 6/23/14]
National Journal Headline: “The Most Interesting Candidate of the Year.” [National
Journal, 9/19/14]
Said He Took The Fire As “A Sign From God” That He Should Cut His Hair. “On his
newly shorn hair: ‘I was in a hurry on the Fourth of July, I had pretty hungry guests and I fired
up the gas grill and got a hot flash. … My hair got singed, and I took that as a sign from God.’”
[Politico, 9/23/15]
Mills: “My Wife Loves Romance Novels, And She Loved The Fact That I Looked Like Fabio”; She
Did Not Want Him To Get A Haircut. “Mills is sporting a new look too, having cut his famously long
hair after a summer grilling accident. His hair was once the target of millions of dollars in negative ads
from outside groups. ‘My wife loves romance novels, and she loved the fact that I looked like Fabio,’ he
said, ‘And she was the last person in the world who wanted me to get my hair cut. But finally I had this
Fourth of July grilling incident, where I got a hot flash from a gas grill, and it took that for me to convince
my wife that it was time for me to get a haircut.’” [CBS Minnesota, 10/13/15]ion / Execu
tive Su
31
Key Moments on Video
The following section provides an overview of key moments on video of Mills.
February 2016: Refused To Say Where He Stood On The Trans-Pacific Partnership During
Interview
Interviewer: I sat down with Mills to get some answers.
SM: Uh, they are not going to vote on it. So it’s a non-issue. The TPP is dead on arrival.
Interviewer: Do you just not want to talk about the TPP in this campaign?
SM: Well, I don’t want to talk about issues that have nothing to do with moving this district forward.
Interviewer: So KKR, the company that bought Mills Fleet Farm—I was looking on their website and
they support the Trans Pacific Partnership. Does that impact your view of the TPP at all?
SM: Um, you know, I have looked, you know first of all, I’m making up my own mind and in
Washington, DC, I will read the agreement and the bills that I vote on and that’s why I’m hesitant to give
you a direct answer.
Interviewer: So are you saying that KKR or Ford Motor Company, their decision on policy isn’t going to
impact your decision on this issue?
SM: Absolutely not. Uh, it will not impact one iota my position on this issue.
[Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
reform.
Created A Video Letter Against Gun Regulations, Including An Assault Weapons Ban
32
that Nolan’s duck gun was more “lethal and impractical” than assault rifles. [YouTube, posted 1/10/13]
Below is a full transcription of the video:
Name: Duck Hunting Shotgun Proven To Be More Dangerous Than A Huldra AR-15
Date: 1/10/13
Posted by:
SM– Stewart Mills
RSO– Range Safety Officer
[Video opens on Stewart Mills standing in the snow outside of a Mills Street Farm shooting range.]
SM: “This is Stewart Mills of Mills Street Farms. I’m standing in front of Mills indoor shooting and
archery, soon to open on the corner of 210 and 371 in Baxter Minnesota. Behind me is one of our 32 Fleet
Farm stores. We’re an upper Midwestern retailer soon to open our 33rd store in Ankeny, Iowa. This is our
open letter to our Congressman, Rick Nolan and our Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken.
The 2nd Amendment of our Bill or Rights states, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not
be infringed.” But yet on Tuesday, the 8th of January 2013, our Congressman Rick Nolan stated, “I’m a
hunter; I don’t need an assault rifle to shoot a duck or to protect my family.” Well, nowhere in our
Constitution or our Bill of Rights is duck hunting ever described or mentioned. Furthermore, Rick
Nolan’s duck gun is much more lethal and impractical than the so called assault rifles that he would
legislate away. We’re gonna go inside and demonstrate just that. Hopefully, this video letter will educate
and inform our uniformed and misguided Congressman and Senators about the issues they are about to
vote on.
[Video moves to the inside of his archery and shooting range.]
SM: We’re inside our latest venture that we’re just about ready to open, a indoor archery range and an
indoor shooting range that will allow us to shoot rifles and pistols indoor. [Points] This is our pro shop.
We employ, Fleet Farm as a whole, over 6,000 employees. Our shooting sports and hunting categories are
one of the cornerstones that allows us to pay the wages of those 6,000 people and benefits. Our Huldra
Mark 4 line of rifles and accessories, exclusive to Mills Street Farms, has allowed our shooting sports
department to be successful, which in turn has allowed us to hire more people and continue to expand.
Our rifles may look a little scary to some, but they really do not operate any different than any semiautomatic shotgun or rifle. This is a perfect precision firearm for sport shooting and competition, for
hunting, and also for defense. It is your second amendment right.
So let’s head into the range, put Rick Nolan’s duck hunting shotguns against one of our Huldra Mark 4’s
and really see what is the true destructive device.
[Cuts to Mills in the shooting range]
33
We’re inside our 50 yard range, probably at the 20 yard mark. We’re here to put this innocent looking
duck hunting shotgun with a wood stock and a wood grip, up against this slightly suspicious, at least to
the uninformed, looking modern sporting rifle. Well we’re gonna demonstrate the destructive power of
this 12 gauge shotgun versus the precision nature of our Huldra Mark 4 modern sporting rifle.
Well to do our demonstration and to prove our point, I’m gonna hand things over to our range safety
officer.
[Mills hands both guns to the Range Safety Officer. The RSO hands the guns to two assistants.]
RSO: Thank you.
[RSO holds up ammunition for both rifles]
RSO: Today I’m going to show you the size difference in comparison of the projectile that exits the
modern sporting rifle, the Huldra, and the duck hunting 12 gauge shotguns. To show that nothing has
been changed to the shotgun shell, I’m going to cut the shell open, so you can see what’s all inside. Here
we have our packing, and our 9 pellets right here. Compare that to the one projectile from the modern
sporting rifle, to the 12 gauge duck hunting shotgun.
Today we’re gonna have Connie shooting the Huldra Mark 4, modern precision sporting rifle.
[RSO motions for Connie to come forward]
Ok Connie, course of fire today, I’m going to have you at the 20 yard line shooting five shots per target
down range. When you’re ready, get yourself in a good shooting position, take the weapon of safe. When
you’re ready commence firing when you hear the beep of the timer.
[Timer beeps; Connie begins firing Huldra Mark 4 at targets downrange]
RSO: Weapon on safe, let it hang.
Ok, that took Connie 33.18 seconds to fire five rounds in each target for a total of 25 rounds. Let’s go
down range and mark the targets.
[Cuts to black. Following message is displayed in white letters: “Based on Military and Police After
Action Reports, in the majority of cases, multiple single projectile bullets are required to stop attacker.]
[RSO marks targets on silhouettes with a pen.]
RSO: Alright, let’s have Nicole come in with the 12 gauge duck hunting shotgun. [Addressing Nicole]
Ok, the course of fire is gonna be one round per target, for the total of five rounds. With 9 pellets in each
shot, that’s 45 pellets down range.
[Nicole fires shotgun at shotguns downrange.]
34
RSO: Ok, that time it took Nicole 3.59 seconds to put five shots downrange for a total of 45 projectiles.
[RSO marks targets with marker.]
RSO: That’s our shot pattern here. In this target here we can see the difference between the Huldra Mark
4 modern precision sporting rifle, with its shot here, about the size of the pen. And here we can see the 12
gauge double aught buck from the duck hunting 12 gauge, where the pen will go almost all the way
through. [RSO pokes pen through bullet holes.]
[Cuts to black. Following message is displayed in white letters: “It took 33.18 seconds with the Huldra vs.
3.59 seconds with the duck hunting shotgun to neutralize targets.]
[Cuts to Stewart Mills, standing in front of target silhouette with holes shot through.]
SM: So what did we learn today? Hopefully, we came to the conclusion that gun control isn’t about
controlling guns, it’s about controlling people and limiting your freedom. The reality is, [points
vehemently to target silhouette with holes], a duck hunting shotgun loaded with double aught buck, is a
heck of a lot more destructive and lethal than a precision modern sporting rifle. The reality is, if you live
in a rural environment where the response times for law enforcement for could be as high as 20 or 25
minutes, you’re gonna wanna make sure that you have a modern sporting rifle there to defend you and
your family against multiple attackers until law enforcement arrives. [White text appears under SM and
states the following: “Even if you only had seconds, a Huldra would be a lifesaver against multiple
attackers.]
[Cuts to a different target, SM points at target]
SM: Let’s take a look at this target. This target really brings the story home. [points to bullet holes] The
Huldra Mark 4 is a modern precision sporting rifle. The shotgun, the duck hunting shotgun that looked
innocent with wood on it, turned out to miss the mark, injure the assailant, and kill or wound whoever was
behind it. When I’m defending my family, the last thing I’m gonna wanna do is jeopardize the safety of
my wife or my children.
We as a free people must stand together and reject any erosion of our second amendment rights. We need
to stand up for liberty and freedom, and the ability to defend ourselves in the way that we see fit. So
what’s the solution? Well I can tell you what the problem is, gun-free zones are killing our kids. The
proposal on the table right now is we’re gonna double down and make our schools which are already gunfree zones, which already are magnets for every psychopath to spread murder and mayhem within these
gun-free zones, we’re gonna double down on that and make ‘em super gun-free zones.
So what’s the solutions, we need to put armed security in every school and fund that price tag. We have to
stop putting things on our credit card and mortgaging our children’s future to China.
The ATF collects approximately $ 24 billion a year in excise fees. If we need to increase the 11% ATF
excise fee on firearms to 15% or whatever to pay for it, we need to do that. We need to stop guarding our
banks and our sports stadiums better than we guard our children. There’s only so much money out there.
We need to reform certain institutions and the way that we collect taxes. We need to balance our priorities
to get them straight. The priority should be the security of our children. Locally here, in the Brainerd
Lakes area, we have an excellent law enforcement program. However, we graduate more candidates than
35
there are law enforcement positions for. I believe we should take the reallocated funds and distribute it to
local law enforcement to hire security police to guard the doorways and hallways of our local schools.
We have wonderful school resource officers, but their primary responsibility is not to provide security for
our children. Their job is to work with teachers, with administrators, with students and with parents. They
cannot be there to guard the safety of our children the way we need them to. The problem with this most
recent round of gun control is that it grandfathers in the current 270 million guns that are already on the
street, leaving our children that much more vulnerable, unless we protect them. That tells me two things.
First of all, this is about politics. This is about gun control measures little by little, so that later on they
can go back and get the 270 million guns that we as responsible citizens own and cherish.
The second thing that it tells me is they really don’t care about solving the problem. They just are not
gonna let a good crisis go to waste, and they’re just gonna push their political agenda. Around the same
time the Sandy Hook disaster, there was a stabbing of 22 children in China. Most of them survived.
Recently while watching CNN I listened to Piers Morgan and Fareed Zakaria. They both articulated that
had we had Chinese Communist-style gun control in the United States, the children at Sandy Hook would
have been stabbed instead of shot.
Well they’re giving me two choices, one between having my children, and the other between having my
children stabbed. Well I’m gonna take the third option, cause I’m gonna reject the first two. I want our
children protected from knives and from guns and from bombs. The only way we can do that is to put
armed security in our schools now. We also need to look at the effects of violent video games and
imagery on vulnerable and impressionable at-risk children, and we need to look at the mental health
issues facing this county.
So that is my video letter to our Congressman and Senators. Gun control will not work. It will only
endanger us. Do not strip away our freedoms due to ignorance or politics. Put politics to the side and put
the safety of our children front and center. Do the math; you have 270 million guns on the street. The
legislation that you are pushing currently does nothing to address that, it only limits our freedoms in the
future. Do not play politics. Make our children safe. Do the right thing. Know the facts. Know the issues
before you vote or before you speak. Thank you.
[Cut to black, white text appears on the screen: “It is intellectually dishonest to insist that the Second
Amendment of the Constitution is about duck hunting and that one semi-automatic firearm is more
acceptable than another.]
[Cuts to a picture of Congressman Rick Nolan, labeled as such, in duck hunting gear with a rifle
accompanied by two other hunters on either side of him with their faces blurred out. On the bottom fourth
of the screen, the text reads: “Honesty, Integrity, and Intellectual Consistency… PLEASE!] [Youtube, posted
1/10/13]
Used Video to Promote Fleet Farm Stores, Showed Cased Firearms and Fire Ranges
In Mills’ video Mills also used the video as a promotional tool for the Fleet Farm stores,
showcasing the firearms and firing ranges available at their stores. [YouTube, posted 1/10/13]
Mills Fleet Farm Sells Assault Weapons
36
In 2011, Mills III announced that Mills Fleet Farm was entering the gun market with assault
weapons made by Huldra.
“Mills Fleet Farm is very proud of how our shooting sports category has been received by our
customers; our employees are excited. Now is the right time for us to enter the shooting sports
category in a meaningful way with our Huldra modern sporting rifles, handguns and tactical
accessories,” Mills III said. [Brainerd Dispatch, 9/09/11]
October 2014: Debate vs. Rep. Nolan
There was only debate ahead of the 2014 election. The debate can be viewed here. A full transcript is
available here. [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Notable statements from the debate:
Said He Had Seen Firsthand How Obamacare Had Negatively Impacted People, Said They Paid
More And Got Less. “Ah and one of those many hats I wear as Vice President is looking out for our six
thousand employees. And one of those hats is Plan Administrator of our company’s self-insured health
plan. I have seen firsthand how Obamacare has affected negatively our employees and their families. And
not only that, I have seen all throughout our part of Minnesota how people have been negatively impacted
by it. Higher premiums, higher co-pays, higher deductibles, skinnier networks, they’re paying more,
they’re getting less.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Remarked That His Family’s Business Had “No Venture Capital Money” Or “Private Equity
Money.” “Again, we’re we’re not publicly traded. There’s no venture capital money. There’s no private
equity money. It’s a family business like any other. And if they want to attack me and my family for the
success and the jobs that we’ve created, well, then that’s their message. Their message is picking on my
hair.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Said He Never Claimed That There Were Not Many People With Pre-Existing Conditions But That
He Was Referring To People Not Covered By HIPAA. “First of all, I never said there aren’t many
people that have pre-existing conditions. What I said is that as plan administrator, there are few people
that I’ve run across that are not covered by HIPAA, which allows you to go from your existing plan to
another plan without having to worry about preexisting conditions. Also, I never said there was a federal
government program that never worked.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Said He Was “For Healthcare Reform” But Against A Big Government Program, Supported
Strengthening Social Safety Nets Instead. “I am for healthcare reform. Healthcare reform that actually
brings down costs and increase access. And I’m also for the goals of the Affordable Care Act. Which is
making sure people don’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions, lifetime maximums, or if they have
a catastrophic health condition that they don’t have to worry about where the care is coming from.
However, we have to decide who we are as a people. Who we are as a society. Are we a society of social
safety nets and legal protections? Or are we a welfare state? With a government big enough to give us
everything, but also big enough to take it away. So we need to strengthen social safety nets. Social safety
nets such as MCHA, Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, which due to Obamacare, is going to
be closing at the end of this year.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
37
Said We Should Allow The Free Market To Fix Health Care Economics. “We could have worked on
our social safety nets and legal protections as HIPAA, and then let the free market bring the medical
economy, the inflation rate of the medical economy, in line with inflation rate with the rest of the
economy. Because. We know the free market works.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Said He Believed In Preserving Social Security And Medicare But Had To Be Mindful That They
Have “A Date Of Insolvency.” “Because I want to stand for what I stand for, and what I will stand for
you in Washington DC. And I preserve – I believe in preserving and protecting Social Security and
Medicare. But we have to be cognizant of the fact that these programs have a date of insolvency. And we
can’t just keep kicking the can down the road.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
38
Biography
Education
Between 1992 And 1995, Mills Attended Northwood University In West Palm Beach, Florida. [Mills
for Congress Website, accessed 8/23/13]
Mills Earned A Bachelor’s Degree In Business Administration From Northwood University In West
Palm Beach, Florida. [Facebook, accessed 9/22/15]
2015: Keiser University Purchased Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus. “Northwood
University is handing its West Palm Beach campus over to Keiser University, which now has its first
residential campus. Located at 2600 Military Trail, the 100-acre site will be the second campus in the city
for non-profit Keiser University and the 17th in Florida. It has dormitories, a gymnasium and a student
center. Financial terms of the deal weren't announced … Northwood University's main campus is in
Midland, Mich. It said its students in West Palm Beach would have the opportunity to become Keiser
University students starting July 1. Most of its programs there are in business education. On the South
Florida Business Journal's list of largest local colleges, Northwood University reported having 749
students in fall 2014 compared to 7,341 for Keiser University. Northwood University currently has 586
students, according to school officials.” [South Florida Business Journal, 3/18/15]
Northwood University Described Its Cores Values As Belief In “Entrepreneurial, Free-Enterprise
Society” And “Individual Freedom And Individual Responsibility.” “We believe in: the advantages of
an entrepreneurial, free-enterprise society. individual freedom and individual responsibility. functioning
from a foundation of ethics and integrity. promoting and leveraging the global, diverse and multi-cultural
nature of enterprise.” [Northwood University, About, accessed 9/22/15]
University Website Said They “Practice A Healthy Skepticism Of Large And Powerful
Government” Because It Causes “Loss” Of “Freedom.” “We practice a healthy skepticism of large
and powerful government because we think history has clearly demonstrated that such structures move
rapidly from being of the people toward being over the people, and freedom is lost in the balance. Our
intolerance of monolithic power is consistent across the business, labor, and government spectrum. We
suspect, furthermore, that as a society we cannot gain from the establishment of legal monopolies except
in a very few and constrained circumstances.” [Northwood University, About, accessed 9/22/15]
University Had Several Locations Across The Country, Primarily In Michigan And Texas.
[Northwood University, Locations, accessed 9/22/15]
Crain’s Detroit Business Called Northwood University “The Nation’s Pre-Eminent Auto Retailing
School.” “Northwood University is selling its 31-year-old campus in West Palm Beach, Fla., a year after
shutting its residential campus near Dallas. The nation's pre-eminent auto-retailing school is also
restructuring its operations to improve revenue. The moves are in part because of recent poor financial
results.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 6/09/15]
Northwood University Was Established In 1959 And Focused On Free Enterprise. “Mills received a
business degree at Northwood University, a non-traditional higher education school created in 1959 that
39
focuses on free enterprise. He turned his attention after getting his degree on the family business, serving
in a variety of positions. In one of his television ads, Mills proudly says he started out sweeping floors and
graduated to stocking shelves. He's now a vice president.” [Mesabi Daily News, 9/30/14]
Said He “Swore” Never To Get Involved In Politics But Saw It As “An Opportunity For Service”;
His Mother Frequently Volunteered For Political Campaigns, Met Reagan As A Child
Said He “Swore” Never To Get Involved In Politics But Saw It As “An Opportunity For Service”;
His Mother Frequently Volunteered For Political Campaigns, Met Reagan As A Child. “Stewart
Mills III said he considers himself an accidental candidate who feels called to serve in Washington to deal
with political issues that have grated on him. His mother was heavily involved in politics, he said. He met
President Ronald Reagan as a child. He saw firsthand the machinations his mother went through with
campaigns. ‘It's something I swore I would never do myself,’ he said in an interview last week with the
News Tribune. ‘I never had any interest in it until it became an opportunity for service.’” [Duluth News
Tribune, 4/20/14]
Met Ronald Reagan As A Child
[Facebook, 2/06/14]
Met George Bush, Sr. As A Child
40
[Facebook, 6/12/14]
Criminal Record
The following outlines Mills’ criminal record:
1991: Received Drinking Violation as 19 Year-Old
In July 1991, when Mills was 19 years old, he received a drinking violation from the Appleton City
Police Department. [Appleton Police Department Summary Report, 8/20/13]
From the Appleton Police Department summary report:
41
[Appleton Police Department Summary Report, 8/20/13]
NOTE: The City of Appleton destroyed the record due to a state retention law, which is seven years.
Driving Record
The following outlines Mills’ driving record:
1989: Received Traffic Citation for Speeding
In 1989, Mills received a traffic citation for speeding.
From the City of Appleton’s summary report on Mills:
42
[City of Appleton Police Department Summary Report, 8/20/13]
1989: Received Traffic Citation for “Fast Condition”
In 1989, Mills received a traffic citation for “fast condition.”
43
1991: Received Traffic Citation for Improper Stop
In 1991, Mills received a traffic citation for an improper stop.
1993: Received Warning for Defective Head Light
In 1993, Mills received a warning for a defective head light.
44
1995: Received Traffic Warning for Speeding
In 1995, Mills received a traffic warning for speeding.
45
2009: Convicted of Speeding
In 2009, Mills pleaded guilty of driving 71 mph in a 60 mph speed limit zone.
He paid a grand total of $140.00 for the fine. [Case No. 65-VB-09-244, filed 2/19/09]
Voting Record
1990: No Evidence Of Voting
As of August 2013, there is no evidence of Mills voting in 1990 as an 18-year old. [Wisconsin Government
Accountability Board, accessed 7/18/13; Minnesota Secretary of State, accessed 7/26/13; Florida Division of Elections,
accessed 7/26/13]
1994 To 1998: No Evidence Of Voting
As of August 2013, there is no evidence of Mills voting in the 1994, 1996, and 1998 elections. [Wisconsin
Government Accountability Board, accessed 7/18/13; Minnesota Secretary of State, accessed 7/26/13; Florida Division of
Elections, accessed 7/26/13]
1992, 2000, 2002, 2004: Voted In Wisconsin Elections
In 1992, 2000, 2002 and 2004, Mills voted in elections in Wisconsin.
Below is the table outlining his voter history in Wisconsin:
46
[Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, accessed 7/18/13]
October 2000: Was Registered to Vote in Wisconsin
In October 2000, Mills registered to vote in Wisconsin.
2004 To 2014: Voted In Minnesota Elections
Between 2004 and 2014, Mills voted in Minnesota elections.
Below is the table outlining his Minnesota voter history:
[Minnesota Secretary of State, accessed 7/26/13]
47
Personal Information
Suggested he was Paying 39% in Taxes
In 2013 Mills suggested he paid 39.6% in taxes.
“The problem with that isn’t necessarily paying the fair share it’s the political pandering. Because what
happens is that under the Obama administration our taxes went from 35% to 39.6% that we are sending to
Washington D.C,” said Mills. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Described as “Image-Conscious”
From Politico, “He is also image-conscious, changing clothes at least three times over the course of a
recent day and evening.” [Politico, 6/23/14]
…Personal Finance
Significant Findings
 Had a net worth estimated between $34 and $115 million in 2015
 His share in his family’s business was valued between $41 and $150 million
 2015: reported $210,165 in earned income
 2015: Held at least in $135,983,020 assets and income of at least $182,508 from
assets
 Held 25 positions in Mills Fleet Farm family company
 2015: held liabilities between $4,850,008 and $18,750,000
In 2015, Mills reported $210,165 in earned income and at least $182,508 in income
from assets. According to news reports, he had an estimated net worth between $34
and $115 million in 2015 and his share in the family business was valued between
$41 and $150 million. Mills reported at least $135,983,020 in assets and liabilities
between $4,850,008 and $18,750,000. He also listed that he held 25 positions at Mills
Fleet Farm including Vice President and Plan Administrator of their deferred
compensation and cafeteria plans.
48
2015 Personal Financial Disclosure Form
2015: Had Net Worth Between $34 And $115 Million
2015: Had Net Worth Between $34 And $115 Million. “Lawrence is also worth more than Stewart
Mills, the 2014 candidate in Minnesota’s Eighth District. Mills, who was attacked for his wealth, has a
stake in his family Fleet Farm business with a net worth between $34 million and $115 million last year.”
[Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 9/09/15]
His Share In His Family’s Business Was Valued Between $41 And $150 Million
His Share In His Family’s Business Was Valued Between $41 And $150 Million. “Mills’ stake in the
family business is valued between $41 million and $150 million, according to campaign finance
documents.” [Legal Ledger, 7/15/14]
A review of Stewart Mills’ Personal Financial Disclosure form was conducted in order to
examine Mills’ personal finances, investments and any potential financial problems that
may have taken place in his past.
In 2015, Mills Received $210,165 In Earned Income
Between January and October of 2015, Mills earned $210,165 in salary from Fleet Wholesale
Supply Col, Inc, Brainerd, MN. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, October 2015]
In 2014, Mills Received $273,487 In Earned Income
In 2014, Mills earned $ $274,938 in salary from Fleet Wholesale Supply Col, Inc, Brainerd,
MN. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, October 2015]
In 2015, Mills Held Assets Worth At Least $135,983,020 And Earned Income Of At Least $182,508
Off Assets. In 2014, Mills Earned Income Of At Least $3,260,012 Off Assets.
Between January and October of 2015, Mills reported having assets worth between
$135,983,020 and an amount more than $249,145,000 (One of Mills’ assets was listed as worth
“more than $50 million,” making Mills’ upper asset worth impossible to calculate). Mills
earned between $182,508 and $1,200,200 of income on the assets in 2015 from January to
October. He earned between $3,260,012 and $17,195,200 off income on the assets in 2014.
[Personal Financial Disclosure Form, October 2015]
Current Year
Income (Jan. –
October 2015)
Asset/Source of Income
Value of Asset
Type of
Income
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc.
Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
(Vanguard Institutional Index)
$250,001 $500,000
TaxDeferred $0
49
Income for
Previous
Year (2014)
$0
Mills Automotive Group
Reinsurance, LTD (Self-Insurance
Company related to Mills
Automotive Group, Retail sales
and service, MN)
$1,001 $15,000
Note Receivable - Closely Held Co
Crow Wing Oil Company
$100,001 $250,000
Lively Auto Company
None
$0
$0
Interest
$2,501 - $5,000
$5,001 $15,000
$500,001 $1,000,000
Interest
$15,001 $50,000
$15,001 $50,000
Lively Auto Company
$100,001 $250,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$15,001 $50,000
Stewart C. Mills, III Irrevocable
Trust (Great-West Life and
Annuity Insurance Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
$0
$0
Trust (Note-Receivable - The
Steward C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable
Trust)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
Interest
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
Trust (US Bank bank account)
$1,001 $15,000
Interest
$0
$0
Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable
Insurance Trust Agreement (GreatWest Life and Annuity Insurance
Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
$0
$0
The Jade Dalen Mills Irrevocable
Trust (Demand Note Receivable Crow Wing Oil Company)
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$5,001 $15,000
50
The Stewart C. Mills, III 2012
Irrevocable Trust (Mills Properties,
Inc) Description: Closely held
business operated as “Mills Fleet
Farm,” Retail, WI, MN, IA, and
ND Comments: The primary
purpose of this S-Corporation
distribution was to pay taxes. Mills
Fleet Farm and associated
companies are S-Corporations and
taxed at the individual level. These
taxes were paid to the federal
government as well as to the states
of IA, MN, ND, and WI where
$25,000,001 Mills Fleet Farm operates.
$50,000,000
Irrevocable Trust (Demand Note
Receivable - Crow Wing Oil
Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
The Stewart C. Mills, IV
Company)
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$100,001 $1,000,000
Interest
$50,001 $100,000
$15,001 $50,000
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$5,001 $15,000
The Stewart C. Mills, Jr.,
Grandchildren’s Trust Agreement
(Lively Auto Company)
Description: Closely held business
operated as “Mills Fleet Farm,”
Retail, WI, MN, IA, and ND.
$500,001 $1,00,0000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$0
(Mills Supply, Inc.)Description:
Closely held business operated as
“Mills Fleet Farm,” Retail, WI,
MN, IA, and ND.
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$0
51
Irrevocable Trust (Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay, Inc.) Description:
MN, IA, and ND Comments: The
primary purpose of this SCorporation distribution was to
pay taxes. Mills Fleet Farm and
associated companies are SCorporations and taxed at the
individual level. These taxes were
paid to the federal government as
well as to the states of IA, MN, ND,
and WI where Mills Fleet Farm
$25,000,001 operates.
$50,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Irrevocable Trust (Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co., Inc.) Description:
$25,000,001 operates.
$50,000,000
S-Corp
Distrib
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
52
$0
$50,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Irrevocable Trust (US Bank bank
account) Description: Trust bank
account
Interest
$1 - $200
US Bancorp – Roth IRA - Nuveen
Funds (FAEIX)
15,001 $50,000
US Bank Bank Account
$1,001 $15,000
15,001 $50,000
Total
$135,983,020 $249,145,000+
$1 - $200
TaxDeferred $0
$0
None
$0
$0
$182,508 $1,200,200
$3,260,012 $17,195,200
* Asset class details:
 Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
 Stewart C. Mills, III Irrevocable Trust
 Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Insurance Trust Agreement
 The Jade Dalen Mills Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, III 2012 Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, IV Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Grandchildren’s Trust Agreement
 The Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Trust
 US Bancorp – Roth IRA
Trusts Held
53
Mills Held At Least $135,016,013 Of Assets In Trusts in 2015, And Earned Income Of At Least
$160,005 Off Assets Held In Trusts. In 2014, Mills Earned Income Of At Least $3,225,009 Off
Assets Held In Trusts.
Of his assets held between January and October of 2015, Mills reported holding between $135,016,013
and an amount more than $247,065,000 in trusts (One of Mills’ trusts was listed as worth “more than $50
million,” making Mills’ upper asset worth impossible to calculate). During that time, Mills earned
between $160,005 and $1,130,200 in income from his assets held in trust. In 2014, Mills earned between
$3,225,009 and $17,080,200 in income from his assets held in trust. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form,
October 2015]
Value of Asset
Type of
Income
Current Year
Income (Jan. –
October 2015)
Trust (Great-West Life and
Annuity Insurance Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
$0
$0
Trust (Note-Receivable - The
Steward C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable
Trust)
Trust (US Bank bank account)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
$1,001 $15,000
Interest
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
Interest
$0
$0
Insurance Trust Agreement (GreatWest Life and Annuity Insurance
Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
$0
$0
Trust (Demand Note Receivable Crow Wing Oil Company)
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$5,001 $15,000
54
Income for
Previous
Year (2014)
$50,000,000
Company)
1,000,001 $5,000,000
Company)
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$100,001 $1,000,000
Interest
$50,001 $100,000
$15,001 $50,000
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$5,001 $15,000
(Lively Auto Company)
$500,001 $1,00,0000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$0
(Mills Supply, Inc.)Description:
MN, IA, and ND.
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$0
55
Irrevocable Trust (Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay, Inc.) Description:
well as to the states of IA, MN,
ND, and WI where Mills Fleet
Farm operates.
$25,000,001 $50,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Irrevocable Trust (Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co., Inc.) Description:
well as to the states of IA, MN,
ND, and WI where Mills Fleet
Farm operates.
$25,000,001 $50,000,000
S-Corp
Distrib
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
56
$0
$50,000,000
S-Corp
Distribut $0
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Irrevocable Trust (US Bank bank
account) Description: Trust bank
account
Interest
$1 - $200
$1 - $200
$160,005 $1,130,200
$3,225,009 $17,080,200
Total
15,001 $50,000
$135,016,013 $247,065,000+
Liabilities
Between January and October 2015, Mills held between $4,850,008 and $18,750,000 of liabilities that
were incurred between January 2000 and December 2014. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, October
2015]
The following outlines Mills’ liabilities:
57
Date
Incurred
Creditor
Aug 2013
Crow Wing Oil
Company
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Stewart C. Mills,
Jr., Irrevocable Trust Stewart C. Mills, III
Irrevocable Trust
Jr., Irrevocable Trust Lively Auto Company
Stewart C. Mills, III
Irrevocable Trust Crow Wing Oil
Company
Jr., Irrevocable
Insurance Trust
Stewart C. Mills, Jr.,
Grandchildren's Trust
Dec 2014
Apr 2003
Apr 2009
Sep 2007
Jan 2000
May 2012
Jan 2014
Type
Value
Demand Note Payable
$100,001 - $250,000
Demand Note Payable
$500,001 - $1,000,000
Stock Purchase
Promissory note
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$500,001 - $1,000,000
Stock Purchase
Promissory note
Demand Note Payable
$500,001 - $1,000,000
$250,001 - $500,000
$4,850,008 $18,750,000
Total
Positions Held
Position
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Name of Organization
Fleet Wholesale Supply of Fergus Falls, Inc
Fleet and Farm of Green Bay, Inc
Fleet and Farm of Manitowoc, Inc
Fleet and Farm of Menomonie, Inc
Fleet and Farm of Plymouth, Inc
Fleet and Farm of Waupaca, Inc
Fleet and Farm Supply Company of West Bend, Inc.
Mills Supply, Inc
Mills E-Commerce Enterprises, Inc
Lively Auto Company
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc
Mills Fleet Farm, Inc
Mills Properties, Inc
58
Vice-President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Director/Secretary/Vice
President
Plan Administrator
Trustee/Administrator/Fiduciary
Trustee
Trustee
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Director
Mills Trucking, LLC
Fleet and Farm of Alexandria, Inc
Mills Auto Group Reinsurance Limited
Mills Supply, Inc Deferred Compensation Plan
Mills Companies Employee Welfare Benefit Plan
Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Profit Sharing 401 (k) Plan
and Trust
Mills Auto Group Profit Sharing 401 (k) Plan and
Trust
Mills Companies Premium Payment Plan
Mills Companies Cafeteria Plan
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc Deferred
Compensation Plan
Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation
2014: Held Assets and “Unearned Income”
Between January and May of 2014, Mills earned $88,109 in salary from Fleet Wholesale
Supply Col, Inc, Brainerd, MN. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
2013: Mills Received $273,487 in Earned Income
In 2013, Mills earned $273,487 in salary from Fleet Wholesale Supply Col, Inc, Brainerd, MN.
[Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
2014: Mills Held Assets Worth At Least $47,218,022, and Earned Income of At Least $1,321,012 off
Assets. In Preceding Year, 2013, Mills Earned Income of At Least $3,350,015 off Assets.
Between January and May of 2014, Mills reported having assets worth between $47,218,022 and
$153,696,000. Mills earned between $1,321,012 and $8,057,900 of income on the assets in 2014 from
January to May. He earned between $3,350,015 and $18,155,400 of income on the assets in the preceding
year, 2013. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan 
Vanguard Institutional Index
Value of
Asset
Amount of Amount of
Income for Income for
Type of
Current
Preceding
Income
Year (Jan. –
Year
May 2014)
(2013)
$250,001 $500,000
TaxDeferred
59
None
None
Mills Automotive Group
Reinsurance, LTD
Location: Brainerd/Crow Wing,
MN, US
Description: Self-Insurance
Company related to Mills
Automotive Group, Retail sales
and service, MN.
Mills Financial Services, Inc.
Location: Brainerd/Crow Wing,
MN, US
Description: Holding Company
for Mills Resolute Bank
Comments: S-Corporation
distribution is reflective of the
divestment of the underlying
asset, Mills Resolute Bank
$1,001 $15,000
None
None
None
$1 - $1,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
$100,001 $1,000,000
Note Receivable - Closely Held
Co Crow Wing Oil Company
None
Interest
None
$2,501 $5,000
Co Crow Wing Oil Company
$100,001 $250,000
Interest
$1,001 $2,500
$2,501 $5,000
Co Lively Auto Company
Co Lively Auto Company
Trust 
Great-West Life and Annuity
Insurance Company
Trust, 
Note-Receivable - The Steward
C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Trust
Trust 
US Bank bank account
Insurance Trust Agreement
Insurance Company
Trust 
Demand Note Receivable - Crow
$500,001 $100,000
$500,001 $1,000,000
$5,001 $15,000
$5,001 $15,000
$15,001 $50,000
$5,001 $15,000
Interest
Interest
$1,00,001 $5,000,000
None
None
None
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Interest
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
$1,001 $15,000
Interest
$1 - $ 200
$1 - $200
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
None
None
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$2,501 $5,000
$5,001 $15,000
60
Wing Oil Company
Irrevocable Trust 
Wing Oil Company
Mills Properties, Inc.
Description: Closely held
ND
Comments: The primary purpose
of this S-Corporation distribution
was to pay taxes. Mills Fleet
Farm and associated companies
are S-Corporations and taxed at
the individual level. These taxes
were paid to the federal
government as well as to the
states of IA, MN, ND, and WI
where Mills Fleet Farm operates.
Wing Oil Company
$1,00,001 $5,000,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$15,001 $50,000
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$2,501 $5,000
$5,001 $15,000
Lively Auto Company
ND.
$250,001 $500,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
None
Mills Supply, Inc.
ND.
Fleet and Farm of Green Bay, Inc.
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
None
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$100,001 $1,000,000
$1,000,001 $5,000,000


61
ND
ND
ND
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$25,000,001 $50,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
62
Description: Trust bank account
US Bancorp – Roth IRA 
Nuveen Funds (FAEIX)
Total
$15,001 $50,000
$1,001 $15,000
$100,001 $250,000
$47,218,022 $153,696,000
Interest
$1 - $200
$1 - $200
TaxDeferred
None
None
None
None
None
$1,321,012 $8,057,900
$3,350,015 $18,155,400
* Asset class details:
 Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
 Stewart C. Mills, III Irrevocable Trust
 Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Insurance Trust Agreement
 The Jade Dalen Mills Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, III 2012 Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, IV Irrevocable Trust
 The Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Grandchildren’s Trust Agreement
 The Stewart C. Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Trust
 US Bancorp – Roth IRA
[Personal Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 5/14/14]
2014 Personal Financial Disclosure Form
Mills Held At Least $45,751,013 of Assets in Trusts in Current Year, and Earned Income of At
Least $1,310,008 off Assets Held in Trusts. In 2013, Mills Earned Income of At Least $3,225,009 off
Assets Held in Trusts.
Of his assets held between January and May of 2014, Mills reported holding between $45,751,013 and
$151,515,000 in trusts. During that time, Mills earned between $1,310,008 and $8,025,200 in income
from his assets held in trust. In the preceding year, 2013, Mills earned between $3,225,009 and
$17,080,200 in income from his assets held in trust. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
Value of
Asset
Type
Trust 
Insurance Company
$1,00,001 $5,000,000
None
63
Amount of Amount of
Income for Income for
Current
Preceding
Year (Jan. –
Year
May 2014)
(2013)
None
None
Trust, 
Note-Receivable - The Steward C.
Mills, Jr., Irrevocable Trust
Trust 
Insurance Trust Agreement
Insurance Company
Trust 
Wing Oil Company
Wing Oil Company
Retail, WI, MN, IA, and ND
Comments: The primary purpose of
this S-Corporation distribution was
to pay taxes. Mills Fleet Farm and
operates.
Wing Oil Company

Lively Auto Company
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
Interest
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
$1,001 $15,000
Interest
$1 - $ 200
$1 - $200
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
None
None
None
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$2,501 $5,000
$5,001 $15,000
$1,00,001 $5,000,000
Interest
$5,001 $15,000
$15,001 $50,000
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$100,001 $1,000,000
$100,001 $1,000,000
$250,001 $500,000
Interest
$2,501 $5,000
$5,001 $15,000
$250,001 $500,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
None
64

Mills Supply, Inc.
operates.
operates.
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
None
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$100,001 $1,000,000
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
None
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$25,000,001 $50,000,000
S-Corp
Dist
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
$1,000,001 $5,000,000
65
operates.
Description: Trust bank account
Total
$15,001 $50,000
$45,751,013
$151,515,000
Interest
$1 - $200
$1 - $200
$1,310,008 $8,025,200
$3,225,009 $17,080,200
Held Liabilities of $8,100,007 to $37,250,000
Between January and May 2014, Mills held liabilities of $8,100,007 to $37,250,000 that were incurred
between January 2000 and January 2014. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
The following outlines Mills’ liabilities:
66
Date
Incurred
Creditor
Type
Value
Aug 2013
Crow Wing Oil
Company
Jr., Irrevocable Trust Stewart C. Mills, III
Irrevocable Trust
Jr., Irrevocable Trust Lively Auto Company
Stewart C. Mills, III
Irrevocable Trust Crow Wing Oil
Company
Jr., Irrevocable
Insurance Trust Crow Wing Oil
Company
- Stewart C. Mills, Jr.
- Crow Wing Oil
Company
Demand Note Payable
$100,001 - $250,000
Stock Purchase
Promissory note
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$5,000,001 $25,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$250,001 - $500,000
Stock Purchase
Promissory note
$500,001 - $1,000,000
Demand Note Payable
$250,001 - $500,000
Apr 2003
Apr 2009
Sep 2007
Jan 2000
May 2012
Jan 2014
$8,100,007 –
$37,250,000
Total
Position
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Fleet Wholesale Supply of Fergus Falls, Inc.
Fleet and Farm of Manitowoc, Inc.
Fleet and Farm of Menomonie, Inc.
Fleet and Farm of Plymouth, Inc.
Fleet and Farm of Waupaca, Inc.
Mills Supply, Inc.
Mills E-Commerce Enterprises, Inc.
Lively Auto Company
Mills Fleet Farm, Inc.
67
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
President
President
Plan Administrator
Trustee
Trustee
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
President
Mills Trucking, LLC
Fleet and Farm of Alexandria, Inc.
Mills Auto Group Reinsurance Limited
Mills Supply, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
Mills Companies Employee Welfare Benefit Plan
Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
and Trust
Mills Auto Group Profit Sharing 401(K) Plan and
Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc Deferred
Compensation Plan
Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation
2013: Held Assets and “Unearned Income”
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure statement, he held $46,534,023- $150,260,000 in
assets and “unearned income.” [Mills PFD, filed 8/20/13]
The following table outlines his assets and unearned income:
Asset or Income
Source
US Bank
Account
Note ReceivableClosely Held Co
Crow Wing Oil
Co
Crow Wing Oil
Co
Lively Auto
Value of Asset
Type of Income
Current Year
Preceding Year
$15,001-$50,000
None
None
None
None
Interest
$5,001-$15,000
$5,001-$15,000
$100,001$250,000
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
$2,501-$5,000
$500,001$1,000,000
Interest
$5,001-$15,000
$5,001-$15,000
68
Company
Lively Auto
Company
Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co Inc.
Profit Sharing
401(k) Plan
US BancorpRoth IRA
FAEIX-Nuveen
Funds
Mills
Automotive
Group
Reinsurance,
LTD
-self insurance
company related
to Mills Auto
Group retail sales
and service,
Minnesota
Mills Financial
Services, Inc.
The Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.,
Irrevocable Trust
*closely held
businesses
operated as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND:
-Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co., Inc.
-Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay,
Inc.
-Mills Properties,
Inc.
US Bank
Account
Stewart C. Mills,
III Irrevocable
$500,001$1,000,000
Interest
None
None
$250,001$500,000
Tax-Deferred
None
None
$1,001-$15,000
Tax-Deferred
None
None
None
None
$1,001-$15,000
$1,001-$15,000
S Corp Dist.
None
None
$5,000,001$25,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
$100,001$1,000,000
$5,000,001$25,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
$1,000,001$5,000,000
$25,000,001$50,000,000
$15,001-$50,000
S Corp Dist.
None
Interest
$1-$200
$1,000,001$5,000,000
$1-$200
$1,000,001$5,000,000
Interest
$100,001$1,000,000
$100,001$1,000,000
69
Trust
-Note
Receivable, The
Stewart C. Mills,
Jr. Irrevocable
Trust
US Bank
Account
Great-West Life
& Annuity
Insurance
Company-Whole
Life Policies
Stewart C. Mills,
Jr. Irrevocable
Insurance Trust
Agreement
- Great-West Life
& Annuity
Insurance
Company-Whole
Life Policies
The Stewart C.
Mills, III 2012
Irrevocable Trust
*closely held
businesses
operated as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND
-Mills Properties,
Inc.
The Stewart C.
Mills, III 2012
Irrevocable Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.
Grandchildren’s
Trust Agreement
*closely held
businesses
$1,001-$15,000
Interest
$1-$200
$1-$200
$1,000,001$5,000,000
None
None
None
$1,000,001$5,000,000
None
None
None
$5,000,001$25,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
$100,001$1,000,000
$500,001$1,000,000
Interest
$5,001-$15,000
None
$1,000,001$5,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
None
70
operating as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND
-Mills Supply,
Inc.
-Lively Auto
Company
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Stewart C.
Mills, IV
Irrevocable Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Jade Dalen
Mills Irrevocable
Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
Total
$250,001$500,000
$50,001$100,000
S Corp Dist.
None
None
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
None
$250,001$500,000
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
$5,001-$15,000
$100,001$250,000
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
$5,001-$15,000
$125,010$1,065,400
$2,322,512$13,065,400
$46,534,023$150,260,000
[Mills PFD, filed 8/20/13]
MinnPost Headline: Nolan opponent Stewart Mills' stake in Fleet Farm: Between
$41M and $150M
In their 2013 article about Mills’ stake in Fleet Farm, the MinnPost gave it the headline,
“Nolan opponent Stewart Mills' stake in Fleet Farm: Between $41M and $150M.”
[MinnPost, 8/29/13]
Held $13,850,008 to $66,750,000 in Trusts
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure statement, he held $13,850,008 to $66,750,000 in
trusts. [Mills PFD, filed 8/20/13]
The following table outlines his trusts:
Asset or Income
Source
Value of Asset
Type of Income
71
Current Year
Preceding Year
Stewart C. Mills,
III Irrevocable
Trust
-Note
Receivable, The
Stewart C. Mills,
Jr. Irrevocable
Trust
Stewart C. Mills,
Jr. Irrevocable
Insurance Trust
Agreement
- Great-West Life
& Annuity
Insurance
Company-Whole
Life Policies
The Stewart C.
Mills, III 2012
Irrevocable Trust
*closely held
businesses
operated as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND
-Mills Properties,
Inc.
The Stewart C.
Mills, III 2012
Irrevocable Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.
Grandchildren’s
Trust Agreement
*closely held
businesses
operating as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND
-Mills Supply,
$1,000,001$5,000,000
Interest
$100,001$1,000,000
$100,001$1,000,000
$1,000,001$5,000,000
None
None
None
$5,000,001$25,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
$100,001$1,000,000
$500,001$1,000,000
Interest
$5,001-$15,000
None
$1,000,001$5,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
None
72
Inc.
The Stewart C.
Mills, IV
Irrevocable Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Jade Dalen
Mills Irrevocable
Trust
-Demand Note
Receivable,
Crow Wing Oil
Company
The Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.,
Irrevocable Trust
*closely held
businesses
operated as
“Mills Fleet
Farm” Retail WI,
MN, IA, ND:
-Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co., Inc.
Total
$250,001$500,000
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
$5,001-$15,000
$100,001$250,000
Interest
$2,501-$5,000
$5,001-$15,000
$5,000,001$25,000,000
S Corp Dist.
None
$100,001$1,000,000
$110,004 to
$1,025,000
$310,005 to
$3,030,000
$13,850,008 to
$66,750,000
Earned Income
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure statement, he earned a salary of $568,329 from
Fleet Wholesale Co, Inc. in 2012. [Mills PFD, filed 8/20/13]
The following table outlines his earned income:
Source
Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co, Inc.
Brainerd MN
Type
Salary
Current Year
$196,707
Preceding Year
$568,329
Liabilities
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure statement, he held $7,750,005-$36,500,000 in
liabilities.
73
The following table outlines his liabilities:
Creditor
Date Incurred
Type of
Liability
Stock Purchase
Promissory Note
Amount of
Liability
$1,000,001$5,000,000
Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.
Irrevocable
Trust
--Stewart C.
Mills, III
Irrevocable
Trust
--Lively Auto
Company
Stewart C.
Mills, III
Irrevocable
Trust
--Crow Wing
Oil Company
Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.
Irrevocable
Insurance Trust
--Crow Wing
Oil Company
Stewart C. Mills
Jr.,
Grandchildren’s
Trust
Agreement
--Stewart C.
Mills, Jr.
Total
April 2003
Demand Note
Payable
Demand Note
Payable
$5,000,001$25,000,000
$1,000,001$5,000,000
January 2000
Demand Note
Payable
$250,001$500,000
May 2012
Stock Purchase
Promissory Note
$500,001$1,000,000
April 2009
September 2007
$7,750,005$36,500,000
Positions Held
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure statement, he held 26 positions.
The following table outlines these positions:
Position
Vice President
74
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Mills Trucking, LLC
Fleet and Farm Supply Company of West
Bend, Inc.
Mills Supply, Inc.
Lively Auto Company
Mills Automotive Group Reinsurance Ltd
Mills Supply, Inc. Deferred Compensation
Plan
Mills Companies Employee Welfare Benefit
Plan Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Profit Sharing 401(K)
Plan and Trust
Mills Auto Group Profit Sharing 401 (K) Plan
and Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. Deferred
Compensation Plan
Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police
Foundation
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Director/Secretary/Vice President
President
Plan Administrator
Trustee
Trustee
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Director
Earned Millions More While Taking Salary Pay Cut
Between 2012 and 2013 Mills increase in Unearned Assists between $1,027,503 and $5,090,000, while
taking a $294,842 pay cut in salary.
2013 Unearned Assists: $3,350,015 and $18,155,400
Asset/Source
of Income
Value of Asset
Type of
Income
Amount of Income for
Current Year (2014)
75
Amount of
Income for
Preceding Year
Total
$47,218,022 $153,696,000
$1,321,012 - $8,057,900
(2013)
$3,350,015 $18,155,400
2013 Mills Received $273,487 in Earned Income
Fleet Wholesale Co, Inc. in 2013. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
2013 Mills Collected Up to 93.6% of his Asset Income from S-Corp
In 2013, Mills collected between $3,200,005 and $17,000,000 in S-Corp distribution, while collecting
between $3,350,015 and $18,155,400 in total asset income. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
2012 Unearned Assists: $2,322,512 and $13,065,400
Asset or Income
Source
Total
Value of Asset
Type of Income
$46,534,023$150,260,000
Current Year
(2013)
$125,010$1,065,400
Preceding Year
(2012)
$2,322,512$13,065,400
2012 Earned Income: $568,329
Fleet Wholesale Co, Inc. in 2012. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 8/21/13]
2012 Mills Collected Up to 91.8% of his Asset Income from S-Corp
In 2012, Mills collected between $2,200,004 and $12,000,000 in S-Corp distribution, while collecting
between $2,322,512 and $13,065,400 in total asset income. [Personal Financial Disclosure Form, May 2014]
76
Professional Career
 2015: Listed 25 different positions on personal financial disclosure form
 2013: Listed as Vice President of oil company
In 2015, Mills listed 25 different positions that he held on his personal financial
disclosure form. In 2013, Mills listed 26 different positions on his personal
financial disclosure form, including as vice president of an oil company.
2000-2010: Director Of Personnel For Fleet Farm
Between 2000 and 2010, Mills served as the director of personnel for Mills Fleet Farm.
He oversaw the administration and management of a workforce of more than 6,000 and health insurance,
401k, profit sharing and other benefit plans. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
Worked For His Family’s Businesses Since He Was 14 Years Old
According to Mill campaign website, Mills has been working at his family’s businesses since he was 14
years old and that after graduating college “entered Fleet Farm’s store management program, working at a
number of different Fleet Farm stores.” [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 2/22/14]
2010-Present: Vice President For Fleet Farm
Since 2010, Mills has served as the Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm.
According to his campaign website, he was the “originator of FleetFarm.com, innovative health care
plans, Mills Indoor Shooting and Archery, brands of Firearms and accessories and the “We Love It!
Outdoors” Television series. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
Earned Income
Fleet Wholesale Co, Inc. in 2012. [Mills PFD, filed 8/20/13]
The following table outlines his earned income:
Source
Fleet Wholesale
Supply Co, Inc.
Type
Salary
Current Year
$196,707
77
Preceding Year
$568,329
Brainerd MN
2013: Disclosed 25 Positions In Mills Fleet Farm Company Family
According to Mills’ 2013 personal financial disclosure form, he held 25 positions within the
Mills Fleet Farm company family.
The table below outlines these positions:
Position
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
Vice President
President
Plan Administrator
Trustee
Trustee
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Plan Administrator
Mills Trucking, LLC
Mills Supply, Inc.
Lively Auto Company
Mills Supply, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
Mills Companies Employee Welfare Benefit Plan Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Profit Sharing 401(K) Plan and Trust
Mills Auto Group Profit Sharing 401 (K) Plan and Trust
Fleet Wholesale Supply Co., Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
78
…Mills Properties, Inc.
 Received maximum public subsidy of $1.48 million from City of Carver
 State Department of Transportation money contributed $300,000 in road work to
help with traffic flow at a new Farm Fleet location
 Received $10,500 from City of Menomonie for sewer and water improvements
Mills Properties has received nearly $1.8 million in public subsidies funded by federal
taxpayers and taxpayers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Family Business Accepted Millions Of Taxpayer Dollars
Between 1983 and 2013, Mills Properties received nearly $1.7 million from state governments.
[Chanhassen Villager, 3/28/13; City of Menomonie; Tax Increment Development Agreement, Oakdale Minnesota, 6/19/13]
2013: Received Projected Maximum Public Subsidy $1.48 Million From City Of Carver
In March 2013, the City of Carver, Minnesota Council agreed to provide Mills Properties a maximum
public subsidy of $1.48 million for launching development of the freeway commercial district.
The Chanhassen Villager reported that the interest earnings increased the projected total subsidy pay-out
to $1, 485, 975, according to the city's financial consultant, Ehlers Inc. of Roseville.
The maximum base subsidy for Mills Properties was $991, 287 but that amount was supplemented by
simple, non-compounding interest at 6.5 percent per year. [Chanhassen Villager, 3/28/13]
Public Subsidy Paid from 90 percent of Tax Money Funneled into the TIF District
In March 2013, the Chanhassen Villager reported that the subsidy to Mills Properties was paid from
90 percent of the tax money that would be funneled into the TIF district, according to the tax
increment promissory note issued in August 2012.
The city government would keep the other 10 percent as an administrative fee. [Chanhassen Villager,
3/28/13]
City Scheduled to Rebate $94,410.11 of 2013 taxes to Mills Properties
79
In March 2013, the City of Carver was scheduled to rebate $94, 410.11 of 2013 taxes to Mills
Properties. [Chanhassen Villager, 3/28/13]
City And State DOT Contributed $300,000 In Road Work For Traffic Flow At Farm Fleet Location
In 2009, the Department of Transportation money contributed $300,000 in road work to help with traffic
flow at a new Farm Fleet location.
Mills Fleet Farm planned to cover $1 million of the $1.3 million cost. [Star Tribune, 8/02/09]
1983: Received $10,500 From City Of Menomonie For Sewer And Water Improvements
In 1983, Mills Properties, Inc. received $10,500 from City of Menomonie, Wisconsin for sewer and water
improvements. [City of Menomonie]
NOTE: Mills did not have an executive position in the company at this time.
1989: Entered In A TIF Agreement With Oakdale, Minnesota
In June 1989, the City of Oakdale’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority funded part of a Mills
Properties construction project by financing public improvements and site improvements from general
oblation tax increment bonds.
According to the agreement, the city agreed to reimburse Mills Properties $96,000 for the cost of a
portion of the site improvements.
The agreement also state that the construction would cost no less than $4,254,600. [Tax Increment
Development Agreement, Oakdale Minnesota, 6/19/13]
Company Reportedly Paid $26,000 In Property Taxes On A Taxable Valuation Of $3.3 Million
According to the Free Press, Fleet Farm paid $26,000 in property taxes on a 3.3 million taxable valued
piece of land. [Free Press, 2/03/13]
80
…Mills Fleet Farm
 November 2015: Company was in the process of being sold, which Mills said
was a “painful decision” for his family
 Mills and other shareholders stood to profit a potential $1.1 billion from the
sale
 January 2016: KKR, a private equity firm based in New York City, purchased
Mills Fleet Farm for an estimated $1.2 billion; exact terms of the sale were not
disclosed
 Family members retained a minority stake in the company and were expected
to serve as advisers
 Has been Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm since 2010 and worked for the
company since graduating college
 January 2016: the state of Minnesota fined Mills Fleet Farm in Mankato
$40,000 for selling illegally gas prices that drove out smaller neighboring
competitors
 Company denied Salvation Army the right to place bell ringers outside his
stores
 Local labor union accused Mills Fleet Farm of using temporary workers at
minimum wage
 Small fishing store closed its doors because of Mills Fleet Farm store
competition
 Local bait shop owner complained of Mills Fleet Farm’s “dominance”

 Man was accused of buying firearms without a license at several Mills Fleet
Farm stores, he tried selling gun online for a profit
 Courts found Mills Fleet Farm liable in four cases, individuals were awarded
$3,772.04
81
Mills is following in his family footsteps and currently serves as the vice president of Mills Fleet
Farm. The company denied the Salvation Army the right to place bell ringers outside his stores.
A local labor union accused Mills Fleet Farm of using temporary workers at minimum wage.
Small business owners claim that Mills’ company is pushing them out of business. A
small fishing store closed its doors because of Mills Fleet Farm store competition and a
local bait shop owner complained of Mills Fleet Farm’s “dominance.”
In addition, individuals bought supplies from the Mills Fleet Farm retail stores to make
pipe bombs and a man was accused of buying firearms without a license at several Mills
Fleet Farm stores, he tried selling gun online for a profit.
In October 2015, Mills announced that the company was preparing to sell the company
in order to remain competitive and fuel its growth. Mills said it was a “painful decision”
for his family but was right for the company’s long-term future. He also said they
hoped to take care of their employees when finalizing details of the sale. Mills said that
he would no longer be involved in the company until the deal was completed, which was
likely to be sometime in 2016. Mills said he planned to be involved with “very quiet
philanthropy, but also very loud public service” once he was left the company until the
sale was completed. Mills and other shareholders stood to profit a potential $1.1 billion
from the sale.
In January 2016, KKR, a private equity firm based in New York City, bought Mills
Fleet Farm for an estimated $1.2 billion, including debt though exact terms of the sale
were not disclosed. Mills said he was saddened by the sale but that the company was
looking for additional capital to expand locations beyond the Midwest and update their
warehouse and infrastructure. Members of the Mills family retained a minority stake in
the company and planned to keep their offices while serving as advisers to the company.
At the time of the purchase, Mills Fleet Farm employed 6,500 full and part-time
workers.
Mills Fleet Farm History
Stewart C. Mills, Sr. Founded Mills Companies In 1922; Started With Auto Dealerships And Then
Established An Oil Company. “1922: Mills Company Founded. Brainerd, MN. Mills companies are
founded when Stewart C. Mills Sr. buys the Lively Auto Company in Brainerd selling Chevrolets and
Hupmobiles … 1923: Mills starts Crow Wing Oil. Mills starts Crow Wing Oil Company, the region’s
largest pure oil and bulk oil distributor and gas station operator.” [Mills Fleet Farm, “Our History,”
accessed 1/15/16]
First Fleet Wholesale Supply Store Opened In Marshfield, Wisconsin, In 1955. “1955: First Fleet
Wholesale Supply opens. Marshfield, WI. Stewart C. Mills, his sons Stewart, Jr., and Henry C. Mills II
open the first Fleet Wholesale Supply in Marshfield, WI, to sell merchandise direct to farmers.” [Mills
Fleet Farm, “Our History,” accessed 1/15/16]
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Mills Fleet Farm Building A New Store In Hermantown, Minnesota, Expected To Open In 2016;
Expanded The Chain To 36 Locations In Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, And North Dakota. “Site
work for the new 183,000-square-foot Mills Fleet Farm store in Hermantown continued in earnest this
past week. By the time the preparations are complete, an estimated 200,000 cubic yards of material will
have been moved. Fleet Farm Vice President Stewart Mills III said he expects the store's precast concrete
walls to be tilted into place and reinforced with steel in the next week or two. ‘It's imperative we get the
store enclosed before winter, and fortunately, we've been able to stay on schedule so far,’ Mills said. He
said he hopes to open the new Hermantown store by late summer or the early fall of next year. It will be
the 36th retail outlet in the Brainerd-based chain. Mills Fleet Farm most recently opened a store this
March in Mankato, Minn. The company now boasts stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North
Dakota.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 9/14/15]
Mills Fleet Farm Was Run By Members Of The Mills Family. “The Mills Companies were started in
1922 in Brainerd MN, by Stewart Mills, Sr. with an emphasis in the automotive industry. The Fleet Farm
component of the Mills Companies was added by Stew Jr. and Hank Mills in 1955 as outgrowth of
Stewart Sr.’s auto parts stores. Mills Fleet Farm is a growing, closely held, multi-generational family
business based out of Brainerd with 32 retail locations and on the web at www.fleetfarm.com. Today the
Mills Companies are headed by Henry Mills II and Stew Mills Jr., assisted by their children Charlie,
Andrew, Marisa and Stewart.” [Stewart Mills Facebook, “About,” accessed 1/16/15]
An Estimated $1 Billion
An Estimated $1 Billion. “Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company will buy Mills Fleet Farm, a familyowned discount retailer with stores in the Midwest, for undisclosed terms in its first deal of the year and
one that builds on its portfolio of retail companies. Mills Fleet Farm, based in Appleton, Wis., and
Brainerd, Minn., sells a range of goods, including clothes, children's toys, auto parts, firearms and farming
supplies through 35 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. It was founded in 1955 by
Stewart Mills Sr. and has been run by his sons, Henry Mills II and Stewart Mills Jr. The founder's
grandson, Stewart Mills III, is running for Congress in Minnesota. Hugh Leasum, who is on Mills Fleet
Farm's executive team, is expected to stay with the company after the deal closes. The family will retain a
minority stake … Mills Fleet Farm said last fall it was exploring a sale, looking for new capital to help
expand. Earlier reports said Kohlberg Kravis paid about $1 billion.” [New York Times, 1/06/16]
Estimated That KKR Bought Mills Fleet Farm For More Than $1.2 Billion, Including Debt.
“Buyout firm KKR & Co Lp is in the lead to acquire U.S. outdoor retailer Mills Fleet Farm for more
than $1.2 billion, including debt, according to people familiar with the matter, defying a slowdown in
private equity dealmaking.” [Reuters, 12/10/15]
Exact Terms Of The Sale Were Not Disclosed But Value Of Sale Was Based On Estimates.
“Family-owned Mills Fleet Farm has agreed to sell to New York-based KKR, one of the country’s
largest investment concerns that has holdings in various industries totaling about $100 billion. Terms
of the deal, expected to be announced Tuesday, were not disclosed. However, after the Mills family
put the privately held chain of 35 stores up for sale last fall there was speculation in the investment
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trade nationally that it would fetch in neighborhood of $1 billion. Reuters last month cited unnamed
sources putting a likely price tag at more than $1.2 billion, including debt.” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Mills Fleet Farm Employed 6,500 Full And Part-Time Workers. “Mills Fleet Farm, which doesn’t
publicly disclose sales or results, operates its stores in rural towns and suburbs of Minnesota, Iowa,
Wisconsin and North Dakota. It employs 6,500 full- and part-time workers, including about 75 at its
corporate office in Brainerd. It also employs several hundred employees in merchandising and
operations in Appleton, Wis., said Hugh Leasum, a senior executive of Mills who will remain with the
company.” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Said He Was Saddened About The Sale Of His Family’s Business. “Stewart Mills III told
WCCO’s Pat Kessler recently that he was saddened by the family’s sale. Business experts say it is
rare for a family business to maintain control beyond several generations.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
KKR Said They Would Invest In Opening More Stores As Well As Adding Infrastructure And Jobs
KKR Said They Would Invest In Opening More Stores As Well As Adding Infrastructure And
Jobs. “‘We anticipate investing significantly in the business, adding infrastructure, stores and local jobs,’
Taylor said in a statement. He added that KKR would ‘remain committed to Mills Fleet Farm’s founding
values — and those shared by KKR — of honesty, integrity, hard work, service and loyalty to our
customers and partners.’” [Star Tribune, 1/05/16]
Said Mills Fleet Farm Needed More Capital To Build More Stores And Upgrade Their
Warehouse. “The family has declined to comment to the Star Tribune since the business went up for
sale last fall. Stewart Mills III, a third-generation executive, told the Brainerd Daily Dispatch in
October that the retailer needed deeper pockets to expand in order to add stores and update the
company’s warehouse. He also said the distribution network needs updating and investment. Stewart
Mills III is a grandson of the founder and is making a second run for Congress in the Eighth District.”
Mills Fleet Farm Sought Additional Capital To Expand Their Stores Outside Of The Midwest.
“Despite the company’s 60 years of success, Mills Fleet Farm did not have the necessary resources to
expand beyond the Midwest. That is why company owners decided the best thing to do was put the
chain up for sale. New York investment firm KKR announced Tuesday it had reached a deal to
acquire Mills. But the challenge for KKR will be navigating the needed changes while not alienating
the chain’s loyal customer base.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
KKR Also Owns Academy Sports, Outdoors, US Foods, And Toys “R” Us Stores. “The private
equity firm also owns stakes in Academy Sports and Outdoors of Katy, Tex.; US Foods in Chicago;
and Toys ‘R’ Us of Wayne, N.J. … Nathaniel H. Taylor, the head of Kohlberg Kravis's consumer
retail group in the Americas, said the firm would invest in Mills Fleet Farm to add infrastructure and
stores.” [New York Times, 1/06/16]
Family Were Expected To Keep Offices And Serve As Advisers
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Family Were Expected To Keep Offices And Serve As Advisers. “The Mills family will retain a small
ownership stake in the company. Some Mills family members are even expected to maintain offices and
work as advisers.” [CBS Minnesota, 1/05/16]
Owners; Employed 6,000 People As Of October 2015 And Had More Than 30 Stores In Four States
Owners; Currently Employed 6,000 People And Had More Than 30 Stores In Four States. “Mills
Fleet Farm may have a new ownership later this year or early in 2016. Wednesday, Mills Fleet Farm
confirmed it is in the process of looking at a large pool of business suitors to find the right one to take the
company to the next level of growth for the future. The family company, which makes its headquarters in
Brainerd, first started serving customers as Fleet Wholesale Supply in 1955 and now employs about 6,000
in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. The company's 36th store is currently under
construction in Hermantown, Minn., near Duluth and will continue for a planned 2016 opening.” [Forum
Mills: “We Have Several Interested Parties … We Care Very Much About Our Employees And We
Want To Make Sure Whoever The New Owners Are They Take Very Good Care Of Them.” “‘We
have several interested parties, but we are sorting through those interested parties to make sure they are
the best fit for us organizationally and also the best fit for our employees,’ Mills said. ‘We care very much
about our employees and we want to make sure whoever the new owners are they take very good care of
them. (The employees) have taken very good care of us.’” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
October 2014: Remarked During Debate That His Family’s Business Had “No Venture Capital
Money” Or “Private Equity Money.” “Again, we’re we’re not publicly traded. There’s no venture
capital money. There’s no private equity money. It’s a family business like any other. And if they
want to attack me and my family for the success and the jobs that we’ve created, well, then that’s their
message. Their message is picking on my hair.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Farm’s Growth
Farm’s Growth. “Mills Fleet Farm's employees learned of the news in company meetings hosted at each
location last Friday. Mills said the company reached a point where, in order to continue to grow at a speed
to be competitive, it needs to look for outside sources for capital and can't continue to finance growth
solely through its own checkbook. Mills said they could sustain a much slower growth rate, but they know
the business potential is there for more and the decision to move forward was made by the family as a
group. ‘For the long term, this is what is right for the business, this is what is right for our employees,’
Mills said. ‘It's a very, very painful decision for the Mills family.’” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
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Anticipated Possibility Of Mills Fleet Farm Opening Up To Four New Stores Annually. “Looking at
the total picture — the company's past success and where it could go - at a certain point the decision has
to be made that is right for the business, Mills said. The company's warehouse and distribution system
needs a significant upgrade requiring considerable capital investment to remain competitive, he said. With
a modernized warehouse and distribution center, Mills said he personally could see a growth of three or
four stores annually.” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Said The Company Needed Additional Capital To Continue Its Growth. “‘In the last several years
business has been extremely strong and that strength has been enhanced by very successful new store
locations,’ the company reported in a written statement. ‘Continual reinvestment back into Fleet Farm has
fostered that healthy growth. Fleet Farm has now reached a point where to continue that necessary pace of
growth, it needs to look for outside sources of capital in order to remain competitive and keep creating
and maintaining good paying jobs with excellent benefits. To ensure the strength of business going
forward, the company is in the process of bringing in an outside partner to work with and enhance the
current management structure. ‘This very, very tough decision was made because it is ultimately in the
best interest of our wonderful team members, the company and Fleet Farm's ability to meaningfully
impact the many communities it serves. The possible transition to new ownership structure will create
additional opportunities for our team members and allow Fleet Farm and its team members to prosper
while continuing to meet the needs of our customers for years to come.’” [Forum News Service,
10/07/15]
Said His Family Would Continue To Be Involved In Philanthropic Efforts In The Community
Said His Family Would Continue To Be Involved In Philanthropic Efforts In The Community.
“From the beginning, the Mills ownership has been a quiet but strong philanthropic force in the
community from support for the Fourth of July parade, to honoring the fallen and the survivors of the
Bataan Death March, providing area scholarships, and donating to individual requests by those who want
to make a community difference even as they are suffering from the final stages of terminal cancer. The
family has supported Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Salvation Army, among other charities
through the generations. ‘The Mills family isn't going anywhere and our philanthropic efforts are still
going to be here for the community,’ Mills said.” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
Denied That The Sale Was Linked To His Political Goals
Denied That The Sale Was Linked To His Political Goals. “Mills said he will no longer be involved in
the company as the transaction is completed, probably sometime next year. The potential sale of the
business, he said, has nothing to do with his political aspirations.” [Forum News Service, 10/07/15]
He Was Leaving The Company
He Was Leaving The Company. “Discussions on the company's future predate his interest in politics,
Mills said. He ran for the Minnesota 8th District Congressional seat in 2014 and expects an official
86
announcement on his intentions for the next election within the next two weeks. Mills said his personal
intention for his future is to engage in ‘very quiet philanthropy, but also very loud public service.’”
Mills And Other Shareholders Stood To Profit As Much As $1.1 Billion From The Sale
Mills And Other Shareholders Stood To Profit As Much As $1.1 Billion From The Sale. “According
to Mergermarket.com, privately held, Brainerd-based Mills generates about $130 million annually in
operating profit. Solid retailers are selling for up to nine-times earnings before interest, taxes and
depreciation. That would gross $1.1 billion for CEO Stewart Mills III and other shareholders.” [Star
Tribune, 10/17/15]
Prevailing Wage; Mills Responded Angrily On Social Media To This Report
Pages, 11/18/15]
Mills Was Upset About Article’s Portrayal Of Mills Fleet Farm And Accused DCCC Of
“Peddl[ing] Lies.” [Twitter, 11/19/15]
Mills Stated In A Facebook Post That He Was Not “Anti-Union” And That Some Of The
Project’s Funds Had Gone To Non-Union Contractors. “Normally I don’t respond directly to
comments on Facebook as the back and forth can take on a life of its own, but I feel there may be
some folks that have bought into the Democrats deceptive narrative of me and have the wrong idea
about what I stand for. First of all, Right to Work is a state issue, and I am running for federal office.
As someone who respects the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, I believe that the 10th Amendment
reserves such decisions the individual states themselves, and I will fight to keep the Federal
Government out of state affairs. Secondly, whoever says Fleet Farm’s Hermantown project is nonunion is deliberately misleading you. The truth is the majority of the contract dollars were awarded to
union shops. The Mills Family has always run an open bidding process, open to both union and nonunion shops. Some of the project dollars (a minority) were awarded to non-union contractors. We
have not tilted the playing field either way. Our general project manager goes through the bids and
selects the ones that can get the job done right, at the right time, at the right price. Union firms, as a
percentage of project cost, were over represented in that selection. If anyone tries to tell you I am antiunion they are liars, I believe strongly in the open bidding process, and American Free Enterprise that
has created and sustained both union and non-union jobs. –Stewart Mills” [Facebook, 12/02/15]
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Minnesota
Minnesota. “The Mankato Mills Fleet Farm became the second local fuel seller in three months to be
ordered by the state of Minnesota to stop selling gasoline so cheaply and to pay a substantial financial
penalty for illegally low gasoline prices last spring and summer that resulted in area drivers paying some
of the lowest prices in the state. Fleet Farm joins Sam's Club in agreeing to pay a $40,000 civil penalty,
although each company will see half of the total forgiven if it stays in compliance with Minnesota's fuel
pricing law in the future, according to the Department of Commerce. The law aims to keep large fuel
sellers from offering fuel at extremely low levels to drive smaller competitors out of the market. The
arrival of the Fleet Farm store on Premier Drive just off of Highway 22 on the north end of Mankato
seemed to be the impetus for a price war that most other gas stations and convenience stores were caught
up in from April through mid-July.” [Mankato Free Press, 1/09/16]
State Identified At Least 20 Violations That Mills Fleet Farm Had Incurred; Company Would
Only Be Responsible For Paying $20,000 If They Stayed Compliant With The Order. “Local
prices were often 20 cents per gallon lower than other parts of the state with the discount sometimes
topping 25 cents, prompting smaller convenience stores to file complaints with the Commerce
Department, which launched an investigation. Some pointed to Fleet Farm as the instigator while
others suggested Fleet Farm was doing nothing more than matching Sam's Club. In the end, state
investigators found both companies were selling at prices below the minimum allowed by law. A
‘cease and desist order’ was issued to Sam's Club, located on Madison Avenue, in late October. A
nearly identical order came to Fleet Farm last month. ‘ ... From April 14, 2015 through May 19, 2015
respondent (Fleet Farm) engaged in the continuing offer and sale of gasoline by way of posted price or
indicating meter below the minimum allowable price at its store located at 1850 Premier Drive,
Mankato, Minnesota,’ the Dec. 15 order states. ‘At least 20 violations ... were identified.’ The Fleet
Farm investigation covered the same dates as the Sam's Club investigation, also found 20-plus
violations and resulted in the same penalty — ‘that respondent shall pay to the State of Minnesota a
civil penalty of $40,000, of which $20,000 shall be stayed upon the condition that respondent remain
in compliance with this order.’”[Mankato Free Press, 1/09/16]
Mills Fleet Farm Was Building A New Store In Hermantown, Minnesota, Was Expected To Open
In 2016; Expanded The Chain To 36 Locations
Mills Fleet Farm Was Building A New Store In Hermantown, Minnesota, Was Expected To Open
In 2016; Expanded The Chain To 36 Locations. “Site work for the new 183,000-square-foot Mills Fleet
Farm store in Hermantown continued in earnest this past week. By the time the preparations are complete,
an estimated 200,000 cubic yards of material will have been moved. Fleet Farm Vice President Stewart
Mills III said he expects the store's precast concrete walls to be tilted into place and reinforced with steel
in the next week or two. ‘It's imperative we get the store enclosed before winter, and fortunately, we've
been able to stay on schedule so far,’ Mills said. He said he hopes to open the new Hermantown store by
late summer or the early fall of next year. It will be the 36th retail outlet in the Brainerd-based chain.
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Mills Fleet Farm most recently opened a store this March in Mankato, Minn. The company now boasts
stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 9/14/15]
Mills Said The Company Was “In A Growth Spurt.” “‘We are definitely in a growth spurt,’ Mills said,
pointing to the recent investments in Hermantown and Mankato. While Mills Fleet Farm continues to
consider other potential locations, Mills said no other projects are actively in the works at present. ‘I think
right now, we're probably going to have to step back and look at some of our infrastructure -- our logistics
and our warehousing. Because we have been building stores that have been successful, it has put a strain
on our logistics, so we're going to have to take a look at how we can best serve the stores we already
have,’ he said. [Duluth News-Tribune, 9/14/15]
New Store Was Expected To Cost $18 Million. “In all, Mills Fleet Farm is expected to pour about $18
million into its latest project, according to Adam Fulton, Hermantown's community development director.
The 38 1/2 -acre site for the new store is off Loberg Road, just south of Hom Furniture and west of Sam's
Club. The new retailer's parking lot will accommodate 619 vehicles. Fulton said the project will lead to
the redevelopment of an abandoned gravel pit that occasionally had attracted unauthorized dumping. He
credited Mills Fleet Farm for returning the property to a productive use.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 9/14/15]
April 2015: Opened A New Store In Mankato, Minnesota
April 2015: Opened A New Store In Mankato, Minnesota. “The most anticipated store in recent
Mankato, Minn., history opened its doors on April, as Fleet Farm showed off a new store design with
several new offerings for the Midwest chain. ‘Of all the other stores we’ve opened, this one is it,’ said
Stewart Mills II, who with his brother Hank built the Fleet Farm company after gaining their work ethic
and business acumen from their father who owned car dealerships and other businesses in Brainerd. Mills
said the Mankato store holds a special place, as it was a long time coming and was put together thanks to
his childhood friend, the late John Kahler.” [Farm Forum, 4/02/15]
Mills Fleet Farm Earned $130 Million Annually; Mills Stood To Make $1.1 Billion From
The Company’s Sale. “Mills Fleet Farm is for sale after three generations of family ownership.
The company is declining interview requests. That doesn’t stop the buzz in the investment
banking community, heading for another record year of peddling companies, according to
Dealogic, Thomson Reuters and other scorekeepers. According to Mergermarket.com, privately
held, Brainerd-based Mills generates about $130 million annually in operating profit. Solid
retailers are selling for up to nine-times earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation. That
would gross $1.1 billion for CEO Stewart Mills III and other shareholders. A company
executive, Mike Sidders, didn’t respond to a telephone message last week. Mergermarket.com
said Greene Holcomb is the investment banker. No comment there either.” [Star Tribune,
10/18/15]
2010 to Present: Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm
From 2010 to present, Mills has served as the Vice President of Mills Fleet Farm. [Mills Campaign
Website, accessed 9/13/12]
KKR History
89
Real Estate, Credit Strategies, And Hedge Fund Investments
Real Estate, Credit Strategies, And Hedge Fund Investments. “KKR is a global investment firm that
manages investments across multiple asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real
estate, credit strategies and hedge funds. As investors with an industrialist vision, we aim to generate
attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined approach, employing high-quality
people, pursuing the highest standards of excellence, and aligning our interests with those of all our
investment partners.” [KKR, “KKR Today,” accessed 1/12/16]
September 2015: Managed $98.7 Billion In Assets. [KKR, “KKR Today,” accessed 1/12/16]
January 2016: KKR Recommended Holding More Cash Than Stocks Due To Potential Risks, Said
They Anticipated 2016 Would Be “Chaotic.” “For the first time in five years holding cash could
provide better returns than other assets as risks grow for global stocks, according to KKR & Co., the
private equity firm that correctly predicted the global stock rebound last quarter. KRR’s Global Macro &
Asset Allocation team recommends its clients hold 7 percent of their assets in cash, up from 1 percent in
September, according to its 2016 outlook report posted on its website. It also lowered holdings of global
equities to 51 percent from 55 percent, marking the first underweight rating since 2011. ‘Unfortunately, as
we look ahead, we do not see 2016 as a less chaotic year,’ the KKR team, led by Henry Mcvey, wrote in
the report. ‘We want to create a cash buffer at the start of the year that we can deploy amidst any
downdraft in risk assets.’” [Bloomberg, 1/12/16]
KKR Specialized In Leveraged Buyouts
1995: Leveraged Buyouts Had Become Less Common And Were Characterized As Part Of Wall
Street Decadence Of The 1980’s. “Once the rage of Western capitalism, leveraged buyouts have lost
their glamour and much of their respectability. Suggest an LBO today as a healthy way to create value,
and polite company outside of Wall Street will assume you are just trying to stimulate lively conversation.
Propose it as a means of improving operating performance by restoring strong, constructive relationships
among owners, managers, and other corporate stakeholders, and you may be viewed as a refugee of the
1980s, deluded by the decade of greed.” [Harvard Business Review, May-June 1995]
Leveraged Buyouts Became Known For Resulting In Layoffs And Cuts In Research Spending. “It’s
easy to see why LBOs have developed such a negative image. Even when they were booming, critics
complained about ‘paper entrepreneurs.’ And when the boom faded, a wave of bankruptcies ensued. Since
1987, scores of companies that had been acquired in highly leveraged transactions and that managed more
than $65 billion in assets have filed for bankruptcy. The spectacular fall of Drexel Burnham Lambert and
junk-bond pioneer Michael Milken added to the perception that the LBO wave had been whipped up and
sustained by unscrupulous financiers who enriched themselves at the expense of others. Harrumphing
members of Congress held hearings. Soon, a chorus of I-told-you-sos from LBO critics and fingerpointing in the savings-and-loan and banking industries turned leverage into a dirty word. Even the LBOs
that ‘worked’ were dismissed as good luck or, more often, the result of deep and painful cuts in
employment, investment, and R&D spending.” [Harvard Business Review, May-June 1995]
90
KKR Founders Pioneered Leverage Buyouts
Jerry Kohlberg Honed The Leverage Buyout Model Where An Equity Firm Bought Companies
With Borrowed Money And Then Sold Them For A Profit After A Few Years. “He discovered at
Bear Stearns that a small circle of investors could buy a company with borrowed money … use cash flow
to pay down the debt … and then sell the company or take it public at a big profit. He had unwittingly
stumbled upon the essentials of leveraged buy-outs or, as they are known today, private equity
investments.” [Forbes, Obituary for Jerry Kohlberg by George Anders, 8/03/15]
The Washington Post Described Henry Kravis, One Of KKR’s Founders, As “The King Of RoughAnd-Tumble Leveraged Buyouts.” “Henry Kravis, the king of rough-and-tumble leveraged buyouts,
picked up a phone at his home in Palm Beach, Fla., and called the chief executive of one of Spain’s
biggest producers of building materials. At 70, Kravis, who’s worth $4.8 billion according to the
Bloomberg Billionaires Index, shows no sign of getting ready to retire. He and co-founder George
Roberts, also 70, are eager to make sure they don’t miss a juicy deal. They have been using their
legendary names to open doors and transform KKR into a nimble credit player that can act as lender,
investor and syndicator at the same time, making it reminiscent of banks such as Goldman Sachs, minus
the sales and trading, before regulators curtailed their reach.” [Washington Post, 7/25/14]
Kravis, His Cousin George Roberts, And Jerome Kohlberg All Left Bear Stearns And Founded
KKR In 1976. “Kravis founded KKR in 1976 with Roberts, his first cousin, and their former Bear
Stearns boss, Jerome Kohlberg. Three years later, they captivated Wall Street with a $380 million
purchase of industrial pumps maker Houdaille Industries. The deal’s cutting-edge debt architecture,
consisting of bank loans and junior debt, became the prototype for every leveraged buyout that followed.
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts dominated the buyout world in the 1980s, even after Kohlberg left in 1987. Its
1988 victory in the $31 billion takeover battle for RJR Nabisco inspired the bestseller ‘Barbarians at the
Gate.’” [Washington Post, 7/25/14]
Leveraged Buyouts Became Known For Cutting Staff And Selling Purchased Companies After A
Few Years
KKR Founder Pioneered Leveraged Buyout, Famous For Cutting Staff And Selling Purchased
Companies After A Few Years. “In the 1960s Jerome Kohlberg Jnr pioneered the leveraged buyout, or
LBO, in which a company is bought using significant amounts of borrowed money. He went on to cofound one of the most feared powerhouses in the private equity industry, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co,
probably best known for the audacious purchase of the tobacco and food conglomerate Nabisco for a then
record $30.1bn…Refining the methods pioneered at Bear Stearns, KKR borrowed large sums from
institutions such as insurance companies and pension funds to buy underperforming firms. They would
retain existing management but cut staff, unload unprofitable assets and end costly perks like private jets,
then sell the company in whole or in parts within a few years.” [Independent, 8/24/15]
Forbes: “KKR Is Beginning To Look Like The Goldman Sachs Of Private Equity.” [Forbes,
10/28/2015]
Bought Safeway In The 1980’s Which Resulted In Layoff Of 63,000 Workers
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Bought Safeway In The 1980’s Which Resulted In Layoff Of 63,000 Workers. “On the eve of the
1986 leveraged buy-out of Safeway Stores Inc., the board of directors sat down to a last supper. Peter
Magowan, the boyish-looking chairman and chief executive of the world’s largest supermarket chain, rose
to offer a toast to the deal that had fended off a hostile takeover by the corporate raiders Herbert and
Robert Haft … By selling the publicly held company to a group headed by buy-out specialists Kohlberg
Kravis Roberts & Co. and members of Safeway management, ‘you have saved literally thousands of jobs
in our work force,’ Mr. Magowan said. ‘All of us — employees, customers, shareholders — have a great
deal to be thankful for.’ … Nearly four years later, Mr. Magowan and the KKR group can indeed count
their blessings. While they borrowed heavily to buy Safeway from the shareholders, last month they sold
10% of the company (but none of their own shares) back to the public — at a price that values their own
collective stake at more than $800 million, more than four times their cash investment … Employees, on
the other hand, have considerably less reason to celebrate. Mr. Magowan’s toast notwithstanding, 63,000
managers and workers were cut loose from Safeway, through store sales or layoffs. While the majority
were re-employed by their new store owners, this was largely at lower wages, and many thousands of
Safeway people wound up either unemployed or forced into the part-time work force. A survey of former
Safeway employees in Dallas found that nearly 60% still hadn’t found full-time employment more than a
year after the layoff.” [Wall Street Journal, 5/16/90]
“Barbarian At The Gates”
“Barbarian At The Gates.” “It was the biggest buyout in U.S. corporate history, a six-week takeover
battle that captivated the nation and defined the ‘greed’ decade of the 1980s, spawning a bestselling book
and a made-for-TV movie along the way. Now, six years later, the $25-billion (U.S.) leveraged buyout of
RJR Nabisco Inc. has ended as a resounding flop for Henry Kravis and George Roberts, leaders of the
powerful New York leveraged buyout company of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and for dozens of
institutional investors whose money they used. KKR, accustomed to annual returns of 25 per cent to 30
per cent on its buyouts in the 1980s, is barely scratching out single-digit yearly returns for its $3.1-billion
investment. Since it made its investment in RJR at an average cost of $5.62 a share, RJR's stock price has
risen only 2.3 per cent to $5.75, not counting dividends. In the same period, the Standard & Poor's Corp.'s
500 rose 47 per cent.” [Wall Street Journal, 3/17/95]
Book Explored KKR’s Leverage Buyout Of RJR Nabisco And Corporate Maneuvering Between
Executives. [New York Times, 1/21/90]
New York Times Book Review Said The Book Was “One Of The Finest, Most Compelling
Accounts Of What Happened To Corporate America And Wall Street In The 1980’s.” [New
York Times, 1/21/90]
Barbarians At The Gate Tagline: “After A Power Breakfast They’ll Still Eat You For Lunch.”
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Analysts Said KKR Overpaid For RJR Nabisco And Soon Faced Costly Lawsuits Over The
Company’s Tobacco Division. “What went wrong? Analysts say KKR got caught up in a frenzied
takeover fight and paid too much for RJR at the peak of the '80s merger boom. And the firm bought into
the wrong industry - tobacco - not long before cigarette price wars and threat of litigation laid waste to
tobacco stocks.” [Wall Street Journal, 3/17/95]
2007: Purchased Texas Power Company, TXU Corp. For $31.8 Billion, The Largest Leveraged
Buyout At The Time
2007: Purchased Texas Power Company, TXU Corp. For $31.8 Billion, The Largest Leveraged
Buyout At The Time. “Texas power company TXU Corp. TXU.N said on Monday it agreed to be
acquired by a group led by private equity firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. KKR.UL and Texas
Pacific Group TPG.UL for $31.8 billion in the largest leveraged buyout in history. The investor group
will pay $69.25 per share for TXU, a 15.4 percent premium over TXU's closing stock price of $60.02 on
Friday. The previous leveraged buyout record was the $25.1 billion takeover of RJR Nabisco, also by
KKR, announced in 1988.” [Reuters, 2/26/07]
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KKR And TXU Corp. Pledged To Cutting The Number Of Coal-Fueled Power Plants They
Ran; Promised To Make The Company More Environmentally Friendly And Cut Back From
Eleven Coal Powered Plants To Three. “TXU and its new buyers made several pledges to improve
the company's environmental policies, including not building most of the planned coal plants. The
acquisition won the blessing of the Environmental Defense Fund and Natural Resources Defense
Council. Under the agreement, TXU said it would cut the number of planned coal-fueled generation
plants to 3 from 11, and implement 10 percent price cuts that would result in annual savings of about
$250 a year for the average household … TXU said the plan to scale back coal-plant expansion would
prevent 56 million tons of annual carbon emissions. The company said it would also invest $400
million in conservation and energy efficiency activities over the next five years.” [Reuters, 2/26/07]
2009: TXU Corp, Was Now Energy Future Holdings, And Nearing Bankruptcy. “The 2007
takeover of Texas utility TXU was to be a crowning glory for Texas Pacific Group, Goldman Sachs
and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. At $48 billion it was (in inflation-adjusted terms) as big as KKR’s
famed buyout of rjr Nabisco. Two years later the deal is shaping up to be a disaster. Except for the
insiders. TXU, now called Energy Future Holdings, has barely enough operating profit to cover $3
billion in annual interest payments and no chance of paying off $22 billion in debt maturing by the
end of 2014. ‘EFH’s capital structure is untenable,’ says Carl Blake, analyst at bond research firm
Gimme Credit. ‘They overpaid. The earnings power is not there to support the balance sheet.’”
[Forbes, 8/20/09]
2014 Bloomberg Headline: “KKR’s Record TXU Buyout Risks Chaos On Path To Bankruptcy.”
[Bloomberg, 2/24/14]
2014: Energy Future Holdings Was Close To Bankruptcy, Had $45.6 Billion In Debt. “Energy
Future Holdings Corp.’s march toward the largest leveraged-buyout bankruptcy in history is in
jeopardy of deteriorating into a free-for-all among Wall Street titans ranging from KKR & Co. to
Centerbridge Capital Partners LP and Apollo Global Management LLC. A month before the energy
company’s auditors are likely to raise doubts about its ability to remain a going concern, triggering a
default on $45.6 billion of debt, Energy Future’s creditors and management have yet to sign nondisclosure agreements that would permit private talks to work out a plan … The Dallas-based
company, which has suffered because of a decline in natural gas prices since its 2007 buyout, has
proposed bankruptcy options and management has been in talks with banks this month about raising
debtor-in-possession financing that would see it through a Chapter 11 filing, according to people
familiar with the situation.” [Bloomberg, 2/24/14]
KKR’s 2007 Purchase Was Based On The Prediction That Natural Gas Price Would Rise But
Prices Fell. “The 2007 acquisition was essentially a bet, using $40.1 billion of debt, that natural-gas
prices would rise. Instead prices, which set the cost of electricity, have fallen 54 percent since 2008.”
[Bloomberg, 2/24/14]
KKR Laid Off 6,000 First Data Employees After 2007 Leveraged Buyout
KKR Laid Off 6,000 First Data Employees After 2007 Leveraged Buyout. “KKR took [First Data]
private in 2007 in a leveraged buyout deal that was funded with more than $23 billion in debt. That's how
leveraged buyouts work: Private equity owners lard acquired companies up with debt that is used to
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finance the acquisition. The bonds issued to pay for such deals typically are viewed as below investment
grade -- dubbed "junk" on Wall Street -- because of the high amount of debt compared with the amount of
money the company makes…[First Data] struggled with profitability for years after the KKR purchase. In
response, KKR slashed costs, paring down a network of 12 data centers to three, two of which remain in
Omaha. Layoffs and closures have reduced the company's overall head count to 23,000 from 29,000 in
2007, though Omaha has absorbed hundreds of employees from cities, including Denver, as other
locations have been downsized.” [Omaha World-Herald, 7/19/15]
May 2015: KKR-Owned Data First Announced Thousands Of Layoffs And Moving Jobs Overseas.
“Amid improved first-quarter earnings, First Data Corp. on Monday announced a cost-reduction plan that
a company official said would include "a few thousand" layoffs. The plan is expected to take shape in the
coming months…Himanshu Patel, executive vice president in charge of strategy, planning and business
development for the payments processing and technology company, said the "head-count reduction"
would take place across the organization's global footprint…In addition to layoffs, part of the initiative
includes "offshoring" of jobs, Patel said…Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., the private equity parent
company of First Data, reported April 23 that its investment in the organization increased in value for the
second-straight quarter.” [Omaha World-Herald, 5/05/15]
July 2013: KKR-Owned First Data To Suspend 401(k) Contributions. “First Data Corp. will suspend
401(k) contributions to employees… Private-equity giant KKR & Co. took First Data private in 2007 for
about $26 billion in one of the biggest leveraged buyouts ever but has struggled with the deal since.”
[Wall Street Journal, 7/15/13]
2007: KKR Bought Dollar General Stores For $7.3 Billion, Was The Largest Buyout Of An
American Retail Chain
2007: KKR Bought Dollar General Stores For $7.3 Billion, Was The Largest Buyout Of An
American Retail Chain. “Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the giant buyout firm, said Monday that it would pay
$7.3 billion to take the discount retailer Dollar General private in the largest buyout of a U.S. retail chain.
The deal would be a very lucrative one for Dollar General shareholders, who would receive $22 a share
— a premium of nearly a third over the stock's closing price on Friday. Shares of Dollar General jumped
$4.29, or 26 percent, to $21.07 a share in New York on Monday. Analysts said that Dollar General was an
ideal target in many ways for a private equity firm like Kohlberg Kravis. With 8,260 stores and sagging
profits, the retailer would benefit from the type of consolidations that are common in the aftermath of a
private equity buyout, analysts said … Because it caters to lower-income consumers, Dollar General has
been particularly vulnerable to economic forces like spikes in gasoline prices and stagnant wage growth,
which have hurt other retailers like Wal-Mart. With gasoline prices down and wages growing far ahead of
inflation, analysts have raised their outlooks for retailers like Dollar General.” [New York Times,
3/12/07]
2013: KKR Sold Their Shares In Dollar General. “KKR & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s
private-equity arm quietly closed out their investment in Dollar General Corp. late Wednesday, with
investors agreeing to pay nearly three times what they offered in the retailer’s initial public offering. The
move caps what has been something of a best-case scenario for KKR and Goldman: a four-year rally in
the retailer that enabled a series of increasingly lucrative stock sales as they cashed out their investment.
KKR and Goldman agreed to sell their remaining 4.2 million Dollar General shares Wednesday,
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according to people familiar with the matter. Buyers offered $60.71 a share to Barclays PLC, which
bought the entire block and flipped it to investors in its role underwriting the deal, these people said. By
comparison, Dollar General’s 2009 IPO priced at $21 a share. The deal was valued at about $252
million.” [Wall Street Journal, 12/13/13]
June 2015: KKR-Owned US Foods Planned To Close Distribution Center, Affecting Hundreds Of
Workers
June 2015: KKR-Owned US Foods Planned To Close Distribution Center, Affecting Hundreds Of
Workers.” “Food supplier US Foods has reached a tentative decision to close its Anne Arundel County
distribution center, a move that could affect hundreds of Maryland workers…The company has been
shedding jobs in Maryland for years. US Foods is owned by private equity firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
(NYSE: KKR) and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice… The company closed its Columbia office in 2009, a move
that eliminated 150 jobs.” [Baltimore Business Journal, 6/17/15]
September 2015: Samson Resources, A KKR-Owned Oil Company Filed For Bankruptcy After It
Laid Off Employees In Tulsa, Oklahoma
September 2015: Samson Resources, A KKR-Owned Oil Company Filed For Bankruptcy After It
Laid Off Employees In Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Oil and gas driller Samson Resources Corp. filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on Wednesday night…Founded during the early 1970s, the
Schusterman family sold the Tulsa-based Samson to private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
for $7.2 billion in 2011. As of Dec. 31, 2014, Samson Resources' balance sheet featured a $2.1 billion net
loss that included a $91.9 million interest payment…Samson laid off 196 local workers at the end of
March, a reduction that dropped its Tulsa-area workforce to less than 400 people.” [Tulsa World, 9/20/15]
May 2015: KKR-Owned Oil Company Fired 270 Employees. “The 44-year-old Samson had been one
of the nation's largest privately held energy producers when the founding Schusterman family sold it to
New York equity firm KKR & Co. and other buyers for $7.2 billion in 2011. Since then, Samson's debt
load has risen steadily while oil and gas prices declined. The company announced several years ago that it
planned to go public eventually. Late last year, Moody's downgraded corporate family rating on Samson's
weakness in margins, cash flow and increased leverage. The company burned through $325 million in
free cash flow last year and laid off 270 employees, including nearly 200 in Tulsa. Those layoffs cost
Samson $22 million in severance commitments for the first quarter.” [Tulsa World, 5/21/15]
Samson’s Debt Became Overwhelming. “KKR went on to complete a couple of relatively small but
hugely profitable shale deals before Jefferies in 2011 pitched the big one: Samson Investment Co., one of
the largest closely held energy producers in the U.S. KKR bit, in the biggest-ever buyout of an oil-and-gas
company. Now, the investment is deep in the red, as falling oil prices amplify struggles Samson has faced
since its $7.2 billion acquisition. Almost immediately after the deal closed, natural-gas prices plunged to
their lowest level in a decade, hurting profits. Meanwhile, the Tulsa, Okla., company, now known as
Samson Resources Corp., had to contend with $3.6 billion of debt it took on in the takeover.” [Wall Street
Journal, 12/17/14]
Laid Off 120 Employees To Cut Costs. “Samson’s woes stand as a cautionary tale of the U.S. shale
boom. Fed by cash from Wall Street and private-equity firms, drillers in recent years rushed to tap new
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oil-and-gas deposits across the country—and contributed to the collapse in prices for both fuels. Samson’s
woes have been exacerbated by the very tools private-equity firms use to juice their returns: Samson
carries debt used to fund its own purchase and pays fees to its owners. Last week, Moody’s Investors
Service downgraded Samson’s credit rating while taking the unusual step of simultaneously flagging the
company for further downgrade … To cut costs, Samson laid off 120 employees. It embarked on asset
sales that have so far brought in more than $1 billion. It is currently shopping assets that account for about
25% of its production and are expected to bring in as much as $1.1 billion, Barclays analysts estimated
last month. Samson said it has also reduced drilling costs.” [Wall Street Journal, 12/17/14]
2010: KKR Invested $400 Million In Shale Gas Producer Based In Houston
2010: KKR Invested $400 Million In Shale Gas Producer Based In Houston. “Two words for
President Obama, should he bring up the subjects of cleaner energy and climate change when he
addresses the nation on the gulf oil spill tonight: shale gas. He could point to a recent Financial Times
headline saying it ‘will change the world,’ and the fact that the $54 billion private equity firm Kohlberg
Kravis Roberts & Co. appears to believe it. On Monday, it announced a $400 million investment in a
Houston shale gas producer. That came just two weeks after KKR, whose major offices are split between
New York and the Bay Area, sold its stake in a Pennsylvania shale gas producer to Royal Dutch Shell
PLC for $4.7 billion, a fourfold return on its original investment. The lure of this previously hard-toproduce source of natural gas is its abundance - 100 years' worth in the United States, and as much if not
more in Asia and Europe - plus its cleanliness, compared with coal and oil - and its cheapness.” [San
Francisco Chronicle, 6/15/10]
Series Of Corporate Takeovers Including AMC Entertainment And Aramark During The Mid2000’s; Paid $475 Million Settlement
Series Of Corporate Takeovers Including AMC Entertainment And Aramark During The Mid2000’s; Paid $475 Million Settlement. “The Carlyle Group paid $115 million to settle a collusion case
Friday, less than a week before it was due for a major hearing on the lawsuit in Boston. District-based
Carlyle was the last of several private equity firms, including Blackstone Group, KKR and TPG, to settle
the seven-year-old case. Plaintiffs had alleged that Carlyle and the other private equity firms had colluded,
mostly through e-mail, not to bid against one another on takeover targets during the mid-2000s. Carlyle
declined to comment, and a person close to the negotiations said Carlyle settled the case without
admitting any wrongdoing on its part. Six private equity defendants had already agreed to pay $475
million to settle the collusion lawsuit. A group of plaintiffs, suing in federal court, accused Carlyle,
Blackstone Group, TPG Capital, KKR and others of agreeing among themselves not to bid against one
another in eight corporate takeovers that included theater chain AMC Entertainment, food service firm
Aramark and casino operator Harrah's Entertainment. The plaintiffs were represented by Patrick
Coughlin, an experienced class action attorney.” [Washington Post, 8/30/14]
June 2015: SEC Charged KKR With Misallocating Broken Deal Expenses
June 2015: SEC Charged KKR With Misallocating Broken Deal Expenses. “The Securities and
Exchange Commission today charged Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) with misallocating more
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than $17 million in so-called “broken deal” expenses to its flagship private equity funds in breach of its
fiduciary duty. KKR agreed to pay nearly $30 million to settle the charges, including a $10 million
penalty.” [SEC Press Release, 6/29/15]
KKR Paid $30 Million To Settle SEC Charges That They Misallocated $17 Million In Broken Deal
Costs. “KKR will pay $30 million to settle allegations the private equity giant breached its fiduciary duty
by misallocating more than $17 million in so-called broken deal costs to its flagship private equity funds.
Announcing the settlement Monday, a Securities and Exchange Commission order said KKR amassed
$338 million in broken deal or due diligence expenses related to unsuccessful buyout opportunities and
related issues during a six-year span that ended in 2011. KKR co-investors, including the company's
executives, participated in the firm's private equity transactions and benefited from deal-sourcing efforts
during that time, the SEC said. Yet KKR for years failed to require them to shoulder any of the broken
deal expenses, the SEC said.” [USA Today, 6/30/15]
Broken Deal Expenses Defined As Equity Companies Passing Along Costs From Failed
Investments To Their Investors; KKR Had Passed Along Over $17 Million In Broken Deal
Costs. “For years, private equity firms operated behind a curtain of mystery when it came to how they
passed along expenses to investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission is now beginning to
pull back the curtain and shine a light on those practices. In a first, the commission on Monday said
that the private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company breached its fiduciary duty when it
passed along more than $17 million in ‘broken deal’ expenses to its investors. The action is expected
to lay the groundwork for similar cases in the coming months.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
2006-2011: KKR Incurred $338 Million In Broken Deal Costs From Unsuccessful Buyouts And
Passed On Costs To Limited Partners Including Several Public Pension Funds. “Some private
equity investors — which include public pension funds that invest on behalf of police officers,
firefighters, teachers and other government employees — have lately already been questioning their
investments in private equity funds. Such pension funds and other investors are known as limited
partners in industry parlance, and they typically make up a significant portion of the money that
private equity firms then use to undertake buyouts and other deals. Of concern to the S.E.C. is what
private equity firms like K.K.R. charge their limited partners and how that differs from the amount coinvestors — which include private equity executives — are required to pay in fees. Over a six-year
period, until 2011, K.K.R. incurred $338 million in expenses related to unsuccessful buyouts, the
S.E.C. said. Instead of making its own executives absorb some of those costs, the firm passed them on
to the funds of their limited partners without informing them.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
KKR Did Not Admit Or Deny The Charges But Paid To Settle The Charges. “The firm has
agreed to pay nearly $30 million to the settle the accusations … Private equity firms charge investors
a management fee of 1 to 2 percent of assets under management, as well as around 20 percent of any
gains each year. But there are other transaction costs that are often not disclosed, including “broken
deal” expenses, costs for monitoring investments and legal fees. These undisclosed fees often
represent a substantial weight on returns for investors, according to recent study by CEM
Benchmarking. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which neither admitted nor denied the S.E.C.’s accusations,
sought to put the issue behind it on Monday, saying that the settlement related to past issues and not
current practices at the firm.” [New York Times, 6/29/15]
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California Public Employees’ Retirement System Had Investments With KKR. “For some
investors, that pledge may come too late. In June, the California Public Employees’ Retirement
System, known as Calpers, announced plans to reduce the number of private equity funds it invests in
to 30 from 98 as it moves to simplify its portfolio. Calpers executives have also acknowledged that the
fees they pay to private equity firms are not transparent. Wylie A. Tollette, the chief operating
investment officer at Calpers, recently told an investment committee that the $300 billion pension
fund could not track those fees. Calpers is an investor in K.K.R. As part of the settlement, K.K.R.
agreed to pay a $10 million penalty, more than $14 million in disgorgement as well as more than $4.5
million in prejudgment interest. It had previously refunded clients $3.26 million.” [New York Times,
6/29/15]
1991: Two Teachers Sued KKR For Investing State Pension Funds In Junk Bonds To Fund Their
Buyouts
1991: Two Teachers Sued KKR For Investing State Pension Funds In Junk Bonds To Fund Their
Buyouts. “Two school teachers sued convicted junk-bond king Michael Milken and the leveraged buyout
firm of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. for $1 billion yesterday, charging they misappropriated hundreds
of millions of dollars of state employee pension funds. The class-action suit in U.S. District Court in
Seattle alleges that KKR improperly siphoned investors' money to Milken, who participated with the Wall
Street firm in some of the biggest takeovers of the 1980s. The state retirement funds of Oregon and
Washington invested money in many KKR buyouts, including Beatrice Foods Co. The suit charges that
KKR improperly gave Milken a bonus for selling the junk bonds that financed the buyouts, cutting into
the return that should have gone back to the original investors.” [Boston Herald, 10/10/91]
May 2013: KKR Hired Former U.S. General, CIA Director David Petraeus As Chairman, Who Has
Supported TPP
May 2013: KKR Hired Former U.S. General, CIA Director David Petraeus As Chairman. “Private
equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR.N) said it appointed former CIA Director David
Petraeus as chairman of the newly created KKR Global Institute, which will study the investment
implications of global macroeconomic, social and geopolitical issues. Petraeus will also support KKR's
investment teams in the diligence process, particularly in considering investments in new geographies,
KKR said.” [Reuters, 5/30/13]
Petraeus Co-Wrote An Op-Ed In Support Of The Trans Pacific Partnership. “Both parties and the
Obama administration should conclude agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, important for
economic growth as well as for setting appropriate standards to help incentivize China to reform
economic practices (because TPP membership will not be available to China until it does so).” [USA
Today, 10/12/15]
Also Wrote That Congress Should Avoid A Shutdown Over Deficit And Urged Both Parties To
“Recognize The Importance Of Government Programs In Areas Such As Scientific Research,
Infrastructure Investment And Education.” “Congress should avoid any government shutdown or
self-induced debt crisis over anything except the most historic and major issues (which we do not see
on the horizon). Democrats and Republicans, in shaping their messages and agendas for the 2016
election, should recognize the importance of government programs in areas such as scientific research,
99
infrastructure investment and education, and then fashion budget priorities accordingly.” [USA Today,
10/12/15]
Petraeus Also Co-Wrote An Op-Ed Calling On Congress To Reauthorize The Export-Import Bank.
“Congress is now considering whether to renew funding for the Export-Import Bank. That should not be a
tough call. Economic and national security concerns argue strongly for continued funding. The Bank is, of
course, a small U.S. government agency designed to help American companies compete more effectively
for business abroad, by backing up loans and helping with financing in ways that wind up typically
costing the American taxpayer nothing or even (as in recent years) turning a profit. As things stand, the
Bank will stop functioning on June 30 unless action is taken. Beyond the specific economic benefits of
Ex-Im Bank actions, many of them to assist small companies and collectively helping sustain more than
one million American jobs, there is another reason to renew the Bank—strengthening the foundations of
American power. To see why, it is important not to focus just on the Bank by itself but to place it in a
broader context of long-term national economic strategy.” [National Interest, 6/10/15]
Earlier Controversies Surrounding Mills Fleet Farm
Company Denied Salvation Army The Right To Place Bell Ringers Outside Their Stores
In November of 2011, Mills’ father announced that Mills Fleet Farm would not allow Salvation Army bell
ringers at their 31 locations.
Mills’ father said that allowing bell ringers would open the floodgates to anyone else who wanted to use
the company’s property.
Salvation Army Captain Brian Goodwill estimated the loss due to Mills Fleet Farm’s decision would be
tens of thousands of dollars. [WAOW, 11/28/11]
Said Decision Was a “Win-Win”
In November 2011, Mills said the Fleet Farm’s decision to give individual donations to local
Salvation Army chapters was a “win-win.” [Associated Press, 11/29/11]
Reversed Course to Allow Salvation Army Ringers to Stand Outside Mills Fleet Farm Stores
In late November 2011, Mills Fleet Farm reversed course and allowed Salvation Army bell ringers
outside their stores.
“In an attempt to continue our longtime support of the Salvation Army we decided this year to make
direct donations instead of allowing bell ringers on our property to conduct their red kettle fundraising
drives. We felt that this would immediately benefit the local Salvation Army chapters in the
communities we operate stores. We were wrong. Our customers have spoken and in addition to the
money that we donated, they feel the red kettles and ringing bells raise awareness of those in need in
our community,” Mills said. [Brainerd Dispatch, 11/29/11]
December 2012: Man Slipped $1,111 in Salvation Army Kettle One Year Later
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In December 2012, a man slipped $1,111 in the kettle at Mill's Fleet Farm in Waite Park. [St. Cloud
Times, 12/22/12]
Store Criticized By Local Newspaper Editorial For Not Showing Christmas Decorations
In October 2000, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press criticized Mills Fleet Farm for putting out a catalog without
using Christmas or showing any Christmas decorations.
From the Saint Paul Pioneer Press:
“Mills Fleet Farm should receive the Ebenezer Scrooge Bah Humbug award. I received its
catalog for the coming season, that season that climaxes on Dec. 25. They have managed to
put out an entire catalog without ever once using that terrible word "Christmas" or showing a
single statue, outdoor figure or image that might remind the customer of why he or she is
supposed to spend their money at Mills Fleet Farm. At least Scrooge was not hypocritical
enough to try and make money from the holiday he humbugged.” [Saint Paul Pioneer Press,
Editorial, 10/14/00]
Carver, Minnesota.
In 2011, Mills Fleet Farm CEO, Stewart Mills Jr., disputed the claims of the local labor unions on
worker exploitation at the Mills Fleet Farm store in Carver.
Minimum Wage
Breitbach reportedly paid $18 and $19 an hour for the four men they hired, but discovered that
Labor Ready was only giving the men the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
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Small Fishing Store Closed Its Doors Because Of Mills Fleet Farm Store Competition
In 2005, the owners of a small sporting goods store in Stillwater, Minnesota after eight years in operation,
closed their store because they could not compete with big sporting-goods retailers, including Mills Feel
Farm.
“While Gander Mountain, Cabela's and Mills Fleet Farm battle each other for dominance in Minnesota's
fishing market, little bait-and-tackle stores are suffering the most, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press reported.
[Saint Paul Pioneer Press, 4/10/05]
Local Bait Shop Owner Complained Of Mills Fleet Farm’s “Dominance”
In July 2008, a local bait shop owner complained of Mills Fleet Farm’s “dominance.”
“It's unfortunate, but those large retail shops attract a lot of customers…Our bread and butter is the bait,
and it's hard to sell enough in those areas to succeed. People should take a second look and make sure
they are supporting their small-town bait shops and other businesses to make sure that they do survive,”
the shop’s owner said. [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 7/27/08]
Parent Of Son Who Made Pipe Bombs Bought Gun Powder From Fleet Farm Store
In 2009, Robert Masters, father of a son who made pipe bombs to blow up in mailboxes, bought two
pounds of gunpowder with a credit card twice.
Masters said that the power was to load a muzzle-loading gun. [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 9/17/10]
Man Was Accused Of Buying Firearms Without License At Several Mills Fleet Farm Stores
In April 2013, a man was accused of buying firearms without a license at several Mills Fleet Farm stores.
Mills Fleet Farm contacted the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to report that
the man had made repeated purchases of assault rifles at various store locations. [Winona Daily News, 4/18/13]
NOTE: No other coverage was found regarding this incident
Man Later Sold Firearms Online
After the man purchased a semi-automatic rifle for about $579 with tax, he tried selling online for a
base price of $825. [Winona Daily News, 4/18/13]
Mills Fleet Farm Employee Was Charged With Felony Theft
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In December 2001, a Mills Fleet Farm employee was charged with felony theft in connection with taking
$4,500 from the Mills Fleet Farm office tray and safe and altering bank deposits. [Saint Paul Pioneer Press,
12/07/01]
Store Employee Sued Store For Terminating Him After Medically Diagnosed As Unable To Do Job
In 1995, a Mills Fleet Farm employee filed a lawsuit against Mills Fleet Farm for terminating him after he
was medically diagnosed as incapable of performing the essential functions of his job.
The employee claimed that, even though he was disabled and could not perform the essential functions of
the job he was assigned, the employer had an obligation to find him some other job that would fit his
restrictions. [Minnesota Employment Law Letter, 4/95 United States District Court, 97-2655]
Court Said Mills Fleet Farm Was Not Required to Create Position for Employee
In April 1995, the court said Mills Fleet Farm had the right to terminate the employee from the
temporary clerical job that he was given after he was medically diagnosed as unable to do his job and
that the employer was not required to create a position for the individual.
The court also noted that there were no regular full-time vacant positions available at the time of
termination. [Minnesota Employment Law Letter, 4/95; United States District Court, 97-2655]
Judgment Ruled Against Plaintiff
In 1997, the United States District Court ruled against the plaintiff . [United States District Court, 97-2655]
Neighbors Petitioned Against 56-Foot Silo Proposed By Mills Fleet Farm
In 2003, sixty neighbors petitioned against a 56-foot silo proposed by Mills Fleet Farm.
The City Council compromised, approving the silo, but not in the preferred corporate colors of orange,
black and white. [Associated Press, 10/14/03]
Store Agreed To Pay For Making And Installing News Signs After Highway Was Renamed
In 2005, Mills Fleet Farm agreed to pay for making and installing signs along the highway that would
bear the new designation of a highway that was named to honor wounded killed military. [St. Cloud Times,
3/18/05]
Residents Complained About Mills Fleet Farm Retail Store Near Townhouse Development
In 2009, Blaine, MN residents complained about a Mills Fleet Farm retail store near a townhouse
development.
From the Star Tribune:
103
“The glowing orange and white lights from the Mills Fleet Farm sign beam through the
windows of the neighboring townhouses in Blaine until after midnight. The delivery trucks
arrive early in the morning, lurching noisily into the parking lot and occasionally honking
their horns before the residents are awake.” [Star Tribune, 9/27/08]
Store Agreed to Turn Lights Off at 9 pm, But Entrance Sign Light Stayed on Past Midnight
According to the Star Tribune, Mills Fleet Farm had originally agreed to turn off their parking lights
at 9 PM, but the lights from the entrance sign and an illuminated orange silo stayed on past midnight
because those lights were not considered parking lot lights.
From the Star Tribune:
“When she asked why the light poles needed to be 42 feet tall when the zoning ordinance
limits them to 20 feet, the project engineer Bruce Buxton said they would need four times the
number of poles if they were 20 feet, according to minutes from a planning commission
meeting. Schafer said Fleet Farm agreed to turn the parking lot lights off when the store
closes around 9 p.m. But the lights from the entrance sign and the illuminated orange silo
stay on until shortly past midnight. Begin and Tipler said the city told them those are not
considered parking lot lights.” [Star Tribune, 9/27/08]
Opened new store in hermantown, MN.
Iowa DOT Officials Discussed Overhung Sign
In July 2013, Iowa Department of Transportation employees discussed a Mills Fleet Farm sign that
overhung in a fenced area.
From an Iowa Department of Transportation email chain:
104
[Iowa Department of Transportation Employee Emails]
Blaine City Council Approved A Zoning Change To Mills Fleet Farm
In May 2007, the Blaine City Council approved a zoning change that would make a Mills Fleet Farm
store possible.
The zone change went from one type of commercial zoning to another type of commercial zoning that
would allow auto repairs. [Star Tribune, 5/09/07]
Mills Fleet Farm Owned 38-Acre Site for 12 Years Prior
Mills Fleet farm owned the 38-acre site for 12 years prior to the zoning change. [Star Tribune, 5/09/07]
Town Officials Were Surprised They Planned to Build Store
In April 2007, city official were surprised that the company planned to build the stores.
“In some respects, I think maybe we're a little surprised they are building, given the fact that they
hadn't built on it the last several years,” said Bryan Schafer, Blaine's planning and community
development director. [Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, 4/09/07]
Withdrew Petition For Site Deemed Unacceptable For Large-Scale Commercial Development
105
In June 2001, Fleet Farm withdrew an annexation petition for a land site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that
was deemed unacceptable for large-scale commercial development by several state agencies, including
the state Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/19/01]
City Council Previously Denied Annexation Petition, Land was Outside Sewer Service Plans
In April 2000, the Milwaukee Common Council previously denied Feel Farm’s annexation petition to
build a new store at Highways 33 and Z because the land was outside of sewer service plans.
[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/04/13]
Fleet Farm Ran Radio Commercials Urging Approval of Land Site
In March 2000, Mills Fleet Farm ran a radio advertisement urging the Milwaukee Common Council to
approve their rezoning petition that would’ve enabled for the construction of a Mills Fleet Farm store.
[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/21/00]
2012: Mills Properties Ranked 10th Top Property Taxpayer
In 2013, the Winona Post reported that Mills Properties was ranked the top 10th highest property taxpayer
in Winona, Minnesota in 2012. [Winona Post, 5/29/13]
Company Failed To Label Non Hardy Plant Material In Store
In a May 2013 North Dakota Department of Agriculture inspection, a Mills Fleet Farm store in
North Dakota failed to label their “non hardy” plant materials with the label, “not hardy in North
Dakota.” [North Dakota Department of Agriculture]
Note: The letter informing the company of this violation was sent in August, 2013.
106
[North Dakota Department of Agriculture, 8/16/13]
Mills Fleet Farm Sponsored Central Minnesota National Veteran’s Awareness Week
In November 2008, Mills Fleet Farm sponsored the central Minnesota national veteran’s awareness week.
[St. Cloud Times, 11/15/08]
Driver Taking Shortcut Through Parking Lot Injured A Mills Fleet Farm Employee
In July 2009, a driver that took a shortcut to avoid traffic congestion struck and injured a Mills Fleet Farm
employee walking to his car. [Star Tribune, 7/13/09]
Bear Was Shot And Killed Near Mills Fleet Farm
In April 2003, a bear was shot and killed near a Mills Fleet Farm store. [St. Cloud Times, 4/09/03]
Two Retail Chains Were Listed Under Top Ten DNR License Agents In Minnesota
In July 2008, the Brooklyn Park and Baxter Mills Fleet Farm stores were listed under the top ten DNR
license agents in Minnesota. [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 7/24/08]
Court Cases
Mills Fleet Farm Settled With Plaintiffs Four Times, Individuals Awarded $3,772.04
107
Mills Fleet Farm settled with plaintiffs four times, awarding $3,772.04 to individuals.
Below is a table outlining these cases:
Plaintiff
Mike Edwards
Defendant
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case Number
82-CO-092160
Terry Kreiling
Mills Fleet
Farm
73-CO-111063
Harold Dobel
and Kenneth
Dobel
Mike Edwards
Mills Fleet
Farm
Mills Fleet
Farm
C7-85-602
82-CO-092160
Overview
Plaintiff
alleged that he
purchased a
lawn-mower
and after three
uses, the
engine seized
up. The
plaintiff asked
for his money
back after the
store said they
were not going
to repair it.
Plaintiff
alleged that his
vehicle was
damaged
during
installation of a
trailer hitch
purchased at
Mills Fleet
Farm.
Plaintiff (a
minor) alleged
that he was
greatly injured
in character
and reputation
after he was
falsely accused
of taking an
un-purchased
retail
merchandise
and was
detained in the
store
Plaintiff
alleged that he
108
Judgment
Settled,
$348.52 in
favor of
Plaintiff
Court
Washington
County District
Court
Settled, $75 in
favor of
Plaintiff
Dakota County
District Court
Settled, $1,000
paid to
Kenneth Dobel,
$1,000 paid to
Harold Dobel,
$1,000 paid to
Smith, Pringle
and Hayes
Settled,
$348.52 in
Sherburne
County District
Court
Washington
County District
purchased a
lawn-mower
and after three
uses, the
engine seized
up. The
plaintiff asked
for his money
back after the
store said they
were not going
to repair it.
Total
favor of
Plaintiff
Court
$3,772.04
[Washington County District Court, Sherburne County District Court and Dakota county District Court]
NOTE: See “Appendix III – Mills Fleet Farm Court Cases” for a full list of cases that Mills Fleet Farm
was involved in
109
…Mills Automotive Group
 Mills held a financial stake in companies that benefited from “Cash for Clunkers”
program, called themselves the “Cash for Clunkers Headquarters”
 Listed positions as with Lively Auto Company and Mills auto group
Mills listed positions with Lively Auto Company and Mills Automotive Group
Reinsurance Ltd. The auto centers benefited from the federal “Cash for Clunkers”
program, making 144 transactions from the program that totaled $620,000 in federal
dollar rebates, and sold $3,146,560.00 worth of inventory. The company called
themselves the “Cash for Clunkers headquarters.”
Listed Positions With Mills Automotive Groups
In Mills’ personal financial disclosure form, he listed positions with Lively Auto Company and Mills
Automotive Group Reinsurance Ltd.
The following table outlines the positions he disclosed on his personal financial disclosure form related to
Mills Auto:
Position
Vice President
Vice President
Trustee
Lively Auto Company
Mills Trucking, LLC
Mills Auto Group Profit Sharing 401(K) Plan and Trust
Mills Auto Center Part of Fleet Mills Farm Family
According to the Mills Automotive Group website, the Mills Automotive Group is part of the Mills
Family of Companies. [Mills Auto Website, accessed 9/05/13]
Lively Auto Company Part of Mills Auto Group
In 1922, Stewart C. Mill, Sr. purchased the Lively Auto Company.
From the Mills Automotive Group’s website:
110
[Mills Auto Website, accessed 9/05/13]
Company Benefited From Cash For Clunkers
In 2009 and 2010, Mills Motor, Mills Auto Center and Mills Auto Enterprises participated in the Federal
Government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program, which was a program that offered $3,500 to $4,500 for
people who traded in an old car for a new one with higher fuel economy.
NOTE: See “Cash for Clunkers” appendix for a full breakdown of all Mills Auto Center’s Cash for
Clunkers transactions.
2009: Mills Automotive called themselves the “Cash for Clunkers Headquarters”
In July 2009, Mills Automotive Group advertised themselves as the “Cash for Clunkers
Headquarters!” on their YouTube page. [Mills Automotive YouTube, Uploaded 7/30/09]
From their YouTube page:
111
[Mills Automotive YouTube, Uploaded 7/30/09]
Touted Cash for Clunkers on YouTube Page
In July 2009, Mills Automotive Group touted the Cash for Clunkers program on their YouTube page.
From their YouTube page:
112
[Mills Automotive YouTube, Uploaded 7/27/09]
Mills Sold $3.1 Million in Inventory with “Cash for Clunkers”
In 2009 and 2010 Mills Motor, Mills Auto Center and Mills Auto Enterprises sold $3,146,560 worth
of cars based on the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) with the “Cash for Clunkers”
program. [Cars.gov, accessed 11/6/13; Star Tribune, 1/9/14]
2009: Mills Motors Director of Operations Said Cash for Clunkers was “Boost to Business”
In 2009, Mills Motors director of operations Rick Goble said of the Cash for Clunkers program, “It
worked very well for sales […] It was a challenge to administer. There was a great deal of confusion
but it was certainly a boost to business.” [Brainerd Dispatch, 9/23/09]
Cash for Clunkers Created about 60,000 Jobs
According to the Congressional Research Service, because of Cash for Clunkers, “About 60,000 jobs
were estimated to have been created in auto parts, assembly, and sales, and an estimated $7.8 billion
added to U.S. Gross Domestic Product.” [Congressional Research Service, 3/3/10]
…then Criticized Cash for Clunkers
In 2014 Mills criticized the Cash for Clunkers program.
113
“Cash for Clunkers was a lemon and I had a front row seat,” Mills said. [Brainerd Dispatch, 1/3/14]
Headline: Congress candidate Stewart Mills profited big from Cash for Clunkers program he now
decries [City Pages, 1/27/14]
Court Cases
Courts in Minnesota ordered Mills Fleet Farm Automotive Group to pay plaintiffs twice, awarding
$748.65 to individuals.
Plaintiff
Katie
Hawkinson
Defendant
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case Number
27-CO-101812
Warrren
Samuel
Mills Fleet
Farm
S8-05-609
Overview
Plaintiff went
to Mills Fleet
Farm for new
front tires and
alleged she
requested two
new front tires,
Mills Fleet
Farm
mistakenly
replaced rear
tires and
disposed of
those tires.
Store refused to
fully
compensate
Plaintiff for her
loss.
Plaintiff
alleged he took
car to Mills
Fleet Farm to
show slow
leaks in three
tires; When the
store was
finished fixing
his car, they
parked it in a
pool of break
fluid and
Plaintiff had to
114
Judgment
Against Mills
Fleet Farm,
$257.67
Court
Hennepin
County District
Court
Against Mills
Fleet Farm,
$490.98
Crow Wing
County District
Court
pay to get it
fixed and
towed.
Total
$748.65
Automotive Group was involved in
115
…Mills Gas Mart
 Had several gas leaks
 Posted fake gas prices to keep customers away after September 11 th attacks
 2008: Customers only received 4.5 gallons of gas when they paid for five gallons
Mills Gas Marts have had several gas leaks. One of their branches posted fake gas
prices to keep customers away on September 11th. A 2008 inspection report claimed
that costumers only received 4.5 gallons of gas when they paid for five gallons.
September 2011: Mills Fleet Farm Posted Fake Gas Prices to Keep Costumers Away
In September 2001, in the midst of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a Mills Fleet Farm gas station
raised “fake gas prices” were an attempt to disperse long lines of customers due to lines of cars attempting
to buy gas blocked traffic on a nearby avenue. [Legal Ledger, 9/17/01]
Took Out a Full-Page Newspaper Ad to Explain Fake Prices Was Not Right Action
In September 2011, Mills Fleet Farm took out a full-page newspaper ad to say that posting the fake
prices “was not the right action to take.”
The ads explain that posted gas prices of $4 and $6 a gallon was an attempt to disperse long lines of
customers, not to gouge anyone. [Legal Ledger, 9/17/01]
2008: Mills Gas Mart Customers Only Received 4.5 Gallons Of Gas When They Paid For 5 Gallons
In 2008, an inspection report showed that a Mills Fleet Farm gas pump in Waite Park, Minnesota was off
by 130 cubic inches, resulting in costumers only receiving four and a half gallons for every five gallons
they paid for. [St. Cloud Times, 7/06/08]
Mills Gas Mart Had Several Leaks
Between 1997 and 2007, several Mills Fleet Farm “Gas Marts” had gas leaks. [Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency, accessed 8/21/13]
The following table outlines the Minnesota Pollution Control Agencies’ documentation of these leaks:
Site
Name
Leak
Address
City
County
Leak ID
Number
116
Contamination
Released
Discovered
Release
Report
Complete
Site
Fleet
Farm
3551 S
Broadway
Rochester
Olmsted
17013
11633
Mills
Fleet
Farm C
Store
Mills
Fleet
FarmBrooklyn
Park
Mills
Fleet
FarmLakeville
Mills
Fleet
FarmOakdale
Mills
Fleet
FarmOwatonna
14114
Dellowood
Dr
Baxter
Crow Wing
11422
8400
Lakeland
Ave N
Brooklyn
Park
Brooklyn
Park
9235
17070
Kenrick
Ave
Lakeville
Dakota
10837
5501
Hadley Ave
N
Oakdale
Washington
15407
2121 W
Bridge St
Owatonna
Steele
15260
Ground
Contamination
Ground
Contamination
--
10/01/07
10/02/07
Closure
Date
9/11/08
8/05/98
8/09/98
1/22/01
9/09/97
9/09/97
9/15/00
Groundwater
Contamination
5/01/96
5/01/96
4/07/97
10/06/97
10/06/97
4/23/98
9/16/03
9/17/03
6/12/08
6/09/03
6/09/03
5/05/05
--
Free Product
Observed,
Groundwater
Contamination
Groundwater
Contamination
[Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, accessed 8/21/13]
Mills Fleet Farm Gas Station Leaked 2,900 gallons in Storm Sewer and Wetland
In 2003, a Mills Fleet Farm gas station in Oakdale, Minnesota leaked than 2,900 gallons of gas into a
storm sewer and a wetland.
From the St. Paul Pioneer Press:
“In 2003, a leak at a Mills Fleet Farm gas station in Oakdale sent more than 2,900 gallons of
gas into a storm sewer and nearby wetland. Nate Blasing, an MPCA inspector, says the leak
was an enigma. The tanks and piping were all protected by secondary containment. Mills
Fleet Farm hired contractors to run every possible test to try to find the source of the leak.
But everything seemed to be intact.
Mills Fleet Farm said its spokesman was not available to comment and declined to provide
someone else to speak about the incident.” [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 4/26/08]
Mills Fleet Farm Car Wash Court Cases
Courts in Minnesota ordered Mills Fleet Farm car wash to pay plaintiffs twice, awarding $3,772.04 to
individuals.
117
Plaintiff
Sandra
Gohmann
Defendant
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case Number
73-CO-08-225
Randy
Berggren
Mills Fleet
Farm
02-CO-13-864
Overview
Plaintiff
alleged that her
car was
damaged at a
Mills Fleet
Farm car wash.
Plaintiff
claimed
damage to car
from Mills
Fleet Farm car
wash.
Total
Judgment
In favor of
Plaintiff,
$857.70
Court
Dakota County
District Court
Against Mills
Fleet Farm,
$2,213.79
Anoka County
District Court
$3,071.49
car wash was involved in
118
Political Career
2014 Congressional Campaign
 June 2013: Announced run for Congress
 Used campaign Facebook account to advertise his company’s indoor shooting and
archery range
 Took a leave of absence from Mills Fleet Farm during his 2014 congressional bid
 Was dubbed the “Brad Pitt” of the Republican Party by Politico, said he was glad
that he did not look like a typical politician
 Steve Biondich, who appeared in a campaign ad for Mills, posted sexist memes
and cartoons on social media
 Used video letter to Nolan to promote Fleet Farm stores, showcased firearms
 Used campaign website detailing company’s history and website address
 Donor accused of political activism with local television stations
 Endorsed by Tea Party Express hours after denying Tea Party bent
 Lost 2014 election by 1.4 percent
 Touted his family’s hunting camp doctrine—“if you complain about something,
you get the job to fix it”—as a reason why he was running in ads and media
appearances
Announcing a run for Congress in June 2013, Mills used his campaign Facebook
account to advertise his company’s indoor shooting and archery range. He also used a
video letter to Nolan to promote Fleet Farm stores, showcasing firearms. In his
campaign website’s “About Stewart Mills” section, he also advertised his company by
detailing a history of the company and their company website’s address. He also told
the Star Tribune that he considered his lack of experience a plus.
119
June 2013: Announced Run for Congress
In June 2013, Mills announced his run for Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. [MinnPost, accessed
6/26/13]
Took A Leave Of Absence From Mills Fleet Farm During His 2014 Congressional Bid
Took A Leave Of Absence From Mills Fleet Farm During His 2014 Congressional Bid. “Mills had
taken a leave of absence from his Mills Fleet Farm position to run for Congress. Mills, although saying
he holds no grudges about the personal attacks, said Nolan was being ‘disingenuous’ when he claimed the
third party ads from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee were too mean-spirited. But the
congressman claimed in media interviews, including one with the MDN, that he could not tell a thirdparty group to pull the ads. ‘It would be against campaign law,’ he said. ‘When Congressman Nolan says
he strongly disliked the third party ads and was frustrated that he didn't have the ability to pull them
down, that is a bunch of hooey,’ Mills said.” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/22/14]
Used Campaign Facebook Account to Advertise Company’s Indoor Shooting and Archery Range
In September 2013, Mills used his campaign Facebook account to advertise his company’s shooting and
archery range.
The campaign Facebook page had shared a link to an article that featured a video and article of Mills
touting the range and but mentioned nothing about his campaign. [Mills’ campaign Facebook page, Posted
9/09/13]
From his Facebook page:
120
[Mills’ campaign Facebook page, Posted 9/09/13]
Two Months Later, Posted Another Video Promoting His Company
121
In November 2013, Mills posted a video on his congressional campaign Facebook page that promoted
his company.
From his Facebook page:
[Mills Campaign Facebook Page, accessed 11/12/13]
Used Anti-Gun Control Video To Promote Mills Fleet Farm Stores, Showcasing Firearms And Fire
Ranges
In Mills’ 2013 video letter to Congressman Rick Nolan and Senators Franken and Klobuchar on gun
control legislation, he used the video as a promotional tool for the Fleet Farm stores, showcasing the
firearms and firing ranges available at their stores.
“I’m standing in front of Mills indoor shooting and archery, soon to open on the corner of 210 and 371 in
Baxter, Minnesota. Behind me is one of our 32 Fleet Farm stores…our Huldra Mark 4 line of rifles and
accessories, exclusive to Mills Street Farms, has allowed our shooting sports department to be successful,
which in turn has allowed us to hire more people and continue to expand,” Mills said. [HuldraArms YouTube
NOTE: See “Key Moments on Video” section for a full transcription of the video.
Used Campaign Website To Advertise His Company
In September 2013, Mills used his campaign website to advertise his company. [Stewart Mills Campaign
Website, accessed 9/11/13]
From his “About Stewart Mills” section:
122
[Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/11/13]
Previously Dubbed “The Brad Pitt” Of The Republican Party
Politico Headline: “The ‘Brad Pitt’ Of The GOP.” [Politico, 6/23/14]
His Long Hair Generated Attention And Drew Brad Pitt Comparisons, Said He Did Not
“Look Like A Typical Politician.” “Mills, with his jaw-length blond locks and muscular
physique, has been compared to the heartthrob movie star by everyone from a national party
official to adoring teenage girls. And if it seems a little trivial and objectifying — he is, after all,
running in one of the more closely watched, competitive House races in the country — Mills
doesn’t mind. To the contrary, the 42-year-old businessman has put his distinctive looks front
and center in his sales pitch to voters — that he is not your father’s Republican. ‘Certainly, I
stand out in a crowd, like I did today,’ Mills said in an interview after appearing with other, more
traditionally coiffed Republicans vying for state office here. ‘The hair — I mean, everybody else
there was very groomed.’ His latest ad opens with Mills saying, with a shrug, ‘I guess I don’t
look like a typical politician.’” [Politico, 6/23/14]
His Hairstyle Made Headlines
National Journal Headline: “The Most Interesting Candidate Of The Year.” [National
Journal, 9/19/14]
Wall Street Journal Headline: “Challenger’s Hair Style On Trial In Minnesota House
Race.” [Wall Street Journal, 10/02/14]
Wall Street Journal: “Not Since Michelle Obama Got Bangs Has A Hairstyle Generated
This Much Discussion.” “Not since Michelle Obama got bangs has a hairstyle generated this
much discussion.” [Wall Street Journal, 10/02/14]
Mills: “This Is The Way I’ve Looked Forever And I’m Not Going To Change It … It’s
Too Late To Cut It Now — Not That I Want To.” “Mr. Mills himself has shrugged off the
controversy around his tresses, saying he has no plans to get a trim. ‘This is the way I’ve
looked forever and I’m not going to change it,’ he said in an interview Tuesday. Democrats
are dodging talking about policy issues by focusing on his hair, he said. ‘It’s too late to cut it
now — not that I want to.’” [Wall Street Journal, 10/02/14]
123
Steve Biondich, Who Appeared In A Campaign Ad For Mills, Posted Sexist Memes And Cartoons
On Social Media
Steve Biondich Appeared In Ad For Mills Entitled “Steve” In Which Biondich Touted Mills’
Support For Mining Jobs On The Iron Range. [YouTube, 9/10/14]
Biondich Posted A Series Of Sexist Memes And Cartoons On Social Media Including One That
Read “If She Wants To Walk Down The Aisle…Send That B**** Grocery Shopping.” [City Pages,
9/11/14]
Reposted Sexist Pictures And Cartoons. “But after seeing the footage, a tipster drew our attention to
Biondich's Facebook page, which contains at least a few posts belying the notion his support for Mills
goes beyond party affiliation. Biondich's page also contains other posts cringe-worthy in light of the hole
the Republican Party dug itself in recent years with its so-called ‘war on women.’ On that note, here's a
photo Biondich shared back in 2012:” [City Pages, 9/11/14]
Posted An Offensive Cartoon About Women’s Decision Making. “Along the same lines, here's another
post from earlier this year:” [City Pages, 9/11/14]
124
Said A Meme Stating “If She Wants To Walk Down The Aisle…Send That B**** Grocery
Shopping” Was “Awesome.” “Just a few weeks ago, Biondich shared this photo... and added this
commentary:” [City Pages, 9/11/14]
125
2015: Posted Images Disparaging Immigrants, Syrian Refugees, And The Black Lives Matter
Movement. [Facebook, 9/13/15, 9/24/15, 9/03/15]
126
Donor Accused Of Political Activism With Local Television Stations
TV Ad Against Mills Pulled by Stations Owned by Mills Financial Backers
Hubbard Broadcasting affiliates WDIO in Duluth and KSTP in the Twin Cities pulled a TV ad against
Stewart Mills that highlighted his inherited wealth. The ad was paid for by House Majority PAC and
AFSCME. Democrat Congressman Rick Nolan claims the decision to pull the ad is due to Executive
Stanley Hubbard’s conservative leanings. So far this election cycle, Hubbard Broadcasting executives and
family members have donated at least $14,000 to the Mills campaign. [KBJR, 8/06/14]
Station that Pulled Anti-Mills Ad an Ally of Mills’ Campaign
In August 2014, a local NBC affiliate and Congressman Nolan criticized local ABC affiliates for
pulling an ad critical of Stewart Mills. The ABC affiliate is owned by an ally of Mills and executives
and family from the stations have donated over $14,000 to the Mills campaign. [KBJR, 8/06/14]
Hubbard Broadcasting Accused of Political Activism by Taking Down Democratic Group’s
Commercial
In 2014, Northland News Center reported that Hubbard Broadcasting was accused of political activism by
taking down a Democratic leaning group’s advertisement. “Democratic leaning groups say the
127
conservative political leanings of Hubbard Broadcasting executives were a defining factor on why the
anti-Republican ad was recently taken down,” Northland News Reported. [Northland News Center, 8/7/14]
Headline: National media outlets call out WDIO & KSTP for “political activism” [Northland News
Center, 8/7/14]
Held Boehner-Headlined Fundraiser Sponsored by Hubbard Broadcasting Executives
In August 2014, the Star Tribune reported: “Boehner will host a fundraiser for Mills, who is challenging
incumbent Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan, at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa Aug. 14. Gold sponsors of
the fundraiser include Stanley and Karen Hubbard, executives of Hubbard Broadcasting.” [Star Tribune,
8/08/14]
Headline: GOP Speaker Boehner, Hubbard Broadcasting owners throw Mills fundraiser [Star Tribune,
8/08/14]
Campaign Accepted Thousands From Hubbard Family
2015: Hubbard Family Contributed $7,400 From October 2015 To December 2015. [FEC, accessed
2/11/16]
Name
Virginia A. Hubbard
Robert Hubbard
Karen H. Hubbard
Stanley S. Hubbard
TOTAL
Date
12/30/15
11/15/15
10/28/15
10/28/15
Amount
$1,000
$1,000
$2,700
$2,700
$7,400
[FEC, accessed 2/16/16]
In 2014 the National Journal reported: “In Minnesota, Hubbard donated the maximum of $5,200 to Mill's
campaign, and two family members employed by Hubbard Broadcasting also reported contributing a
combined $6,200. In 2011, Hubbard Broadcasting donated $100,000 to American Crossroads.” [National
Journal, 9/30/14]
Republican Donor Hubbard: I “Had Nothing To Do With” Pulling Anti-Mills Ad
In August 2014, Stanley Hubbard, Republican donor and television station owner, said the Hubbards “had
nothing to do with” the decision to pull an anti-Stewart Mills television ad from two stations. The ad was
still being aired by other stations. “Our stations do not get involved in politics, period,” said Hubbard.
[Minneapolis Star Tribune, 8/11/14]
Headline: Hubbard says he 'had nothing to do with' pulling anti-Mills ad [Star Tribune, 8/11/14]
MSNBC, National Journal Reported on Hubbard Broadcasting Links to Mills
128
In August 2014, MSNBC and National Journal both reported on Hubbard Broadcasting’s decision to pull
an ad critical of Stewart Mills. The Hubbard networks were the only networks to pull the ad and the
company’s chairman, Stanley Hubbard, is the second highest Republican donor in Minnesota.
“So the government can’t police campaign ads but apparently, it’s ok for this one guy who is a clear
partisan political activist to act as his own personal Ministry of Truth when ads don’t look so good for one
of his candidates,” said Krystal Ball of MSNBC. [Northland News Center, 8/07/14]
Headline: National media outlets call out WDIO & KSTP for “political activism” [Northland News
Center, 8/07/14]
Mills Wrongly Bragged About Getting HMP Ad Against Him “Yanked”
In August 2014, Mills incorrectly bragged to supporters that he was able to get the AFSCME/HMP ad
aired against him “yanked.” The ad had been pulled from stations owned by Hubbard Broadcasting for
being “misleading” but was still airing on other stations. [Star Tribune, 8/06/14]
Headline: Eighth District ad not completely 'yanked' [Star Tribune, 8/6/14]
CityPages: “It’s Tough to Say [HMP/AFSCME]’s Attacks are Misleading”
In August 2014, the Minneapolis CityPages blog reported that “raw footage of the speech in question
makes clear Mills is indignant about wealthy ‘job creators’ being portrayed as exploitative, selfish jerks,”
and that “Mills believes society is best off when the rich can keep as much of their money as possible.”
The reported concluded that “ it’s tough to say their attacks are misleading.” [Citypages Blog, 8/07/14]
Headline: Hubbard Broadcasting's decision to pull anti-Stewart Mills attack ad sparks controversy
[City Pages, 8/7/14]
Considered Lack Of Experience “A Plus”
In June 2013, Mills considered his lack of experience “a plus.”
“Mills, who considers his lack of political experience a plus, will run in a northern district once
considered a Democratic stronghold that has flipped between parties lately,” the Star Tribune reported.
NRCC Poll: Mills 36 Percent, Nolan 36 Percent
In July 2013, the National Republican Congressional Committee polled Mills with 35 percent of the vote
and Nolan with 36 percent of the vote. [Hot Dish Politics, 7/19/13]
2014: Contributed Heavily To His Campaign, Loaned His Campaign Over $400,000
In June 2013, Mills said he planned to fund some of his campaign.
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“Am I going to self-fund to a large extent… No. I'm going to work for it,” Mills said. [Hot Dish Politics,
emphasis added, 6/26/13]
2013: Gave His Campaign $10,400. [FEC accessed, 2/16/16]
Contributor
Stewart C. Mills III
Total
Date
7/18/13
7/18/13
7/01/13
7/01/13
Amount
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$10,400
[FEC accessed, 2/16/16]
2014: Gave His Campaign $1,510.73. [FEC accessed, 2/16/16]
Contributor
Total
Date
$1,510.73
Amount
$1,510.73
$1,510.73
[FEC accessed, 2/16/16]
2014: Loaned His Campaign $402,950. [FEC, accessed 2/18/16]
Loan Source
Total
Date
10/23/14
10/23/14
10/15/14
10/06/14
8/11/14
7/22/14
6/30/14
6/17/14
6/04/14
Amount
$42,950
$35,000
$25,000
$50,000
$82,270
$46,000
$36,000
$47,230
$38,500
$402,950
March 2015: Minnesota Republican Party Owed Consultants Over $200,000 For Work Done On
Mills And McFadden Campaigns. “In e-mails to state GOP Chairman Keith Downey, top executives at
Salt Lake City-based Arena Communications and the Kansas-based Singularis Group blasted the
Minnesota Republican Party in unusually frank language. They said the party has failed to pay its bills for
direct mail and other political communications on behalf of federal and state GOP candidates running for
office in Minnesota last fall … Asked how much the party still owed vendors, Downey put the figure at
about $300,000 … Peter Valcarce, founder and manager of Arena Communications, wrote in a Feb. 23 email to Downey that his firm is still owed $211,473 for work it did for the party to aid the U.S. Senate
campaign of Mike McFadden and the congressional campaign of Stewart Mills in northeastern
Minnesota.” [Star Tribune, 3/03/15]
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Endorsed By The Minnesota Farm Bureau
In August 2014, Mills was endorsed by the Minnesota Farm Bureau. [Minnesota Farm Bureau, 8/19/14]
Endorsed By Tea Party Express Hours After Denying Tea Party Bent
In October 2014, Mills was endorsed by the Tea Party Express hours after saying in a debate that “I keep
getting accused (of) being a Tea Partyer and I'm not sure that's entirely accurate.”
Tea Party Express said Mills “isn't your typical politician. He is someone that understands hard work and
will stop at nothing in order to fix a problem -- traits he picked up from his family's hunting-camp
doctrine.” [Minneapolis Star Tribune, 10/07/14]
Headline: A few hours after saying he is not a Tea Partyer, Tea Party Express endorses Stewart Mills
Accepted Support From Congresswoman Bachmann
In October 2014, Congresswoman Bachmann fundraised fir Mills. [City Pages, 10/23/14]
Headline: Michele Bachmann Fundraising for Stewart Mills [City Pages, 10/23/14]
Campaign Commercial Star’s Criticized For Facebook Posts
In September 2014, Mills came under fire for sexist and misogynistic comments on the Facebook page of
the ad’s star, Steve Biondich.
The station reporting on the ad, Northland News Center, reported that the content of the Facebook page
was too inappropriate to show. [Northland News Center, 9/16/14]
Biondich Under Fire for Sexist Facebook Posts
In September 2014, Mills’ new ad featuring Aurora steelworker Steve Biondich came under fire for
Biondich’s sexist and misogynistic facebook posts, including positive comments on overtly sexist
pictures. [City Pages, 9/11/14]
Headline: Star of Stewart Mills's Latest Ad Has Off-Color Facebook Page [City Pages, 9/11/14]
Headline: DFL Ralliers Criticize Comments Made by Man in Mills Ad [WDIO, 9/12/14]
Mills Disagreed With Ad Stars’ Sexist Comments but Would Not Pull Ad
In September 2014, Mills dismissed a rally by the DFL to criticize comments made by Steve
Biondich, who appeared in a recent Mills attack ad. The Mills campaign said he disagreed with
Biondich’s sexist and misogynistic comments but that he would continue to air the ad. [WDIO, 9/13/14]
Defended Attacks On Hairstyle
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In October 2014, Mills said that he would not cut his hair after multiple democratic attacks on his hair
style as a proxy for his wealth.
“This is the way I’ve looked forever and I’m not going to change it. It’s too late to cut it now — not that I
want to,” said Mills. [Wall Street Journal, 10/02/14]
Headline: Challenger’s Hair Style on Trial in Minnesota House Race [Wall Street Journal, 10/02/14]
Chamber Of Commerce Ran Ads Supporting Mills
Chamber Of Commerce Ran Ads Supporting Mills. “The Chamber of Commerce is launching a $3
million advertising campaign to boost preferred candidates and incumbents in 10 House races nationwide
in its first major shift toward the general election … The House ads will run for two weeks and are
supporting GOP Reps. Andy Barr (Ky.), Dan Benishek (Mich.), Mike Coffman (Colo.), Chris Gibson
(N.Y.), Joe Heck (Nev.) and David Valadao (Calif.), as well as GOP candidates Bob Dold, running for his
old seat in Illinois; Stewart Mills, challenging Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan in Minnesota; former Rep.
Doug Ose, challenging Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.); and Richard Tisei, challenging Rep. John Tierney (DMass.).” [The Hill, 5/08/14]
2014: Lost Election 48.5 Percent To 47.1 Percent, By Margin Of 1.4 Percent; Was The Eighth Most
Expensive Race In The Country
2014: Lost Election 48.5 Percent To 47.1 Percent, By Margin Of 1.4 Percent. “A final count gives
Nolan 128,820 to 125,184 for Mills -- a 48.5 percent to 47.1 percent margin. Nolan and Mills volleyed the
lead for about two hours until the congressman opened about a 2 percent lead at 10 p.m., which he
maintained with only slight slippage until Wednesday morning when his lead was too much to overcome.
The two candidates were gracious in victory and defeat. ‘While the results last night were not what we
were hoping for, I'm incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to run in this race,’ said Mills. ‘I'm
deeply grateful for all the support I received throughout this campaign, and to all the volunteers who
worked so hard to bring change to the 8th District.’ Mills went on to praise his competitors. ‘I also want
to thank my opponents, Ray 'Skip' Sandman and Congressman Rick Nolan,’ continued Mills. ‘They're
both good men who really care about Minnesota and our country, and it was a honor to run with them.
I've given Congressman Rick Nolan a call this morning to congratulate him on his victory, and extend my
thanks for a hard-fought race.’” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/07/14]
Lost By A Little More Than 3,600 Votes. “Candidates for 8th District Congress from the Brainerd Area
received 254,004 votes on Tuesday, with Democratic U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan polling a mere 3,636 more
ballots than Republican Stewart Mills.” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/07/14]
2014 Race Was Eighth Most Expensive Race In The Country; $15.8 Million Spent Total And $12.5
Million In Independent Expenditures. “It wasn't hair or money that mattered in this election, according
to Republican activist Justin Krych, who said he had become annoyed with the common argument that
GOP candidate Stewart Mills had the wrong pro-file for the district. Initially heralded as one of the GOP's
most promising challengers in 2014, Mills inspired big spending on both sides of the race; with a total of
about $15.8 million spent, including $12.5 million worth of independent expenditures, the race was the
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eighth most expensive in the country this year, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.” [Legal
Ledger, 11/12/14]
Touted His Family’s Hunting Camp Doctrine — “If You Complain About Something, You Get The
Job To Fix It” — As A Reason Why He Was Running In Ads And Most Media Appearances
Touted Family’s Hunting Camp Doctrine—“If You Complain About Something, You Get The Job
To Fix It”—As A Reason Why He Was Running In Ads And Media Appearances. “Eighth District
voters should expect to hear a lot about Stewart Mills’ ‘hunting camp doctrine’ between now and
November. The doctrine — that, in the Mills family, if you complain about something, you try to fix it —
is the centerpiece of the Republican's second campaign ad, released on Thursday. ‘I'm fed up with
Washington, the bickering, the debt, Obamacare,’ Mills says between shots of a cabin and a group out on
a hunting trip. ‘Instead of complaining, I'm going to fight to fix it.’ ‘This hunting camp could teach
Washington a thing or two.’ Besides the ad, Mills has espoused his hunting camp doctrine in interviews
and on the stump as his reasoning for running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan — rather than
complain about what Congress is doing, he'll try winning a seat instead.” [MinnPost, 6/05/14]
Campaigned On “Four Pillars” Of Repealing And Replacing Obamacare, Reducing Small Business
Taxes, Preserve Gun Rights, And Eliminate Federal Debt
Campaigned On “Four Pillars” Of Repealing And Replacing Obamacare, Reducing Small Business
Taxes, Preserve Gun Rights, And Eliminate Federal Debt. “Issues: Has a ‘four pillars’ approach:
Repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, reduce tax burden on small businesses, defend gun rights and
create fiscal policy to deal with federal debt.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Supported Term Limits
Supported Term Limits. “Mills said he is not a career politician and favors term limits, similar to that of
the president, for all federal elected offices.” [The Journal, 9/03/14]
2015: Said He Was Open To Running Again, Claimed He “Didn’t Lose … So Much As Rick Nolan
Rode Al Franken's Coattails”
July 2015: Said He Was Open To Running Again, Claimed He “Didn’t Lose … So Much As Rick
Nolan Rode Al Franken's Coattails.” “When asked about a possible future congressional bid, Fleet
Farm executive and 2014 nominee Stewart Mills (R) said, ‘I'm definitely keeping my options open.’ He
added that he didn't perform poorly in 2014, all things considered. ‘Really, I didn’t lose that election so
much as Rick Nolan rode Al Franken's coattails,’ he said. ( Duluth News Tribune ) [The Hotline, 7/01/15]
Said The “Ground Game” On His 2016 Campaign Would Be “Greatly Advanced.” “On what he’ll
do differently this time around: ‘Rather than doing cable in Minneapolis, we’re definitely going to be up
on broadcast and our ground game will be greatly advanced.’” [Politico, 9/23/14]
Planned To Run Ads In The Expensive Minneapolis Market And Was Willing To Self-Finance That
Effort; Gave His Own Campaign $400,000 In 2014. “On his willingness to self-fund his campaign,
after putting in $400,000 of his own money last year: ‘I don’t have that bracket set up yet, of a maximum
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or minimum. … I’m going to devote the time and resources necessary to fundraising, but at the end of the
day, I’m not going to ask my donors to do anything I’m not prepared to do myself. We’re planning on
doing expensive television in Minneapolis market, so if I have to write myself a check or checks to make
that happen, then I’ll do it.’” [Politico, 9/23/14]
Took Issue With 2014 Campaign Ads
Said He Was Keeping His Options Open To Another Run. “Stewart Mills has no ‘harsh feelings’
about the unrelenting campaign attack ads that mocked his personal appearance and portrayed in a harsh
way his family's business success and wealth that were earned through hard work. But the 42-year-old 8th
District Republican unsuccessful challenger to Democratic U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan is not about to write off
another journey into the modern-day political world where nasty personal attacks are fair game. ‘At this
time I can't make a decision on whether I will run again. All I can say is I intend to keep my options
open," Mills said in an email conversation with the Mesabi Daily News. Mills lost by only 3,732 out of
254,446 votes cast -- 48.51 percent to 47.11 percent. It was his first try at elective office. However, name
identification was not a big problem for the first-time candidate. He is a third-generation vice president of
the Midwest Mills Fleet Farm retail chain, which is known for its extensive outdoors merchandise.”
[Mesabi Daily News, 11/22/14]
Said He Went Back To Work Immediately After Losing The Election. “Mills, a strong champion of
the private sector, took a good-natured post-election jab at Democratic Party candidates. ‘I saw in a recent
article that you attempted to contact the campaign, but got no response. As the old saying goes ... a
Democrat loses an election and he is out of a job, a Republican loses an election and he goes back to
work. I went right back to work after the election and that is where you will find me,’ he wrote in an
email.” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/22/14]
Said It Was “A Bunch Of Hooey” That Nolan Was Frustrated About The Ads Attacking Him.
“Mills had taken a leave of absence from his Mills Fleet Farm position to run for Congress. Mills,
although saying he holds no grudges about the personal attacks, said Nolan was being ‘disingenuous’
when he claimed the third party ads from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee were too
mean-spirited. But the congressman claimed in media interviews, including one with the MDN, that he
could not tell a third-party group to pull the ads. ‘It would be against campaign law,’ he said. ‘When
Congressman Nolan says he strongly disliked the third party ads and was frustrated that he didn't have the
ability to pull them down, that is a bunch of hooey,’ Mills said.” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/22/14]
Claimed He Had No “Harsh Feelings” About The 2014 Campaign But That Nolan’s “Revisionism”
About The Campaign Was “Provably False.” “‘I don't have ‘harsh feelings’ about anything that
happened during the campaign. I knew going into this was going to be a tough race, and the more we
talked about issues, the more both Congressman Nolan and the outside groups were going to engage in
personal attacks. ‘I had full knowledge going into it ... and thick skin. However, Congressman Nolan's
revisionism (is) provably false,’ Mills said.” [Mesabi Daily News, 11/22/14]
Said He Was Frustrated That Ads Went After His Personal Appearance And His Family’s Success.
“The ads were viewed by political friends of Mills as ridiculous, offensive and personally nasty. ‘They're
just so absolutely not grounded in any sense of reality. They're going after a person's appearance and also
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success ... and isn't success the American Dream,’ Mills said during an interview during the campaign.”
[Mesabi Daily News, 11/15/14]
July 2015: Cut His Signature Long Hair After What He Described As A July 4th “Grilling Incident”
July 2015: Cut His Signature Long Hair After What He Described As A July 4th “Grilling
Incident.” “Former Eighth District Congressional candidate Stewart Mills III is sporting a new short
haircut after his long locks were singed at a barbecue on July 4th. A picture on Mills’ Twitter account
showed the short cut. Mills tweeted, ‘Lost some hair, & a lot of pride, in a July 4 grilling ‘incident.’ Might
be time for a new look. #StillHaveEyebrows.’ In another tweet he says, ‘The new look after my July 4th
Bar-B-Q singeing. The haircut fixed a lot; luckily my eyelashes aren't as noticeable.’” [Star Tribune,
7/09/15]
Said He Was Trying To Light His Father’s Gas Grill When His Hair Was Burnt; Planned To Keep
His Hair Short. “In a phone interview, the Republican from the Brainerd area said he tried to light his
father's gas grill ‘once, twice and three times ... [and] when it went, it went.’ Mills said he's certainly not
the first backyard chef to get a hot blast while igniting a gas grill, but added, ‘I suppose having these long
locks singed was more noticeable.’… If he does hit the campaign trail again, Mills said he plans to keep
his shorter cut. He called the fuss over his hair ‘much ado about nothing,’ but did admit he has gotten a lot
of positive attention from the change. ‘It is comfortable and easier to maintain,’ he said.” [Star Tribune,
7/09/15]
Said He Took The Fire As “A Sign From God” That He Should Cut His Hair. “On his
newly shorn hair: ‘I was in a hurry on the Fourth of July, I had pretty hungry guests and I fired
up the gas grill and got a hot flash. … My hair got singed, and I took that as a sign from God.’”
[Politico, 9/23/15]
Mills: “My Wife Loves Romance Novels, And She Loved The Fact That I Looked Like Fabio”; She
Did Not Want Him To Get A Haircut. “Mills is sporting a new look too, having cut his famously long
hair after a summer grilling accident. His hair was once the target of millions of dollars in negative ads
from outside groups. ‘My wife loves romance novels, and she loved the fact that I looked like Fabio,’ he
said, ‘And she was the last person in the world who wanted me to get my hair cut. But finally I had this
Fourth of July grilling incident, where I got a hot flash from a gas grill, and it took that for me to convince
my wife that it was time for me to get a haircut.’” [CBS Minnesota, 10/13/15]
2016 Congressional Campaign
October 2015: Announced He Was Running Again; Said He Was Going To Finish What He Started
October 2015: Announced That He Was Running Again; Said He Was Going To Finish What He
Started. “Minnesota businessman Stewart Mills announced his second challenge to 8th District
Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan Tuesday morning. ‘In 2014, I decided it was time to stop talking about the
problems facing our country and start doing something to solve them,’ Mills said in a statement. ‘I intend
to finish what I started, and look forward to working for the people of the 8th District.’ Mills lost to Nolan
by less than 2 points in 2014. He has been mulling a rematch for months and formed an exploratory
135
committee last month. Nolan has been expecting the Republican to challenge him again, he told CQ Roll
Call last month.” [Roll Call, 10/13/15]
Mills Claimed That “Obamacare Continues To Hurt Families” And Minnesota’s “Mining
Industries Are Suffering.” “‘I’m thrilled to continue the fight to take the commonsense values of 8th
District voters to Washington. Every day we see that the status quo is not sustainable and new ideas are
badly needed. Obamacare continues to hurt working class families; too many folks in the 8th District
struggle with unemployment, and our mining industries are suffering. In Congress, I will fight fiercely for
our priorities and answer only to 8th District voters,’ said Mills. ‘In 2014, I decided it was time to stop
talking about the problems facing our country and start doing something to solve them. I intend to finish
what I started, and look forward to working for the people of the 8th District.’” [Mills for Congress,
accessed 10/13/15]
Called Himself A “Job Creator” And “Avid Hunter.” “Stewart Mills is a job creator, avid hunter, and
the sixth generation of his family to live in Minnesota’s 8th congressional district. As a father, husband,
and business owner, he understands that Minnesota cannot continue with the current representation in
Washington DC.” [Mills for Congress, accessed 10/13/15]
Campaign Website Featured A Picture Of Him Chopping Wood In The Background Of The Home
Page. [Mills for Congress, accessed 10/13/15]
[Mills for Congress, accessed 10/13/15]
February 2016: Minnesota Republican Party Endorsed Him
February 2016: Minnesota Republican Party Endorsed Him. “Mills himself was endorsed by 8th
Congressional District Republican Party Saturday. ‘With a unanimous grassroots-led vote, the
unwavering support for Stewart Mills' campaign was tremendous,’ a Mills campaign release said.”
[Brainerd Dispatch, 2/08/16]
136
Declined To Indicate Who He Supported In The 2016 Republican Presidential Primary But Said
There Was “A Wide Range Of Very Qualified And Exceptional Candidates”
Declined To Indicate Who He Supported In The Republican Presidential Primary But Said There
Was “A Wide Range Of Very Qualified And Exceptional Candidates.” “Both candidates in
Minnesota's 8th District were reticent Monday when asked about their preferred candidate in the
presidential primary. Republican Stewart Mills said in a written statement he didn't have a primary pick.
‘I feel the Republican Party has a wide range of very qualified and exceptional candidates, which is a
striking difference from the Democratic Party,’ he stated. ‘The candidates are still making their case to the
voters on their policy positions and vision of how to solve the issues of a very stagnant economy and
disastrous foreign policy. Regardless of who the eventually nominee for either party will be, I will do my
part as a congressman and work across party lines to solve the issues we have within the 8th District and
the threats we face around the world.’” [Brainerd Dispatch, 2/08/16]
137
Wrong for Minnesota
 Tea Party Express endorsed him despite his claim that he refused to accept labels
and said he did not belong to any wing of the conservative movement
 Touted Packers loyalty
 Lived, owned property, paid taxes and has voted in Wisconsin
Mills is an unapologetic Green Bay Packers fan and his father serves as Directors
Emeritus for the publicly owned team. Mills has lived, owned property, voted in
Wisconsin and even paid taxes in Wisconsin.
In addition to his Wisconsin ties, Mills is more extreme than he portrays himself to
be. In 2014, the Tea Party Express endorsed him despite his claim that he refused to
accept labels and said he did not belong to any wing of the conservative movement.
He continues to maintain his Tea Party ties and spoke at a Tea Party event in 2015.
Tea Party Express Endorsed Mills, But Refused To Label Himself A Tea Partyer
Tea Party Express Endorsed Mills. “Mills, a relatively young and hip, long-haired businessman, has
fashioned himself as a small-government Republican. Though he touts more libertarian ideas than socially
conservative ones, Mills did garner an endorsement Tuesday from the Tea Party Express.” [Star Tribune,
10/08/14]
…But
Said It Was Not “Entirely Accurate” To Call Him A Tea Partyer But Welcomed Tea Party
Endorsement Hours Later. “In a debate early Tuesday in Duluth, GOP House candidate Stewart
Mills said it wasn't accurate to portray him as aligned with the Tea Party. ‘I keep getting accused (of)
being a Tea Partyer and I'm not sure that's entirely accurate,’ Mills said, when answering a question
about the virtues of the Keystone oil sands pipeline in a debate with Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan and
Green Party candidate Ray ‘Skip’ Sandman. A few hours later, the Tea Party Express threw its
support behind Mills, saying he ‘isn't your typical politician. He is someone that understands hard
work and will stop at nothing in order to fix a problem -- traits he picked up from his family's huntingcamp doctrine.’ … Mills’ camp responded Tuesday, noting, ‘We welcome the endorsements of all
political persuasions, from the National Rifle Association to the Farm Bureau, from the National
Federation of Independent Businesses to the Fraternal Order of Police.’” [Star Tribune, 10/07/14]
138
Refused To Accept Labels, Said He Did Not Belong To Any Wing Of The Conservative
Movement. “You know I’ve never had really any involvement with the tea party up until running for
office. And I’ve met with them and the one thing that impresses me about them is that they care more
about your rights and your liberties than anything they would want for themselves from the
government … I am not gonna define myself or accept any labels. But I consider myself a
conservative—and that is the business community, the second amendment rights community, the
Republicans, the constitutionalists, the Libertarians, and that also includes the tea party. So I’m not
necessarily in any wing of the conservative movement.” [KBJR, 4/19/14]
October 2015: Spoke At A Tea Party Event. [Minnesota Tea Party Alliance, 10/05/15]
Touted Packer Loyalty; Said He Never Tried To Hide His Love Of The Packers, And That His
Father Had Ties To The Team
In June 2013, after pictures of Mills in a Packers jersey at a Minnesota Vikings game were published,
Mills said, “Oh! They caught me!” [Hot Dish Politics, 6/27/13]
From Mills’ statement after an article revealing his Packers loyalty:
“Oh! They caught me! Although I never tried to hide it, it would be tough to…My father
became a Packer fan as a kid, a long, long time before the Vikings existed. In 1941 his/our
cousin Gene Bierhaus, University of Minnesota All American, was drafted by the Packers to
be their Quarterback; that kind of cemented it. Gene never got to play professional football
for the Packers though. Instead Gene served in the US Marines during World War II. The
extensive wounds our cousin sustained on the battlefield of Iwo Jima prohibited a career in
professional sports after the Marines. My father is also good friends with Bud Grant and went
to school with him at the University of Minnesota, since and after the time of Bud being the
coach of the Vikings we, as a family, have had to take turns as to who we root for.
(Seriously) Half the family for the Vikes, and the other for the Packers. I have continued that
tradition in my own household, my wife and two step-sons are rabid Vikings fans. I suspect
my daughter is going to be a Vikings fan, but my son loves the Green and Gold. My
stepdaughter could care less,” Mills said. [Hot Dish Politics, 6/27/13]
139
[Heather Mills Facebook, 1/01/09]
[Heather Mills Facebook, 1/01/09]
NOTE: The original photos were later taken down from Mills’ wife Facebook page.
Mills’ Father Served on Packers’ Directors Emeritus
140
In August 2013, Mills’ father served on the Packers’ Directors Emeritus.
Below is a list of the Directors Emeritus from the Packers’ website:
[Packers.com, accessed 8/22/13]
Headline: On Eve of Big Game, DFL Goes Hard After Stewart Mills for Being a Packers Fan [City
Pages, 10/1/14]
Headline: Vikings-Packers Game Big Deal To Minn. Political Campaigns [CBS Minnesota, 10/2/14]
Unabashed Packers Fan; Packers Drafted A Family Cousin In The 1940’s. “Mills makes no
excuses for being a Green Bay Packers fan. A large part of the family business has roots in Wisconsin,
and his father and uncle became Packers fans before there was an NFL team in Minnesota. It didn't
hurt that the Packers once drafted, in the 1940s, a Mills family cousin. Stewart Mills III grew up in
Appleton, Wis., and Brainerd as a child, shuttling with his father between centers of the family
business. He said his father knows legendary Vikings coach Bud Grant, further mixing allegiances. At
home, his wife and kids are solid Vikings fans, he said. ‘We've had some interesting afternoons on
Sunday.’” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Voted in Wisconsin Elections
In 1992, 2000, 2002 and 2004, Mills voted in elections in Wisconsin.
Below is the table outlining his voter history in Wisconsin:
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October 2000: Was Registered to Vote in Wisconsin
In October 2000, Mills registered to vote in Wisconsin.
Note: As of August 2013, there is no evidence of Mills voting in the 1994, 1996, and 1998 elections.
[Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, accessed 7/18/13; Minnesota Secretary of State, accessed 7/26/13; Florida
Division of Elections, accessed 7/26/13]
Immature Behavior
 Wife posted pictures of Mills drinking beer from a funnel
 Pictured licking a woman who was not his wife
 Received underage drinking violation at 19 years old
 Received multiple speeding tickets
 Has a history of posting odd photos on social media, including ones where he is
shirtless or displaying his muscles
Mills has a long record of immature behavior – starting at 19 years old. In 1991, he
received an underage drinking violation from the City of Appleton (Wisconsin) Police
Department. In February 2009, his wife posted photos of Mills drinking out a beer
funnel. He was also in a picture licking the lips of a woman other than his wife. In
addition, he has received multiple speeding tickets.
142
Mills has toned down the inappropriate nature of his social media posts but continues
to post odd, self-aggrandizing photos including ones where he is shirtless and hunting
with his children.
Wife Posted Photos of Mills Drinking Out of Beer Funnel
In February 2009, Mills’ wife posted photos of Mills drinking out of a beer funnel.
Below are pictures taken from her Facebook page:
143
NOTE: As of August 2013, the photos have been removed from Facebook.
Headline: Stewart Mills, GOP congressional candidate, hits a beer bong [PHOTOS] [City Pages, 11/22/13]
Described as “Image-Conscious”
From Politico, “He is also image-conscious, changing clothes at least three times over the course of a
recent day and evening.” [Politico, 6/23/14]
Featured In Photo Licking Woman That Isn’t Than His Wife
In December 2008, Mills’ stepdaughter posted a picture of Mills licking a woman’s lips. This woman was
not his wife.
Below is the picture taken from her Facebook page:
144
[Whitney Murraye Thomsen Facebook, posted 12/28/08]
Note: See “Inappropriate Photos of Heather Mills” for more photos.
1991: Received Underage Drinking Violation As 19 Year-Old
In July 1991, when Mills was 19 years old, he received an underage drinking violation from the Appleton
City Police Department. [Appleton Police Department Summary Report, 8/20/13]
From the Appleton Police Department summary report:
145
NOTE: Because the Cities of Appleton and Grand Chute are only required to keep reports for seven
years, none of the above reports were available.
Representative from Appleton Police Department Confirmed Underage Drinking Citation
In September 2013, a representative from the Appleton Police Department confirmed that the drinking
violation Mills received as a 19 year old in 1991 was an underage drinking citation.
The email sent by Dana Schmidt read, “In researching the age of the citation, it appears that it is an
underage drinking citation.” [Appleton Police Department, 9/10/13]
Received Multiple Speeding Tickets
In 1989 and 1995, Mills received two speeding tickets from the Appleton City Police Department.
Featured in Photo Holding Beer
In April 2010, April Wilkus, a friend of Mills and his wife, posted a photo of Mills holding a beer bottle.
[April Wilkus Facebook, posted 4/26/10]
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[April Wilkus Facebook, posted 4/26/10]
November 2015: Engaged In Twitter Exchange With DCCC Staffer Over News Article
News Article Alleged That New Mills Fleet Farm Store In Hermantown Received Public Subsidies
Pages, 11/18/15]
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Was Upset About Article’s Portrayal Of Mills Fleet Farm And Accused DCCC Of “Peddl[ing]
Lies.” [Twitter, 11/19/15]
148
[Twitter, 11/19/15 & 12/15/15]
Stated In A Facebook Post That He Was Not “Anti-Union” And That Some Of The Project’s
Funds Had Gone To Non-Union Contractors. “Normally I don’t respond directly to comments on
Facebook as the back and forth can take on a life of its own, but I feel there may be some folks that
have bought into the Democrats deceptive narrative of me and have the wrong idea about what I stand
for. First of all, Right to Work is a state issue, and I am running for federal office. As someone who
respects the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, I believe that the 10th Amendment reserves such
decisions the individual states themselves, and I will fight to keep the Federal Government out of state
affairs. Secondly, whoever says Fleet Farm’s Hermantown project is non-union is deliberately
misleading you. The truth is the majority of the contract dollars were awarded to union shops. The
Mills Family has always run an open bidding process, open to both union and non-union shops. Some
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of the project dollars (a minority) were awarded to non-union contractors. We have not tilted the
playing field either way. Our general project manager goes through the bids and selects the ones that
can get the job done right, at the right time, at the right price. Union firms, as a percentage of project
cost, were over represented in that selection. If anyone tries to tell you I am anti-union they are liars, I
believe strongly in the open bidding process, and American Free Enterprise that has created and
sustained both union and non-union jobs. –Stewart Mills” [Facebook, 12/02/15]
Other Odd Social Media Photos
[Facebook, 7/9/15]
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[Twitter, 10/11/15]
151
Abortion and Family Planning Issues
 Opposed abortion rights
 Said he and his wife were “proud to support” a local crisis pregnancy center,
which helped “to provide resources to those experiencing unexpected
pregnancies”—crisis pregnancy centers known for providing misleading
information about abortion to women
 Opposed federal funding for Planned Parenthood
 Said Planned Parenthood’s “core mission” was performing abortions
 Accused Planned Parenthood of using “accounting gimmicks” and called on them
to stop performing abortions
 Said if Planned Parenthood was serious about providing women’s health services
then they would stop abortion services
In June 2013, Mills said he opposed abortion rights. Then, in 2015, in the wake of
videos purporting to show Planned Parenthood staff members selling fetal tissue for
profit, Mills said he favored ending federal funding for the group. He said he was
staunchly pro-life and “very, very strongly against federal funding … going to any
abortion provider.” Mills also claimed that Planned Parenthood’s “core mission” was
performing abortions and accused them of using “accounting gimmicks” to use federal
funds for abortions. He added that if the organization was serious about providing
women’s health services then they would stop offering abortion services.
Said He Was Pro-Life And Was “Very, Very Strongly Against Federal Funding … Going To Any
Abortion Provider”
Said He Was Pro-Life And Was “Very, Very Strongly Against Federal Funding … Going
To Any Abortion Provider.” “Mills said his social issue is being pro-life, although he added it
wasn't one of his main motivators for running. ‘I'm very, very strongly against federal funding
— our tax dollars — going to any abortion provider,’ he said.” [Forum News Service,
10/18/15]
Criticized Nolan For Receiving A Donation From Planned Parenthood And For
Supporting Continued Funding For The Group. “For Mills, this involves channeling uproar
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sparked with recently released anti-abortion videos that purport to show Planned Parenthood's
sale of fetal tissue for research. ‘Rick Nolan not only received money from Planned
Parenthood, Rick Nolan still wants to send money to Planned Parenthood,’ Mills said.” [Forum
Said Planned Parenthood Was Using “A Shell Game” And Called On Them To Stop Providing
Abortions
Said Planned Parenthood Was Using “A Shell Game” And Called On Them To Stop
Providing Abortions. “Mills acknowledged there's already a law prohibiting federal funding
from going directly to abortion, ‘but it's a shell game’ he said.” [Forum News Service,
10/18/15]
Mills: “If Planned Parenthood Really Is Serious About Providing Women's Services, They Should,
In An Instant, Stop Providing Abortions”
Mills: “If Planned Parenthood Really Is Serious About Providing Women's Services,
They Should, In An Instant, Stop Providing Abortions.” “‘Let's look at this way,’ Mills
said, ‘Planned Parenthood says that only 3 percent of their services are abortion-related. Well,
you can't fund one arm that then supports the other. If Planned Parenthood really is serious
about providing women's services, they should, in an instant, stop providing abortions.’”
Said The “Core Mission” Of Planned Parenthood Was To Provide Abortions And Accused Them
Of Using “Accounting Gimmicks” To Conceal Use Of Federal Funds For Abortion Services
Said The “Core Mission” Of Planned Parenthood Was To Provide Abortions And
Accused Them Of Using “Accounting Gimmicks” To Conceal Use Of Federal Funds For
Abortion Services. “The ‘core mission’ of Planned Parenthood is still abortion, Mills said. ‘It's
accounting gimmicks and it's semantics, but at the end of the day, through Planned Parenthood,
our tax dollars are going to fund abortions, and I am against that,’ he said.” [Forum News
Service, 10/18/15]
Opposed Abortion Rights
In June 2013, Mills opposed abortion rights. [Hot Dish Politics, 6/26/13]
Opposed Abortion Rights. “Mills has also contrasted his record with Nolan on supporting gun rights
(Nolan received an “F” rating from the NRA) and opposing abortion to appeal to socially conservative
Democrats who make up a significant share of the electorate.” [National Journal, 9/19/14]
Pregnancies” To “Protect The Most Vulnerable Among Us”
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Pregnancies” To “Protect The Most Vulnerable Among Us.” “The Lakes Area Pregnancy Support
Center is such an important part of our community. My wife Heather, and I are proud to support them and
help provide resources to those experiencing unexpected pregnancies. We must protect the most
vulnerable among us.” [Facebook, 4/15/14]
Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center Is A Crisis Pregnancy Center. “Women and men are making
difficult choices every day. We can help them get the facts to make an informed decision about their
unplanned pregnancy.” [Lake Area Pregnancy Center Facebook, accessed 10/05/14]
Crisis Pregnancy Centers Known For Providing Misleading Information To Patients About
Their Options For Reproductive Services. “Operators of religious pregnancy centers have sued
Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris to block a new California law that requires such clinics to provide
information about abortion and contraceptive services offered by other providers. Under the
legislation, which was sponsored by Harris and abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America,
health clinics that offer certain pregnancy-related services have to tell patients that California has
public programs that offer low-cost or free family planning options, including contraception and
abortion. The clinics must provide a phone number to the patient's local county social services office.
Abortion rights supporters say these religious clinics, known as crisis pregnancy centers, offer false or
misleading information about abortion and reproductive health.” [Los Angeles Times, 10/13/15]
154
Budget and Economy Issues
 Said stimulus was a “sugar high”
 Said Washington, D.C. and St. Paul have “never created a job”
 Refused to support or condemn the government shutdown
 Did not specify how he would address the federal deficit
 Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 budget proposal because he said it did not address
health care issues sufficiently
 Said President Obama oversaw “the worst economic recovery in US history”
In 2014, Mills criticized the federal stimulus program calling it “sugar high” and a
failure. The stimulus cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. Mills also claimed
that Washington, D.C. and St. Paul never created a job. He also refused to say whether
he would have voted for the government shutdown.
Mills has never specifically outlined how he would address the federal deficit but insists
that it is a pressing issue. He said he opposed Paul Ryan’s budget proposal because it
did not sufficiently address health care issues and the deficit. Mills also said that
President Obama had presided over “the worst economic recovery in US history.”
Said The Stimulus Was A “Sugar High”
In 2014, Mills referred the stimulus as a “sugar high.”
“And the last round of tax, spend and borrow stimulus, which is nothing but one sugar high after another,
negatively affected our part of Minnesota because had none of the benefits from it, but yet we’re the ones
who are going to have to pay the bills. If we’re going to reignite our economy, we have to do it from the
ground up, not from the top down. Washington DC or St. Paul does not create jobs, Main Street does. We
have to create jobs from Main Street on up,” said Mills. [Northern Alliance Radio Interview, 11:41, 1/4/14]
Referred the Job Stimulus Program as a Failure
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In 2014, Mills called the job stimulus program “another failed example of Washington, D.C.,
trying to legislate the free market.” [Star Tribune, 1/9/14]
Stimulus Cut Taxes for 95 Percent of Working Families
From Politifact: “During the campaign, the independent Tax Policy Center researched how
Obama's tax proposals would affect workers. It concluded 94.3 percent of workers
would receive a tax cut under Obama's plan based on the tax credit to offset payroll taxes.
According to the analysis, the people who wouldn't get a tax cut are those who make more
than $250,000 for couples or $200,000 for a single person. Obama said he intended to raise
taxes on those high earners, a promise he reiterated during the State of the Union, and that
revenue would offset the stimulus tax cut. Because the stimulus act did give that broad-based
tax cut to workers, we rate Obama's statement True.” [PolitiFact, 1/27/10]
Said Washington, DC And St. Paul Have “Never Created A Job”
In 2013, Mills said Washington, D.C. and St. Paul have “Never Created a Job.”
“…St. Paul has never created a job in its entire existence and Washington D.C. has never created a job in
its entire existence. We don’t have big corporations up here, it’s going to be individuals that own
businesses that are taxed at the personal rate that have the ability to do it,” said Mills. [Crow Wing County
GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 16:56, 7/20/13]
Refused To Support Or Condemn The Government Shutdown
In 2013 Mills refused support or condemn the government shutdown.
“I’m not in Washington and I’m not privy to their conversations. I can neither commend nor condemn the
votes that they’ve made because I just don’t have access to the strategies or the back-end. There is such a
divisive culture in Washington DC that it would have not been necessary to shut down the government if
people were able to come together, put their cards on the table. When you take a look at what the
Republicans were asking for, some of this, in hindsight, wasn’t unreasonable,” said Mills. [Minn Post,
11/7/13]
Did Not Specify How He Would Address The Federal Deficit
Did Not Specify How He Would Address The Federal Deficit. “Getting the federal budget out of the
red is ‘a math problem. It's just pure math,’ Mills said. He says the U.S. will look more like Greece or
Cyprus if it doesn't take measures to cut debt and debt service. How he would get that done, Mills didn't
say.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 Budget Proposal
Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 Budget Proposal. “He said he doesn't support the recent budget proposed
by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, something that surprised the Nolan camp. Mills said he can't support a budget
that doesn't offer a way to fix the health care economy in line with the rest of the economy. He said
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President Obama has refused to work with Congress, and the House and Senate need to start putting bills
on his desk.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Said President Obama Oversaw “The Worst Economic Recovery In US History”
Said President Obama Oversaw “The Worst Economic Recovery In US History.” “He also pledged
to support what he called the 8th District's Main Street economy of small- and medium-sized businesses.
‘We need to stop putting targets on those folks’ backs,’ Mills said. Mills criticized President Barack
Obama for presiding over ‘the worst economic recovery in U.S. history’ and said he would champion the
Polymet mining plans as well as others.” [Brainerd Dispatch, 4/12/14]
157
Environmental Issues
 Attacked Congressman Nolan for not opposing EPA regulations of water
 Supported oil pipelines and expanded mining on the Iron Range
 Criticized Nolan’s vote against the Keystone XL pipeline
 Supported PolyMet proposal to open a new copper-nickel mine
 Refused to take a position on climate change, said countries such as China, India,
and Russia needed to “clean up their own act”
 Said he was “open-minded to both sides of the debate” but questioned whether the
climate was actually changing and if human activity was causing climate change
 Said a carbon tax would “absolutely kill mining on the Iron Range”
In 2014, Mills criticized Congressman Nolan for not opposing EPA Regulations of
water. Mills also supported oil pipelines such as Keystone XL and Sandpiper as well a
proposal to open a copper-nickel mine that could potentially damage water quality and
protected areas.
Mills refused to take a position on climate change and insisted instead that countries
such as China, India, and Russia needed to “clean up their own act.” He said he was
“open-minded to both sides of the debate” but questioned whether the climate was
actually changing and if human activity was causing climate change. Mills also
supported a proposal to open a new copper-nickel mine which had the potential to
damage water quality and a protected waterway in northeast Minnesota. The project
has yet to gain state approval.
Attacked Congressman Nolan For Not Opposing EPA Regulations Of Water
In September 2014, Mills attacked Nolan for supporting too many regulations, particularly for his
opposition to a bill which prevented the EPA from redefining which waters it can regulate under the
Clean Water Act.
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“Rick Nolan has cast some very bad votes in direct opposition to what his district needs. He’s voted for
the carbon tax, and he’s also voted to have the EPA regulate our family farms to the point that it would be
devastating to them,” said Mills. [MPR News, 9/13/14]
Opposed EPA Water Regulations
In September 2014, Mills opposed EPA regulations, specifically the proposed “Waters of the US” rule or
any sort of restrictions on carbon.
“We've spent a lot of time with farmers and ranchers in the 8th District, and these are businesses. These
are farms that have been in their family for 5, 6 generations. And, certainly, they don't need people from
Washington D.C. in white tieback suites wandering across their farms, and their ranches, to tell them how
to be good stewards of their land,” said Mills. [Northland News Center, 9/22/14]
Supported Oil Pipelines And Metal Mining On The Iron Range
Supported Oil Pipelines And Metal Mining On The Iron Range. “In the 8th District, Democratic
incumbent Rick Nolan held a slim lead most of Tuesday night over Republican challenger Stewart Mills,
before finally clinching the seat early Wednesday morning. The Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee bankrolled a series of ads against Mills, mocking his shoulder-length hair and portraying him
as a wealthy businessman out to protect his own pocketbook over the interests of everyday Minnesotans.
Mills, 42, of Nisswa, campaigned on a pro-gun rights and anti-Affordable Care Act platform. The vice
president of Mills Fleet Farm, his family's business, he supports oil pipelines across the region and
precious-metals mining on the Iron Range.” [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 11/04/14]
Touted His Blue Collar Roots; Said The Mining And Timber Industries Were In His Blood And
That Energy Policies Should Support These Industries
Touted His Blue Collar Roots; Said The Mining And Timber Industries Were In His Blood
And That Energy Policies Should Support These Industries. “‘Job creation on main street in
mining and the timber industry is in my blood,’ he said. ‘We have to look toward making sure
we have an economy that can foster that growth, but also not limit our timber industry from fully
reaching its potential, but also making sure our mining industry is supported, but not
handicapped by unnecessary hurdles and regulations.’ An energy policy that can facilitate a
healthy and robust economy is crucial to the mining and timber industries, he said.”
[International Falls Journal, 9/02/14]
Said He Had “Iron Ore” In His Blood Because His Great-Grandfather Worked In An Iron
Mine. “Mills is vice president of Mills Fleet Farm, a family-owned company with more than 30
retail stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. He cited his family's longtime work in the timber
industry as common ground with the Iron Range's miners. He said his great-grandfather even
mined iron on the southern edge of the Cuyuna Range in Crow Wing County. ‘I've got iron ore
in my blood,’ Mills said, before explaining that he believes he has an earnest connection with the
Iron Range.”[Duluth News Tribune, 8/29/14]
Said His Great-Great-Grandfather Worked In Timber. “‘My great-great-grandfather came
up from the Cities in the 1870s to work in the timber industry,’ Mills said at a café across from
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his campaign office in Brainerd. ‘Those folks came up to work in the mining industry. The fact
they all came here in the 1870s through 1900 to work in the natural resource industries; there's a
commonality. So it's really easy to make connections with those people.’” [Duluth News
Tribune, 8/29/14]
Said His Family Sometimes Had “Callouses” On Their Hands. “And Stewart Mills, the Republican
challenger, refrained from using a label. Instead, the wealthy heir to the successful Mills Fleet Farm stores
strove for commonality with voters by saying of his family, ‘Sometimes we have callouses on our
hands.’” [Duluth News Tribune, 10/08/14]
Criticized Nolan’s Vote Against The Keystone XL Pipeline; Supported Plan To Open PolyMet’s
Copper-Nickel Mine In Northeast Minnesota
Criticized Nolan’s Vote Against The Keystone XL Pipeline; Supported Plan To Open CopperNickel Mine In Northeast Minnesota. “Mills criticized Nolan for votes he made against funding for
Veterans Affairs and against the Keystone XL pipeline project. He also accused Nolan of ‘waffling’ on
Polymet's plans for a copper-nickel mining operation in northeastern Minnesota.” [St. Paul Pioneer Press,
4/12/14]
2014: Said PolyMet’s Plan To Open A Copper-Nickel Mine Was “Amazingly Well-Thought Out”
During Debate. [YouTube, 10/07/14]
Mine Was Expected To Create 360 Permanent Jobs. “PolyMet projects that the copper-nickel mine
will create 360 permanent local jobs, and hundreds more indirectly. The company estimates it will
produce $80 million annually in federal, state and local taxes.” [Star Tribune, 6/24/15]
Refused To Take A Position On Climate Change, Said Other Countries Such As China, India, And
Russia Should “Clean Up Their Own Act”
Refused To Take A Position On Climate Change, Said Other Countries Such As China, India, And
Russia Should “Clean Up Their Own Act.” “Asked about his position on climate change, Mills says it's
important to examine what other countries, like China, India and Russia, are doing to address the issue.
‘Rather than us crippling our economy, we need other countries to clean up their own act,’ he said.”
[Greenwire, 9/29/14]
Said He Was “Open-Minded To Both Sides Of The Debate” But Questioned Whether The Climate
Was Actually Changing And If Human Activity Was Causing Climate Change
Said He Was “Open-Minded To Both Sides Of The Debate” But Questioned Whether The Climate
Was Actually Changing And If Human Activity Was Causing Climate Change. “In a November 2013
interview with the news website MinnPost, Mills offered a similar response while noting he is ‘openminded to both sides of the debate.’ ‘Certainly we don't want to do anything that's going to jeopardize the
future of our planet, but at the same time we have to be realistic that: Is the climate changing? Is man
causing the climate to change?’ Mills said in that interview. [Greenwire, 9/29/14]
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Supported The Sandpiper Oil Pipeline
Supported The Sandpiper Oil Pipeline. “Mills compared Sandpiper to the proposed Keystone XL
pipeline, which is not planned to run through Minnesota but is also highly controversial. ‘The Sandpiper
Pipeline, like Keystone XL, is a much needed project that will not only have immediate economic benefits
for our part of Minnesota, but will also create jobs, lower energy costs, strengthen our state's steel
industry, and streamline a highly inefficient oil transportation process,’ Mills said in the statement.”
[Bemidji Pioneer, 8/10/14]
October 2015: Minnesota Supreme Court Was Expected To Review At A Ruling Overturning
Land Permits For Sandpiper Pipeline. “Attorneys for both Enbridge Energy and state regulators on
Wednesday asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to take up review of a ruling that overturned a permit
for the Sandpiper crude oil pipeline. In September, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's approval of a certificate of need for the Sandpiper project
because the PUC did so without an Environmental Impact Statement, a specific kind of environmental
study. In court documents dated Wednesday, Enbridge argued the Court of Appeals usurped the
authority of the PUC and the Environmental Quality Board, as well as incorrectly applied the
Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. ‘The Court of Appeals decision creates uncertainty for this and
future projects because the Court improperly substituted its own judgment for that of the regulators,
and in doing so, incorrectly interpreted and applied MEPA,’ Enbridge's petition for review read. In the
PUC's own petition to the Supreme Court, also dated Wednesday, the commission claimed the Court
of Appeals cast aside a ‘longstanding process set forth in Minnesota law and ordered a duplicative and
premature second layer of environmental review even before the need for the pipeline is determined.’”
Said A Carbon Tax Would “Absolutely Kill Mining On The Iron Range”
Said A Carbon Tax Would “Absolutely Kill Mining On The Iron Range.” “He's focused largely on
wooing voters outside his home base, like chipping support away from Nolan on the Iron Range. He's
criticized Nolan's vote for a budget bill that included a carbon tax, which Mills said ‘would absolutely kill
mining on the Iron Range.’” [Associated Press, 9/27/14]
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Foreign Policy Issues
 Refused to respond to direct question about his position on the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, called TPP “a non-issue”
 When asked if he did not want to talk about TPP during the campaign, he said “I
don't want to talk about issues that have nothing to do with moving this district
forward”
 Questioned whether Rep. Nolan had read the entire TPP deal and said he was
undecided on whether or not to support it
 Said 8th District residents “aren’t concerned” with foreign policy
 Argued that the US should play “some role” in the Middle East and had to lead in
the fight against the Islamic State
 Said an increased number of US troops in Iraq would have prevented the Islamic
State from gaining more power
 Opposed Iranian nuclear deal; said the deal would allow Iran to develop a
nuclear weapon
 Claimed the deal would lead to an arms race and nuclear proliferation in the
Middle East
 Mills sent out a press release stating that Rep. Nolan “voted to fund terrorist
organizations” because he supported the Iranian nuclear deal, later clarified that
he believed Nolan was “wrong” and “short sighted” for supporting the deal
In February 2016, Mills refused to respond to a direct question about his position on
the Trans-Pacific Partnership during a TV interview. He said TPP was a “non-issue”
and “dead on arrival” because it would not be brought to a vote. When asked directly if
he simply did not want to discuss TPP during the campaign, he responded by stating
that he did not want to talk about issues that had “nothing to do with moving … [the]
district forward.” Mills also insisted that KKR’s stance on TPP would not impact his
162
position on the issue. In November 2015, he questioned whether Rep. Nolan had read
the entire deal and said he was undecided on the issue.
In 2014, Mills said 8th District residents were not “concerned” with foreign policy. Mills
did support President Obama’s plan to strike ISIS. He believed that the US should play
“some role” in the Middle East and lead in the fight against the Islamic state. Mills also
argued that an increased number of US troops in Iraq would have prevented the
Islamic state from gaining more power.
Mills opposed the Iranian nuclear deal, saying that it would inevitably allow Iran to
obtain a nuclear weapon. He also claimed that the deal would lead to an arms race and
nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Forward”
Called TPP A “Non-Issue” And Said It Was “Was Dead On Arrival” Because It Would Not
Get A Vote. “KDLH's Nick Minock sat down with Mills to get answers. ‘They (U.S. Senators) are
not going to vote on it. So, it's a non issue. The TPP is dead on arrival,’ said Mills.” [Northland
News Center, 2/07/16]
Said He Was “Hesitant To Give … A Direct Answer” On TPP. “‘KKR - the company that
bought Mills Fleet Farm - I was looking on their website and they support the Trans Pacific
Partnership. Does that impact your view of the TPP at all?’ asked Minock. ‘I have looked, first of
all, I am making up my own mind and in Washington D.C., I will read the agreements and the bills
that I vote on and that is why I'm hesitant to give you a direct answer,’ said Mills.” [Northland
News Center, 2/07/16]
Said KKR’s Support Of TPP Would Not Affect His Position On The Issue. “‘So are you
saying KKR or Ford Motor Company - their decision on policy isn't going to impact your decision
on this issue?’ asked Minock. ‘Absolutely not. It will not impact my position on this issue,’ said
Mills. Congressman Rick Nolan is against the Trans Pacific Partnership. Nolan is concerned that
the TPP would cost the United States jobs, just like NAFTA did.” [Northland News Center,
2/07/16]
Saturday, the Republican Party endorsed Mills in McGregor. Now that Mills has secured the
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GOP's backing, he is facing more questions on where he stands on the TPP. It's a trade agreement
that has many on the Iron Range concerned for their jobs.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
11/30/15]
Said 8th District Residents “Aren’t Concerned” With Foreign Policy
In September 2014, Mills declined to take a position on intervention in Iraq and Syria against ISIS after
Nolan came out against intervention, saying that foreign policy wasn’t a priority to residents of the eighth
district.
“The people within the 8th District aren’t necessarily concerned with foreign policy first,” said Mills to the
Duluth News Tribune. [Northland News Center, 9/07/14]
Supported President Obama’s Plan To Strike ISIS
In September 2014, Mills supported President Obama’s planned strikes against ISIS militants.
Mills emphasized that concrete actions needed to be taken beyond simply humanitarian aid, which Mills
characterized as “naïve at best.” [StewartMills.com, 9/10/14]
…but Campaign Criticized Nolan for Vote Against Arming and Training Syrian Rebels
In September 2014, Mills criticized Nolan for his vote against training and arming Syrian rebels.
“Rick Nolan’s vote tonight against the bipartisan agreement to equip and train Syrian rebels was
deeply disappointing. The solution was a responsible way to fight ISIS without putting any American
troops on the ground, but Rick Nolan continued his trend of voting against what’s best for our troops
and veterans. He wants to ignore the gathering threat of ISIS for philosophical reasons, but once
again, his vote was wrong for the 8th Congressional District,” read a Mills release. [WDIO, 9/18/14]
Argued That The US Should Play “Some Role” In The Middle East And Had To Lead In The Fight
Against The Islamic State
Argued That The US Should Play “Some Role” In The Middle East And Had To Lead In The Fight
Against The Islamic State. “Mills, however, contends that what's ‘naïve’ is to diminish the threat the
Islamic State poses to the United States. ‘Like it or not, we have to play some role here,’ Mills said. ‘And
164
for Congressman Nolan to take those positions, I think, leaves America in an even weaker position than
we have been in the past. We can't lead from behind. We have to lead.’” [St. Cloud Times, 9/12/14]
Said An Increased Number Of US Troops In Iraq Would Have Prevented The Islamic State From
Gaining More Power
Said An Increased Number Of US Troops In Iraq Would Have Prevented The Islamic State From
Gaining More Power. “Mills said the Islamic State might not have gotten as strong as it is now had the
United States found a way to keep more forces in Iraq.” [St. Cloud Times, 9/12/14]
Opposed Iranian Nuclear Deal
Opposed Iranian Nuclear Deal. “His 2016 campaign will look much the same as his first bid, though
Mills cut his signature chin-length hair after a grilling incident this summer. Mills said he'd echo many of
the same criticisms of Nolan, like his votes to ban assault weapons and other gun control measures and his
support of President Barack Obama's health care law. He'll mix in more recent votes, too, like Nolan's
support of the Iran nuclear deal.” [Associated Press, 10/13/15]
Said The Deal Would Allow Iran To Develop A Nuclear Weapon In Time. “Mills criticised Nolan for
his support of the recently negotiated Iran deal, which Mills said paves the way for the rogue nation to get
its hands on a weaponized nuclear device. ‘It's not a matter of ‘if’ they get a nuclear weapon, it's a matter
of ‘when’,’ Mills said.” [Duluth News Tribune, 10/18/15]
Claimed The Iran Nuclear Deal Would Lead To “An Arms Race And Nuclear Proliferation On The
Arab Strait”
Claimed The Iran Nuclear Deal Would Lead To “An Arms Race And Nuclear Proliferation On The
Arab Strait.” “Mills predicted other nuclear programs popping up in countries near Iran as a result of the
deal. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey will make their own initiatives to obtaining a nuclear weapon, he
said. ‘We will have an arms race and nuclear proliferation on the Arab Strait,’ he said.” [Duluth News
Tribune, 10/18/15]
Mills Said Rep. Nolan “Voted To Fund Terrorist Organizations” Because He Supported The
Iranian Nuclear Deal
Mills Sent Out A Press Release Stating That Rep. Nolan “Voted To Fund Terrorist Organizations”
Because He Supported The Iranian Nuclear Deal. “The Iran Nuclear Deal is taking center stage in
Congressman Rick Nolan's reelection campaign. Right now, Stewart Mills is calling Nolan out on his
support of the controversial agreement. It's the first big attack from the Mills campaign this year. ‘Our
position very early on stated, inevitably, it was going to fund terrorism,’ Mills told KDLH on Friday. Just
hours before our interview, Mills sent reporters a press release titled, ‘Secretary Kerry Confirms Rick
Nolan Voted to Fund Terrorist Organizations.’” [Northland News Center, 1/27/16]
Called Nolan’s Support “Wrong” And “Short Sighted.” “Mills is referring to the Secretary of
State's comments in a CNBC interview. During the interview, Kerry said that some of the $100 billion
in unfrozen assets returned to Iran will likely be used to fund known terrorist organizations. The
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measure was a part of President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. A deal Congressman Rick Nolan
supported. ‘Rick Nolan did not see that far ahead. Now Secretary Kerry has now made it more than
plain, that Rick Nolan support and his vote in favor of that was exactly wrong and was very short
sighted,’ Mills added.” [Northland News Center, 1/27/16]
Denied That He Was Saying Nolan Supported Funding Terrorism But That He Had Not
Thought Through The Implications Of Supporting The Deal. “But on the campaign trail, Mills is
using the Iran Nuclear Deal as a pivotal issue of difference between him and Nolan. ‘Are you saying
that a Congressman who swore an oath to his country, that he would protect the country, are you
saying that Congressman - Congressman Rick Nolan - is trying to fund terrorism organizations?’
KDLH's Nick Minock asked Stewart Mills. ‘No. He just has the policy wrong,’ said Mills. ‘Rick
Nolan's initial support and his vote in favor of the Iran Deal isn't saying Rick Nolan was in favor of
funding terrorism, it's just he didn't think it all the way through.’” [Northland News Center, 1/27/16]
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LGBT Issues
 Did not take position on same-sex marriage, said state has already decided the
issue
Mills did not take a position on same-sex marriage. Instead, he said the state has
already decided the issue.
Did Not Take Position on Same-Sex Marriage
In June 2013, Mills did not take a position on same-sex marriage.
“He did not take a position on same-sex marriage because he said the state has already decided the issue.
Such marriages are to become legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1,” the Star Tribune reported. [Star Tribune,
6/26/13]
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Gun Issues
 Famous for creating a video letter against gun regulations, including an assault
weapons ban
 Said gun control “would not work” and would “endanger” people
 Called for armed security at schools, even if it meant increasing federal taxes on
firearms
 Claimed Second Amendment rights were under attack, said legislators should
“stop playing politics with our God-given constitutional rights”
 NRA endorsed Mills and spent $750,000 on TV ads supporting him
 Criticized Nolan for supporting a ban on assault weapons
 Willie Robertson of the Duck Dynasty show recorded a message asking people to
vote for Mills
 Said the 2016 election “isn’t going to be about guns”
 December 2015: Shared NRA President, Wayne LaPierre’s video about preventing
gun violence on his campaign’s Facebook page
Mills received widespread attention for creating a video letter for Congressman Nolan
and Senators Franken and Klobuchar on gun control legislation in early 2013 in the
aftermath of the Newtown shooting. The video went viral and as of October 2015, it had
over 314,000 views. In the video, Mills called for all schools to have armed guards
instead of implementing any gun control measures. During the 2014 campaign, Mills
touted his “A” rating from the National Rifle Association and they spent $750,000 on
ads supporting him. He is a staunch gun rights supporter and called gun control efforts
an attempt to limit personal freedom. He conceded that the 2016 election “isn’t going to
be about guns.”
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Created A Video Letter Against Gun Regulations, Including An Assault Weapons Ban In Wake Of
Newtown Shooting
that Nolan’s duck gun was more “lethal and impractical” than assault rifles. [HuldraArms YouTube
“Rick Nolan’s duck gun is much more lethal and impractical than the so-called assault rifles that he would
legislate away […] Hopefully, this video letter will educate and inform our uninformed and misguided
congressmen and Senators about the issues,” Mills said. [HuldraArms YouTube account, uploaded 1/10/13]
NOTE: See “Key Moments on Video” section for a full transcription of the video.
Used Video to Promote Fleet Farm Stores, Showed Cased Firearms and Fire Ranges
In Mills’ video, he used the video as a promotional tool for the Fleet Farm stores, showcasing the
firearms and firing ranges available at their stores.
“I’m standing in front of Mills indoor shooting and archery, soon to open on the corner of 210 and
371 in Baxter Minnesota. Behind me is one of our 32 Fleet Farm stores…our Huldra Mark 4 line of
rifles and accessories, exclusive to Mills Street Farms, has allowed our shooting sports department to
be successful, which in turn has allowed us to hire more people and continue to expand,” Mills said.
[HuldraArms YouTube account, uploaded 1/10/13]
Wore Fleet Farm Logo and Filmed Video Outside of Store
In Mills’ video, Mills wore a fleet farm logo on his jacket and filmed the video outside of a Mills Fleet
Farm store.
From a screenshot of the video:
169
[HuldraArms YouTube account, uploaded 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Control Isn’t About Controlling Guns, It’s About Controlling People And Limiting
Your Freedom.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Free Zones Are Killing Our Kids … We Need To Put Armed Security In Every School
And Fund That Price Tag … We Need To Stop Guarding Our Banks And Our Sports Stadiums
Better Than We Guard Our Children.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “This Is About Politics … This Is About Gun Control Measures … They Really Don’t Care
About Solving The Problem. They Just Are Not Gonna Let A Good Crisis Go To Waste And
They’re Gonna Push Their Political Agenda.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Suggested That Violent Video Games And Mental Health Were Responsible For Gun Violence.
[Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Mills: “Gun Control Will Not Work … It Will Only Endanger Us.” [Huldra Arms YouTube, 1/10/13]
Said We Need To Put Armed Security In Every School And Fund That Price Tag. [Huldra Arms
YouTube, 1/10/13]
Claimed Sporting Rifles Were Less Dangerous Than Duck Hunting Shot Guns. [Huldra Arms
YouTube, 1/10/13]
In Mills’ video, he said gun control will not work and would only further endanger us.
“So that is my video letter to our Congressman and Senators. Gun control will not work. It will only
endanger us. Do not strip away our freedoms due to ignorance or politics.” [HuldraArms YouTube account,
uploaded 1/10/13]
170
From his video:
“So what’s the solutions, we need to put armed security in every school and fund that
price tag. We have to stop putting things on our credit card and mortgaging our children’s
future to China. The ATF collects approximately $ 24 billion a year in excise fees. If we
need to increase the 11% ATF excise fee on firearms to 15% or whatever to pay for it,
we need to do that. We need to stop guarding our banks and our sports stadiums better than
we guard our children. There’s only so much money out there. We need to reform certain
institutions and the way that we collect taxes. We need to balance our priorities to get them
straight. The priority should be the security of our children. Locally here, in the Brainerd
Lakes area, we have an excellent law enforcement program. However, we graduate more
candidates than there are law enforcement positions for. I believe we should take the
reallocated funds and distribute it to local law enforcement to hire security police to
guard the doorways and hallways of our local schools.” [YouTube, posted 1/10/13; MinnPost,
7/9/14]
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms No Longer Imposes an Excise tax
“ATF no longer administers the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) provisions of
law. That authority rests with the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Bureau (TTB) within the U.S.
Dept. of Treasury. Accordingly, the following information is provided to help increase
importers’ awareness of the tax and their possible liability for the tax depending on the nature
of their operations.” [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, accessed 2/20/14]
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collects 10% of the Sales of a Pistols or
Revolvers and 11% of Other Firearms Sold
According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, “The tax rates are 10% of the
sale price of pistols and revolvers; 11% of the sale price of firearms other than pistols and
revolvers, shells and cartridges.” [Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, accessed
2/20/14]
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Is Based Upon Wholesale Price
According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, “Taxable sale price is based
upon the taxable article’s wholesale price. When the taxable article is not sold to a wholesale
distributor in an arms-length transaction, a constructive sale price (CSP) can be used as a
substitute tax base. The sale situation will dictate whether the taxpayer can elect or is
required to use a CSP.” [Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, accessed 2/20/14]
…Similar Legislation was Criticized by the National Rifle Association
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2013: Democrats Proposed Doubling the Tax on Handguns to Fund Law Enforcement
In 2013, Democratic Congressmen William Pascrell, D-N.J., and Danny Davis, D-Ill
proposed the Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act, that according to Fox
News would “nearly double the current 11 percent tax on handguns, while raising the levy on
bullets and cartridges from 11 percent to 50 percent. […] “The lawmakers say the bill would
generate $600 million per year, which would be used to fund law-enforcement and gun
violence prevention.” [Fox News, 8/26/13]
Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms: Called it “Confiscatory
Taxation”
In 2013, Alan Gottlieb, chairman for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear
Arms said of the legislation, “What the anti-gun interests can’t ban, they want to tax it out of
existence […] It’s nothing more than confiscatory taxation.” [Fox News, 8/26/13]
National Rifle Association Suggested the Legislation was “Ridiculous”
In 2013, the National Rifle Association posted on Facebook that the Gun Violence
Prevention and Safe Communities Act, would nearly double the current 11% tax on
handguns, while raising the levy on bullets and cartridges from 11% to 50%. LIKE if you
think this is ridiculous!” [National Rifle Association Facebook, 8/27/13]
Headline: Bill would trigger huge new taxes on guns, ammo [NRA, 8/27/13]
Headline: Dem bill would trigger huge new taxes on guns, ammo [Fox News, 8/26/13]
Criticized Government On Infringing 2nd Amendment
In June 2013, Mills criticized the government for infringing on 2nd Amendment run rights. [Legal Ledger,
6/05/13]
National Rifle Association Endorsed Mills And Spent $750,000 On TV Ads Supporting Him
National Rifle Association Endorsed Him. “The candidates spent at least as much time on guns as they
did on mining. Mills made much of his recent endorsement from the National Rifle Association, which
has many members and supporters in Northern Minnesota. Nolan, said Mills, got an ‘F’ from the NRA.
The NRA, said Nolan, is more driven by selling guns (in stores like the ones owned by Mills' family) than
it is about protecting gun owners.” [Hibbing Daily Tribune, 10/12/14]
NRA Spent $750,000 On TV Ads Supporting Him. “The nation's most powerful gun rights group plans
to spend close to $1 million in a weeklong, pre-Election Day ad blitz targeting Minnesota U.S. Rep. Rick
Nolan. The National Rifle Association's massive ad buy - $750,000 over just one week starting Oct. 28,
according to public filings - adds to the flood of outside money that has made the race for the 8th
Congressional District the most expensive contest in Minnesota by far. NRA spokeswoman Jennifer
Baker confirmed the ads would focus on the 8th District but declined to say whether they would criticize
172
Nolan, boost his Republican challenger Stewart Mills or both. No matter the message, it could be potent
in the 8th District, home to northeastern Minnesota counties with some of the highest gun permit
ownership rates in Minnesota. Guns have played heavily into the high pressure race, making appearances
in nearly every ad, debate and interview the two candidates have done. Mills has tried to put Nolan on
defense with gun owners, accusing the Democratic congressman of trying to strip gun owners of Second
Amendment rights.” [Associated Press, 10/9/14]
Willie Robertson Duck Dynasty Recorded A Message In Support Of Mills And His Second
Amendment Stance; Video Was Posted On YouTube
Link to video here.
Willie Robertson: Hey Minnesota, it’s Willie Robertson from Duck Commander. I just wanted to ask
that you vote for Stewart Mills. Stewart’s all about hunting and he’s pro second amendment and that’s the
kind of guys we need up in Washington. So support Stewart Mills in the next election.
Stewart Mills: I’m Stewart Mills—I approve this message because I’ll defend the second amendment
always.
[YouTube, uploaded 10/31/14]
Claimed Second Amendment Rights Were Under Attack, Said Legislators Should “Stop Playing
Politics With Our God-Given Constitutional Rights”
Claimed Second Amendment Rights Were Under Attack, Said Legislators Should “Stop Playing
Politics With Our God-Given Constitutional Rights.” “Mills plans to talk about ‘four pillars’ in his
campaign. One is gun control; the others are health care, the federal debt, and tax burdens on small
businesses. He talked about each one last week. Here is the rundown: Gun control ‘Our Second
Amendment is very much under attack,’ Mills said. ‘There's definitely real threats both on the state level
and the national level. If I can be part of the dialogue statewide, that's fine.’ … Mills said guns should be
off the table in Washington. ‘Stop playing politics with our God-given constitutional rights.’” [Duluth
News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Criticized Nolan For Supporting A Ban On Assault Weapons
Criticized Nolan For Supporting A Ban On Assault Weapons. “Mills called for a ‘flatter, fairer’ tax
code and criticized Nolan for supporting President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, as well as votes
to ban assault weapons and on other gun control measures. Nolan, 70, defended his stance on guns, saying
he doesn't need an assault rifle to go hunting.” [Associated Press, 11/05/14]
Posted Photos Of Himself Teaching His Young Son To Shoot A Gun On Social Media
173
[Facebook, 8/13/15]
174
[Facebook, 8/13/15]
Said The 2016 Election “Isn’t Going To Be About Guns”
Said The 2016 Election “Isn’t Going To Be About Guns.” “Mills said the 2016 election ‘isn't going be
about guns.’ ‘The gun component of it - I think we've established who's A-rated, and who's F-rated,’ Mills
said.” [Duluth News Tribune, 10/18/15]
December 2015: Shared NRA President’s Video On Preventing Violence On His Campaign’s
Facebook Page; Wayne LaPierre Argued That “Gangbangers” And “Thugs” And Failure To
Prosecute Criminals Were Responsible For Violence, Not Honest Gun Owners
December 2015: Shared NRA President’s Video On Preventing Violence On His Campaign’s
Facebook Page; Wayne LaPierre Argued That “Gangbangers” And “Thugs” And Failure To
Prosecute Criminals Were Responsible For Violence, Not Gun Owners. [Facebook, 12/05/15]
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Health Care Issues
 Opposed health care reform
 Indicated he didn’t support covering pre-existing conditions and allowing children
on parents’ health care until they are 26
 Said popular elements of ACA not necessarily part of future reform
 2000-2010: Oversaw health insurance at Mills Fleet Farm
 2013: Plan administrator and fiduciary of company health care plan
 Claimed his company’s health care plan “has been taxed to subsidize
Obamacare”
 Repeatedly claimed that he had seen the negative impacts of Obamacare
 Claimed that 140,000 Minnesotans had lost their health care coverage because of
Obamacare
 Said he would replace Obamacare with legal protections, safety net programs,
and the free market
 Said he was “for healthcare reform” but against a big government program,
supported strengthening social safety nets instead
 Said he liked “the good things” that the Affordable Care Act had done
 Said he had received the “cold shoulder” from a Nolan staffer when he
complained about Obamacare
 Minnesota had the fifth lowest rate of uninsured in the country in 2014
Mills announced his opposition to the Affordable Care Act. He said it would result in
rationing of care and increase costs. He also said health care reform needed to be
176
“repealed and replaced.” Mills even opposed popular elements of the Affordable Care
Act that included covering people with pre-existing conditions and allowing children to
stay on their parents’ plans until they are twenty six years old. Between 2000 and 2010,
Mills oversaw health insurance and other benefit plans as the director of personnel for
Mills Fleet Farm. In July 2013, he said he was the plan administrator and the fiduciary
of company health care plan.
Mills claimed he had seen firsthand the negative impacts of Obamacare as the
company’s plan administrator and that their plan had been taxed to subsidize the new
law. He later shifted to say that the law should simply be replaced but when asked what
he would replace it with he responds in generalities such as a free market system, safety
net protections, tort reform, and health savings accounts. Mills conceded that he liked
the good things that the Affordable Care Act had done but said replacing it would be a
central focus of his 2016 campaign.
Opposed Health Care Reform
In July 2013, Mills announced his opposition to health care reform.
“…And what Obamacare has done it has decreased the supply of healthcare, it’s done nothing to change
how we deliver it, and it’s increased the demand. Anytime time that happens you are going have cost go
through the roof,” Mills said. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Mills: “Obamacare will Create Rationing Situation and Increase Costs”
In July 2013, Mills said “Obamacare will create rationing situation and increase costs.”
“What is happening with Obamacare will not accomplish what it set out to accomplish. All that it will
do is it will create a rationing situation, it will increase cost, it will have an opposite effect,” Mills
said. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Mills: Health Care Reform Needs to be “Repealed and Replaced”
In July 2013, Mills said health care reform needed to be “repealed and replaced.”
“It is something that needs to be repealed and replace by something quite frankly just the opposite of
the direction that they are going because healthcare is way more important than to have government,
or government bureaucrats, come between you and your doctor. It is person, and needs to be treated
like its personal,” Mills said. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13; Minnesota Public Radio,
10/10/13]
… Despite the Effect Repeal Would Have on the 8th Minnesota Congressional District
According to 2011 analysis by the minority staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the
Affordable Care Act provided significant benefits to Minnesota’s congressional district:
177
Allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to 113,000 to 283,000 individuals, including
7,000 to 34,000 children, with pre-existing conditions.
 Rescinding consumer protections for 396,000 individuals who have health insurance through their
employer or the market for private insurance.
 Eliminating health care tax credits for up to 16,600 small businesses and 185,000 families.
 Increasing prescription drug costs for 13,900 seniors who hit the Part D drug “donut hole” and
 denying new preventive care benefits to 125,000 seniors.
 Increasing the costs of early retiree coverage for up to 9,500 early retirees.
 Eliminating new health care coverage options for 1,500 uninsured young adults.
 Increasing the number of people without health insurance by 22,000 individuals.
 Increasing the costs to hospitals of providing uncompensated care by $120 million annually
[Minority Staff of Energy and Commerce Committee, 1/18/11]
… Though Repeal Jeopardizes Children, Pregnant Women, and Cancer Survivors
If Mills gets his way, insurance companies could deny coverage to children with pre-existing
conditions, pregnant women and breast cancer survivors.
Repealing Health Care Reform Would Re-Legalize Allowing Insurance Companies to Drop
Coverage for People with Pre-Existing Conditions
In March 2010, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that six months after the Health Care
Legislation is signed, health plans would be prohibited from excluding children who have
preexisting conditions. In 2014, this prohibition would be extended to adults. That year, insurers
would no longer be allowed to set annual limits, rescind coverage, or impose excessive waiting
periods before coverage starts. [Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/22/10]
… Including Children
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, six months after health care legislation was signed, health
plans would be prohibited from excluding children who have preexisting conditions. [Philadelphia
Inquirer, 3/22/10]
… Including Pregnant Women
According to PolitiFact.com, pregnancy was considered a pre-existing condition.
“But for now, Rohack is correct that pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition and prevents
many women from getting coverage if they seek insurance on the individual market,” the website
explained. [politifact.com, 8/18/09]
… Including Breast Cancer Survivors
According to PolitiFact.com, cancer was considered a pre-existing condition. [politifact.com, 8/18/09]
And according to U.S. News, breast cancer was specifically considered a pre-existing condition.
178
“Starting in 2014, insurers won't be able to deny applicants based on, say, an earlier diagnosis of
breast cancer,” the story reported. [usnews.com, 1/14/11]
… Though Repeal Would Make Millions of Seniors Pay More for Prescription Drugs
If Mills gets his way, millions of seniors would pay more for prescription drugs.
Repealing Legislation Would Re-Enact the Donut Hole for Seniors
In March 2010, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Medicare seniors with Medicare
prescription coverage prior to the signing of the Health Care Legislation must pay out of their
pocket for drug spending that falls between $2,830 and $6,440 because of the “doughnut hole” in
the Medicare law.
Seniors who hit this “idiosyncratic feature” this in 2010 would get a $250 rebate. In 2011, the gap
would be reduced through a discount on brand-name drugs. By 2020, it should be eliminated,
although seniors would still have to pay 25 percent of their prescription-drug costs. [Philadelphia
Inquirer, 3/22/10]
2016: Seniors In The “Donut Hole” Set To Receive Discounts And Savings Of 55% On
Brand Name Drugs And 42% On Generic Drugs. “The Affordable Care Act makes Medicare
prescription drug coverage more affordable by gradually closing the gap in coverage where
beneficiaries had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions out of pocket, before catastrophic
coverage for prescriptions took effect. The gap is known as the donut hole. The donut hole will be
closed by 2020. Because of the health care law, in 2010, anyone with a Medicare prescription drug
plan who reached the prescription drug donut hole received a $250 rebate. In 2011, beneficiaries
in the donut hole began receiving discounts and savings on covered brand-name and generic
drugs. People with Medicare Part D who are in the donut hole in 2016 will receive discounts and
savings of 55 percent on the cost of brand name drugs and 42 percent on the cost of generic
drugs.” [CMS, “More than 10 million people with Medicare have saved over $20 billion on
prescription drugs since 2010,” 2/08/16]
2015: Minnesota Saw Discounts Of $285 Million Impacting More Than 73,000 Beneficiaries
Resulting In Average Savings Of $981 Per Beneficiary. [CMS, “Part D donut hole savings by
state YTD 2015,” accessed 2/08/16]
… Though Repeal Would Eliminate Tax Breaks for Small Businesses
If Mills gets his way, small businesses would lose tax breaks that help make health insurance more
affordable.
Repealing Legislation Would Eliminate Tax Breaks for Small Businesses
Businesses with fewer than 25 Employees and average wages of less than $50,000 could qualify
for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the cost of the premiums. [MSNBC, 3/22/10]
179
… Though Repeal Would Prevent Young People From Staying on Parents’ Plans
If Mills gets his way, young people would not be able to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26.
Repealing Healthcare Reform Would Prevent Dependent Children from Staying of Parents’
Plans Until Age 26
According to 2010 analysis by Kaiser Health News, under healthcare reform, dependent children
could remain on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26. [msnbc.com, 3/22/10]
… Though Repealing Health Care Could Eliminate Up to 400,000 Jobs
According to the Center for American Progress, the repeal of health insurance reform could eliminate
250,000 to 400,000 jobs annually over the next ten years. [Center for American Progress, 1/07/11]
… Though Repeal Would Add $230 Billion to the Deficit
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the repeal of health care reform would
increase the deficit by $230 billion by 2021. The CBO’s previous score of the Affordable Health Care Act
had it decreasing the deficit by $143 billion over 10 years. [Politico, 1/06/11]
Indicated That Popular Parts Of The ACA Such As Allowing Children To Remain On Their
Parents Plan Until They Are 26 And Covering Pre-Existing Conditions Were Not Necessarily Part
Of Future Health Care Reform Efforts
In 2014 Mills indicated not supporting covering people with pre-existing conditions and not allowing
children to stay on their parents health care.
Mills, “said that the law’s relatively popular provisions — such as ending the ban on pre-existing
conditions, allowing children on their parents’ plan until they’re 26, etc. — wouldn’t necessarily be a part
of a future reform effort,” the Minn Post reported. [Minn Post, 8/25/14]
Opposed Children Staying On Their Parents Health Plans Until They Reach Twenty Six
In 2014, Mills opposed children staying on their parents’ health plans until they reach twenty six.
“Mills said parents who want that should pay for it, not pass along the cost to everyone else,” Minnesota
Public Radio News reported. [Minnesota Public Radio News, 2/12/14]
Later Said He Supported Reform That Included Protections For Those With Pre-Existing
Conditions
Later Said He Supported Reform That Included Protections For Those With Pre-Existing
Conditions. “On the Affordable Care Act, Mills said he favored health care reform that protects people
with pre-existing conditions but he supports reforming the law to allow people to buy and sell plans
across state lines.” [Star Tribune, 10/8/14]
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Said Popular Elements Of ACA Not Necessarily Part Of Future Reform
In August 2014, Mills claimed that Social Security and Medicare need to be fixed, but besides repealing
the Affordable Care Act, Mills offered no policy specifics.
Mills also said that the ACA’s “relatively popular provisions — such as ending the ban on pre-existing
conditions, allowing children on their parents’ plan until they’re 26, etc. — wouldn’t necessarily be a part
of a future reform effort,” the Minneapolis Post reported. [Minneapolis Post, 8/26/14]
Supported Repealing The Affordable Care Act And Repealing Cuts To Medicare Advantage
In August 2014, Mills supported repealing the Affordable Care Act, but was also in favor of removing
cuts to Medicare Advantage before changing the medical insurance system in the United States.
“I agree with repealing Obamacare but I don’t agree with the cuts to Medicare Advantage. I believe that
money should be returned to Medicare and then we have to reform the system ... That’s how it becomes
sustainable,” said Mills. [Minneapolis Star Tribune, 8/29/14]
Said There Were “Very Few” With People With Preexisting Conditions
Note: A correction was issued that Mills meant to say that few people have “True Preexisting Conditions
that didn’t have a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Certificate”
Mills Said People with Preexisting Conditions were “Very Few.” In 2014, the Brainerd Dispatch
reported that Mills had said that in his experience as a vice president and health plan administrator of
Mills Fleet Farm, cases of people with preexisting conditions were “very few” in number. [Brainerd
Dispatch, 1/30/14; Mills for Congress, accessed 8/25/14]
Brainerd Dispatch: Mills Said Few People have “True Preexisting Conditions that didn’t have a
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Certificate”
Brainerd Dispatch issued correction to its January 30th article on Stewart Mills, reporting that
“inadvertently omitted a portion of the comments” made by Mills and that he said “there were very
few people with true preexisting conditions that didn’t have a Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act certificate. The Dispatch regrets the error.” [Brainerd Dispatch, 2/19/14]
October 2014 Debate: Said He Never Claimed That There Were Not Many People With PreExisting Conditions But That He Was Referring To People Trying To Switch Plans Who Were
Not Covered By HIPAA. “First of all, I never said there aren’t many people that have pre-existing
conditions. What I said is that as plan administrator, there are few people that I’ve run across that are
not covered by HIPAA, which allows you to go from your existing plan to another plan without
having to worry about preexisting conditions. Also, I never said there was a federal government
program that never worked.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
181
Strengthening Social Safety Nets Instead
Strengthening Social Safety Nets Instead. “I am for healthcare reform. Healthcare reform that actually
brings down costs and increase access. And I’m also for the goals of the Affordable Care Act. Which is
making sure people don’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions, lifetime maximums, or if they have
a catastrophic health condition that they don’t have to worry about where the care is coming from.
However, we have to decide who we are as a people. Who we are as a society. Are we a society of social
safety nets and legal protections? Or are we a welfare state? With a government big enough to give us
everything, but also big enough to take it away. So we need to strengthen social safety nets. Social safety
nets such as MCHA, Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, which due to Obamacare, is going to
be closing at the end of this year.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
DCCC Ad Against Mills “Correct” That He Did Not Like Popular Provisions In Affordable Care
Act
In August 2014, a DCCC IE ad against Stewart Mills was “correct that Mills isn’t keen on Obamacare,
including two provisions that are relatively popular with the public.” [MPR News, 8/29/14]
2000-2010: Oversaw Health Insurance And Other Benefit Plans
Between 2000 and 2010, Mills served as the director of personnel for Fleet Farm and oversaw health
insurance and other benefit plans. [Stewart Mills Campaign Website, accessed 9/06/13]
July 2013: Said He was Plan Administrator and the Fiduciary of Company Health Care Plan
In July 2013, Mills said he was the plan administrator and the fiduciary the company’s health care
plan.
“I am the plan administrator and the fiduciary of our company’s health care plan,” Mills said. [Crow
Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Touted Health Care Healthy Lifestyle Reimbursement Plan
In July 2013, Mills touted his support of his company’s healthy lifestyle reimbursement plan.
“…we actually came up with a contribution reimbursement program in which we allowed our
employees to buy their contributions down to zero through healthy life style…we came up with six
different metrics and if they engaged in all of those and they were healthy they could by it down to
zero…And it was a great system,” Mills said. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
Claimed His Company’s Health Care Plan “Has Been Taxed To Subsidize Obamacare”
Claimed His Company’s Health Care Plan “Has Been Taxed To Subsidize Obamacare.” “Many of
Mills' points were covered in the Republican's 2010 "Pledge to America" and Mitt Romney's plan to
replace the health care act as he ran for president in 2012. Mills Fleet Farm is a self-insurer, meaning it
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runs its insurance in-house. More than half of workers in the country fall under similar plans and most
were exempted from requirements under the Affordable Care Act. Mills said his company of more than
6,000 employees is still taking a hit as insurance costs have risen and the company is subject to ‘fees that
our employees have not received the benefit of. Our plan has been taxed to subsidize Obamacare.’”
[Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Repeatedly Claimed He Had Seen The Negative Impacts Of Obamacare
Repeatedly Claimed He Had Seen The Negative Impacts Of Obamacare. “I’m the plan administrator
of our company’s self-insured health plan. I have seen first hand how our employees have been negatively
impacted by Obamacare. Not only that, all throughout our part of Minnesota, I’ve seen how people have
been hurt by Obamacare—higher co-pays, higher deductibles, higher premiums, skinnier networks—
people are paying a lot more and they’re getting a lot less.” [WDIO, 10/28/14]
October 2014 Debate: Said People Were Paying More And Getting Less Because Of Obamacare.
“Ah and one of those many hats I wear as Vice President is looking out for our six thousand employees.
And one of those hats is Plan Administrator of our company’s self-insured health plan. I have seen
firsthand how Obamacare has affected negatively our employees and their families. And not only that, I
have seen all throughout our part of Minnesota how people have been negatively impacted by it. Higher
premiums, higher co-pays, higher deductibles, skinnier networks, they’re paying more, they’re getting
less.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Claimed 140,000 Minnesotans Had Lost Their Health Care Coverage Because Of Obamacare
Claimed 140,000 Minnesotans Had Lost Their Health Care Coverage Because Of Obamacare. “And
also we’re willing to stand up against Obamacare. I’m the plan administrator of Fleet Farms self-insured
health plan that covers over 6,000 of our team members and their family members. And we’ve seen
firsthand what Obamacare has done to our plan, not only our plan but the 140,000 Minnesotans that have
lost their plans under Obamacare.” [WCCO, 10/21/14]
Said He Liked “The Good Things” The Affordable Care Act Had Done
Said He Liked “The Good Things” The Affordable Care Act Had Done. “By the time Mills conceded
there were outcomes of the Affordable Care Act he wished to keep – ‘I do like the good things it has
done,’ he said -- the divide between the major party candidates seemed narrower than expected.” [Forum
Protections For Social Safety Nets Programs … And … The Free Market”
Protections For Social Safety Nets … And … The Free Market.” “[5:49] Q: What is your specific
alternative to the Affordable Care Act? A: Well, it’s a combination of two things. It’s on one hand, legal
protections for social safety nets and on the other hand the free market.” [WCCO, 10/21/14]
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Savings Accounts
Savings Accounts. “The Nisswa man called for the repeal and replacement of the law, often called
Obamacare. In comments after his speech, Mills said he would replace the law with a free market-based
system with price transparency, purchases across state lines, tort reform and health savings accounts.” [St.
Paul Pioneer Press, 4/12/14]
Said He Would Replace Obamacare With “Something That's Free-Market Based And Actually
Works.” “Mills wants the Affordable Care Act repealed and says he has a sketch of a plan on what to
replace it with. ‘Something that's free-market based and actually works,’ he said.” [Duluth News-Tribune,
4/20/14]
Said More Flexible Health Savings Accounts Would Reduce Health Care Costs. “He ran the
employee health care program at Mills Fleet Farm for 14 years, he said, and he found there are three
essential parts to keep in control and keep costs down: Supply, demand and delivery. Cutting costs and
increasing quality of care is the goal of the current effort, he said, but ‘Obamacare is bringing us in the
exact opposite direction. It's driving up costs and bringing down quality.’ Mills said he would open the
insurance market across state lines and would increase the flexibility of health savings accounts. ‘Allow
people to contribute more and then, when it gets to a certain point, they can put that money into their
retirement accounts or into college savings plans.’ He said there also needs to be better transparency on
nonemergency medical procedures. ‘You should know what the prices are.’ He said he also would
advocate tort reform to limit claims made against practitioners.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
Said We Should Allow The Free Market To Fix Health Care Economics
Said We Should Allow The Free Market To Fix Health Care Economics. “We could have worked on
our social safety nets and legal protections as HIPAA, and then let the free market bring the medical
economy, the inflation rate of the medical economy, in line with inflation rate with the rest of the
economy. Because. We know the free market works.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript, 10/06/14]
Said He Had Received A “Cold Shoulder” From A Nolan Staffer When He Complained About
Obamacare
Said He Had Received A “Cold Shoulder” From A Nolan Staffer When He Complained About
Obamacare. “Mills, 42, said that as administrator for his family corporation's health care plan, he had
received a ‘cold shoulder’ when he tried to tell a Nolan staff member the Affordable Care Act wouldn't
work.” [St. Paul Pioneer Press, 4/12/14]
Minnesota Had The Fifth Lowest Rate Of Uninsured People In The Nation In 2014
Star Tribune Headline: “Minnesota's Uninsured Rate Plunges As Affordable Care Act Kicks In.”
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5.9% Of Minnesotans Were Uninsured In 2014, Fifth Lowest Rate Of Uninsured In The
Country; 8.2% Of Minnesotans Were Uninsured In 2013. “The share of Minnesotans without
health insurance fell to a record low last year, as new provisions of the Affordable Care Act kicked in
with a historic expansion in the nation’s insurance markets. Just 5.9 percent of the state’s population
was uninsured in 2014, giving Minnesota the fifth-lowest rate in the nation, according to the U.S.
Census Bureau’s annual report on income and insurance. That was a sharp drop from 2013, when 8.2
percent of Minnesotans lacked health insurance. Nationwide, the uninsured rate fell from 13.3 percent
in 2013 to 10.4 percent last year. The dramatic drop came as more consumers used state and federal
online insurance exchanges to buy coverage and tax penalties loomed for those who lacked health
insurance at the beginning of this year. The numbers were greeted as vindication of the controversial
federal law, especially by elected officials who embraced it early.” [Star Tribune, 9/17/15]
325,000 People Had Enrolled In Insurance Coverage Through The State’s Exchange Program.
“Since November, more than 325,000 Minnesotans have signed up for health insurance using the
state’s MNsure exchange. The vast majority landed in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, public
health insurance programs that now cover one of every five Minnesotans. About 70,000 Minnesotans
signed up for private plans on the exchange, with more than half receiving premium public subsidies.
Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said that although government insurance
rolls are growing, the state will benefit from a healthier population … Between 2008 and 2013,
Minnesota’s uninsured rate hovered around 8 to 9 percent. But in 2014, the number of uninsured
shrank by 123,000 people.” [Star Tribune, 9/17/15]
Also Wanted To Replace MNsure, Minnesota’s State Health Exchange; Said People Were Paying
More And Getting “A Lot Less”
Also Wanted To Replace MNsure; Said People Were Paying More And Getting “A Lot Less.” “He
said he would also stress the need to replace MNsure and the federal health care overhaul. ‘People are
paying a lot more and getting a lot less,’ Mills said. He said Minnesotans should be able to buy health
care across state lines and have price transparency for their health care decisions. He would also back
transferable health savings accounts and specialized courts to deal with medical malpractice suits.”
[Pioneer Press, 10/13/15]
Republican Legislators In Minnesota Wanted To Eliminate MNsure And Move The State To
The Federal Exchange. “Minnesota Republicans are calling for an end to Minnesota’s online health
care exchange. Republican lawmakers met at the State Capitol on Monday to hold a news conference
after 180,000 Minnesotans on MnSure had their renewals delayed last week. Republicans are calling
for an immediate review of the oversight committee and to get rid of MNsure completely. Democratic
Gov. Mark Dayton has expressed he wants to wait until January to talk about any changes. That’s
when a Blue Ribbon Health Care Commission Report comes out … The Republicans want
Minnesotans to transition to the Federal government’s health exchange. Two weeks ago, the Supreme
Court made a ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act.” [CBS Minnesota, 7/13/15]
2015: Said He Would Make Replacing Obamacare A Central Focus Of His Campaign Platform
And Was “Still Very Much Against Obamacare”
185
2015: Said He Would Make Replacing Obamacare A Central Focus Of His Campaign Platform.
“Mills says many of the campaign issues will be the same: Replacing the Affordable Care Act with a
private-focused alternative, including Health Savings Accounts and the ability to buy catastrophic health
coverage across state lines. He says he’ll make ‘replacing Obamacare’ a focus.” [CBS Minnesota,
10/13/15]
Said He Was “Still Very Much Against Obamacare. “There's also an interesting turn in the their debate
over Obamacare, which was a focal point in the 2014 campaign. ‘I'm still very much against Obamacare,’
Mills said. ‘Rick Nolan is for Obamacare as a good first step to single payer.’” [Duluth News Tribune,
10/18/15]
186
Immigration Issues
 Said Syrian refugees should not be allowed in the country after the November
2015 attacks in Paris
 Said Donald Trump’s call to ban Muslims from the country distracted from “the
real issues” and called his rhetoric “overly bombastic and overly hyperbolic”
In November 2015, Mills said that he thought Syrian refugees should not be allowed in the
country in the wake of the November 2015 attacks in Paris. He added that the US should
provide humanitarian aid to refugees but needed to protect itself from the threat of Islamic
extremism.
Said Syrian Refugees Should Not Be Allowed In The Country After November 2015 Paris Attacks
Said Syrian Refugees Should Not Be Allowed In The Country After The November 2015 Attacks In
Paris. “Candidates from both sides of the aisle in Minnesota's Eighth District race weighed in Tuesday on
whether or not to allow Syrian refugees to be resettled in the U.S. Resettlement of the refugees has
become politically controversial following a terrorist attack in Paris Nov. 13. The nationwide argument
over whether to continue to allow refugees quickly formed along partisan lines. In response to a request
from the Dispatch, Republican Stewart Mills' campaign emailed a statement saying the refugees should
not be allowed in, while U.S. Rep. Nolan's congressional office sent one from the Democrat lawmaker
saying the refugees should still be allowed access.” [Brainerd Dispatch, 11/18/15]
Said The US Should Provide Humanitarian Aid To Refugees But That The Country Needed To
Be Protected From Islamic Extremism. “Mills’ statement said his top priority was ‘the safety and
security of the American people when addressing the very real threat of radical Islamic terrorism, as
seen in the recent attacks in Paris.’ ‘We need to protect ourselves here at home by resolving the
underlying problem of Islamic extremism that is creating instability and oppression in the Arab
world,’ the statement read. ‘Our hearts go out to the families suffering under this oppression and our
policy should be to provide humanitarian aid in the Arab region to those families, not relocating them
to our country, and more importantly help those refugees eventually reclaim their rightful homes.’”
187
Said Donald Trump’s Call To Ban Muslims From The Country Distracted From “The Real Issues”
And Called His Rhetoric “Overly Bombastic And Overly Hyperbolic”
Said Donald Trump’s Call To Ban Muslims From The Country Distracted From “The Real Issues”
And Called His Rhetoric “Overly Bombastic And Overly Hyperbolic.” “Republican presidential
candidate Donald Trump's proposal to temporarily ban Muslim citizens of foreign countries from entering
the United States drew bipartisan criticism on Wednesday from both major candidates running for the seat
in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. Stewart Mills, the Republican challenger, said in a phone
interview that Trump's comments distracted attention from ‘the real issues’ and refocused it on Trump
himself. ‘His rhetoric, which is overly bombastic and overly hyperbolic, doesn’t address or frame the
debate in a way that is constructive,’ he said. The issue of security remains, Mills said, but it can’t be
solved with a ‘religious litmus test.’” [Brainerd Dispatch, 12/10/15]
Said That Visas For People From Certain Countries Should Be Given Extra Scrutiny.
“However, Mills noted that one of the San Bernardino shooters, Tashfeen Malik, was in the United
States on a visa. Mills suggested adding a higher level of scrutiny for visa applicants based on their
country of origin. ‘When it comes to dealing with people that are coming from countries—and again,
it has nothing to do with religion—but countries that have movements that are anti-American, whether
it is (the Islamic State group), whether it is Al Qaida, whether it's Al Shabaab, we have to do a much
better job of screening the people that we are issuing visas to.’” [Brainerd Dispatch, 12/10/15]
188
Labor Issues
 Called raising the minimum wage and extending unemployment insurance an
“admission of failure”
 Said minimum wage jobs were “stepping stone jobs designed for 16- and 17- yearolds to get their next paying jobs”
 Labor union accused Mills Fleet Farm of using temporary workers at minimum
wage
 Did not know the correct unemployment rate
 Criticized for accepting support from the Koch brothers who shut down Minnesota
plant
 United Steel Workers op-ed called the idea that Mills supported working people
“downright laughable”
Mills called raising the minimum wage and extending unemployment insurance an
“admission of failure.” In 2011, the Twin Cities chapter of the Laborers’ International
Union of North America accused Mills Fleet Farm Stores of using temporary workers
at minimum wage for the construction of a new store in Carver, Minnesota.
Mills also did not know the correct unemployment rate and was criticized for accepting
support by the Koch Brothers who shut down a Minnesota plant. During a 2014 debate,
Mills argued that minimum wage jobs were just “stepping stones” for teenagers, not
full time working adults.
United Steel Workers Op-Ed Called The Idea That Mills Supported Working People “Downright
Laughable”
United Steel Workers Op-Ed Called The Idea That Mills Supported Working People “Downright
Laughable.” “The idea that Stewart Mills III would be on our side as working people on the Iron Range
is downright laughable. Mills is a multi-millionaire who has never had to apply for a job in his life,
opposes a minimum wage increase, and wants to cut taxes for millionaires such as himself. Worse, Mills
refuses to distance him-self from his Republican allies who want to use Chinese steel and undermine our
livelihood. The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries,
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including metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, mining and the service and public sectors.”
[Grand Rapids Herald-Review, 9/24/14]
190
Called Raising The Minimum Wage And Extending Unemployment Insurance An “Admission Of
Failure”
In 2014, Mills called raising the minimum wage and extending unemployment insurances a “stunning
admission of failure.” [Star Tribune, 1/9/14]
Criticized by Rep. Nolan for Not Supporting Minimum Wage
In 2014 Mills was criticized by Congressman Nolan on not supporting minimum wage increase. [KBJR,
8/1/14]
Headline: Rick Nolan calls out Stewart Mills on minimum wage [KBJR, 8/1/14]
Endorsed by Minnesota Republicans who Supported Raising the Minimum Wage
In 2014, Republicans Senator Paul Gazelka, Representative Ron and Senator Carrie Ruud, “all said
they’d support conforming to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In Minnesota minimum
wage is $6.15 for large employers; $5.25 for small employers; with a training wage minimum set at
$4.90 per hour.” [Brainerd Dispatch, 1/23/14]
Headline: Lawmakers consider minimum wage hike proposals [Brainerd Dispatch, 1/23/14]
…Same Three Republicans Endorsed Stewart Mills III. According to a Stewart Mills press
release, Republicans Senator Paul Gazelka, Representative Ron and Senator Carrie Ruud all endorsed
Stewart Mills III. [Mills for Congress, accessed 2/7/14]
Said Minimum Wage Jobs Were “Stepping Stone Jobs Designed For 16- And 17-Year-Olds To Get
Their Next Paying Jobs”
Said Minimum Wage Jobs Were “Stepping Stone Jobs Designed For 16- And 17-Year-Olds To Get
Their Next Paying Jobs.” “Mills described minimum wage as ‘stepping stone jobs designed for 16- and
17-year-olds to get their next paying jobs.’ The comment drew a collective gasp from the crowd, but Mills
finished the thought by saying the scarcity of better-paying jobs is ‘a stunning indictment of Democrats.’”
[The Pine Journal, 10/09/14]
Carver, Minnesota.
191
In 2011, Mills’ father and Fleet Farm CEO, Stewart Mills Jr., disputed the claims of the local labor
unions on worker exploitation at the Mills Fleet Farm store in Carver.
Minimum Wage
Breitbach reportedly paid $18 and $19 an hour for the four men they hired, but discovered that Labor
Ready was only giving the men the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Denied Conflict Of Interest With Mills Fleet Farm On Federal Minimum Wage Proposal
In August 2014, Mills reiterated his position to increasing the federal minimum wage. Mills claimed his
company pays above the state minimum wage, but did not address the proposed $10.00 federal minimum
wage.
“Stewart does not support an increase in the federal minimum wage. But that’s because he thinks that the
best way to create jobs, the best way to help people in minimum wage jobs is to make sure that there are
better paying jobs; more jobs that require higher skills and the way to get those jobs is to grow the
economy,” said Mills campaign spokesperson Chloe Rockow.
Said Mills Fleet Farm Employees Are Paid Above Minimum Wage
“Mills says his company, Mills Fleet Farm, pays its employees a rate above the state minimum wage.”
Criticized For Receiving An Outsized Executive Salary While Opposing Minimum Wage Increase
In August 2014, Nolan criticized Mills’ wages from his families company, claiming they are over six
times “the going rate for a position like his.”
“Ironically, my opponent, Stewart Mills III, is paid $570,000 a year – nearly $300 an hour – by his family
firm, even though $45 an hour is the going rate for a position like his. And yet he has the audacity to
oppose raising the minimum wage for everyday hardworking Americans to $10.10 an hour?” Nolan said.
192
2014: Did Not Know The Correct Unemployment Rate
In 2014, Mills said, “We have an 8 percent unemployment rate currently. Contrast that with a 4.5 percent
unemployment rate statewide. We know we can do better.” [WDIO, 6/6/14]
May 2014: National Unemployment Rate is 6.3% [Bureau of Labor and Statistics, accessed 6/18/14]
April 2014: Minnesota Unemployment Rate is 4.7% [Bureau of Labor and Statistics, accessed 6/18/14]
April 2014: Duluth, MN-WI Unemployment Rate is 5.9% [Bureau of Labor and Statistics, accessed
6/18/14]
Criticized For Accepting Support By The Koch Brothers, Who Shut Down A Minnesota Plant
2012: Koch Brother’s Closed Georgia-Pacific Plant in Duluth
“Georgia-Pacific said Tuesday it will close its Duluth hardboard plant at the end of the month and put the
building up for sale. The move will put 140 people out of work, the Duluth News Tribune reported. The
employees will be paid and receive benefits for 60 days. The Duluth facility makes a thin hardboard
product called Superwood that is used in the auto industry. Production of that product will be moved to
other Georgia-Pacific facilities.” [Minnesota/St. Paul Business Journal, 8/21/12; Star Tribune, 10/22/12]
Koch-Backed Americans for Prosperity Bought $225,000 in Television Ads
“Minnesota AFP director John Cooney says the group bought $225,000 in television time over three
weeks. It will pay for ads in the Twin Cities and Duluth TV markets.” [Associated Press, 12/26/13]
AFP: Social Security Privatization “Pro-Growth, Supply-Side Alternative to the Austerity
Approach”
In April 2014, Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-backed group, released their budget principle. The
Principles included proposals for Social Security reform, potentially by “[investing] in real assets that
earn a higher rate of return,” or privatizing the program.
Americans for Prosperity Recommendations for Budget Reform: “The real investment option is
clearly superior to a massive tax hike, and makes sense both economically and politically. It is the
pro-growth, supply-side alternative to the austerity approach, giving workers a better deal by boosting
capital formation and growing the economy. Real investment could be managed like a pension, as
President Clinton proposed, or it could reside in optional individual accounts that workers own and
control.” [Americans for Prosperity Recommendations for Budget Reform, 4/08/14]
Mill Received Over $2,000 from Koch Industries PAC.
In 2014, Mills received $2,500 from Koch Industries PAC. [FEC, filed 7/15/14]
Protested Against Outside Closed Koch Brothers Plant
193
In August 2014, Mills’ candidacy was protested at a closed Koch brothers plant in Duluth. The protesters
claimed Mills was out of touch with the district.
“Stewart Mills doesn’t care about that. He doesn’t care about jobs all he’s worried about is getting the
money from his rich friends, letting him ruin the environment and whatever else,” said one protester about
the plant’s closure. [Fox 21, 8/13/14]
Headline: Group Protests Stewart Mills at Closed Plant [FOX 21, 8/13/14]
Characterization Of MN-08 Economy Rejected By Economist
In August 2014, Mills’ assessment of the unemployment rate was criticized. Mills claimed that the 8th
District’s higher than state average unemployment, 5.8 percent, was a scandal, but economist Richard
Lichty disagreed with Mills’ gloom and doom prognostications.
“I think our region is doing fairly well right now by all indicators in job growth, income growth, GDP
growth. All of those indicators show we are growing,” said Lichty. [Northland News Center, 8/29/14]
Distanced Himself From McFadden And Chinese Steel Comments
In August 2014, Mills distanced himself from Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden’s claims that
he’d build a major federal project with Chinese steel if it were cheaper.
Mills claimed he would “absolutely not” use imported steel. Mills had toured the district with McFadden
in the past year. [Duluth News Tribune, 8/28/14]
Senior Issues
 Said “all options on the table” for social security reform
 Said he believed in preserving Social Security and Medicare but had to be mindful
that they have “a date of insolvency”
 Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 budget proposal because he said it did not address
health care issues sufficiently
Mills said “all options [were] on the table” for Social Security Reform. During an
October 2014 debate, he said that he believed in preserving Social Security and
Medicare but that the programs had “a date of insolvency.” In 2014, he said he opposed
194
Paul Ryan’s budget proposal because it did not sufficiently address health care issues
and the deficit.
reform.
October 2014 Debate: Said He Believed In Preserving Social Security And Medicare But Had To Be
Mindful That They Have “A Date Of Insolvency”
October 2014 Debate: Said He Believed In Preserving Social Security And Medicare But Had To Be
Mindful That They Have “A Date Of Insolvency.” “Because I want to stand for what I stand for, and
what I will stand for you in Washington DC. And I preserve – I believe in preserving and protecting
Social Security and Medicare. But we have to be cognizant of the fact that these programs have a date of
insolvency. And we can’t just keep kicking the can down the road.” [The Uptake, Debate Transcript,
10/06/14]
Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 Budget Proposal
Opposed Paul Ryan’s FY15 Budget Proposal. “He said he doesn't support the recent budget proposed
by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, something that surprised the Nolan camp. Mills said he can't support a budget
that doesn't offer a way to fix the health care economy in line with the rest of the economy. He said
President Obama has refused to work with Congress, and the House and Senate need to start putting bills
on his desk.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 4/20/14]
195
Tax Issues
 Found claim that the wealthy do not pay their fair share in taxes “personally
offensive”
 Advocated for a “flatter” tax code
 Called for “simple and fair” flat tax
 Called for armed security at schools, even if it meant increasing federal taxes on
firearms
 Said the tax code should be simple enough that you could fill out taxes “on the
back of a postcard”
Mills said claims that the wealthy do not pay enough taxes were “personally offensive”
to him because he contributed to the community in other ways. He has also called for a
flatter tax code with a “simple and fair” flat tax.
Mills called for armed security at schools, even if it meant increasing federal taxes on
firearms. Mills said he wanted the tax code to be simple enough that anyone could fill
out their taxes “on the back of a postcard.”
Found Claim That The Wealthy Do Not Pay Their Fair Share In Taxes “Personally Offensive”
Found Claim That The Wealthy Do Not Pay Their Fair Share In Taxes “Personally Offensive.” In
June 2013, Mills said he found the claim that the wealthy did not pay enough taxes “personally
offensive.”
From an event in Baxter, Minnesota:
“What happened in the last couple elections, where you have folks saying that the wealthy
are not paying their fair share that there are all these loopholes and they don’t pay any
taxes and we have to make them pay more. Well you know what… we’ve paid all of our
taxes, we reinvest the money that we make into our business. We provide jobs for people,
we provide health insurance for people. We are part of this community and then beyond that
we support community and civic endeavors. We donate to charity, we help with events, we
do a lot of things for this community, and to be singled out as a deadbeat, is personally
offensive. [Crow Wing County GOP 2nd Amendment Rally, 7/20/13]
196
Coverage of Personally Offensive Tour
Headline: DFL kicks off “personally offensive” tour against GOP's Stewart Mills [Northland News Center,
8/13/14]
WDIO, 8/13/14
WDIO, 8/13/14
WDIO, 8/13/14
KBJR, 8/13/14
KQDS, 8/13/14
KQDS, 8/13/14
Advocated For A “Flatter” And “Fairer” Tax Code
According to his campaign website Mills said he would “fight for a flatter, simpler, fairer tax code in
Washington.” [Stewart Mills for Congress, accessed 8/1/14]
Flatter Tax Lowers Tax Rate for High-Income Earners
In 2011, Alan Binder, former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, wrote in the Wall Street Journal
that “Eliminating the biggest deductions and exclusions is extremely unlikely, and flatter rates alone
won't make the tax system any simpler. It would, however, make it far less progressive.” [Wall Street
Journal, 11/14/11]
Called For A “Flatter, Fairer” Tax That He Claimed Would Benefit The Middle Class. “Mills called
for a ‘flatter, fairer’ tax that he said would be simple and fair and benefit the middle class. He faulted
Nolan for backing the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act and for his support for a single-payer
universal health care system. Mills also touted his endorsement from the National Rifle Association and
noted that the NRA gave Nolan an ‘F’ rating. ‘Representative Nolan talked about common sense
solutions,’ Mills said. ‘I hope that single-payer government-run health care is not a common-sense
solution to what we have to do with our health care economy.’” [Associated Press, 10/07/14]
Called For “Simple And Fair” Flat Tax
In October 2014, Mills supported a “flat tax that would be simple and fair and benefit the middle class,”
though he declined to offer details on his tax plan. [MPR News, 10/07/14]
15% Rate Would Give the Richest One Percent a $391,330 Tax Cut
Recently, Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich proposed to change the personal income tax by
introducing a “flat tax” that is described as having a single rate at 15 percent. “Former House Speaker
197
Newt Gingrich’s $18.1 trillion tax plan would give the richest one percent of Americans an average
tax cut of $391,330, which would be over 190 times as large as the average tax cut of $1,990 that the
middle fifth of Americans would receive.” [Center for Tax Justice, 1/06/12]
Flat Tax Raises Taxes On Middle Class to Cut Taxes for Rich
According to Citizens for Tax Justice the flat tax, “…would dramatically shift the tax burden away
from the wealthy--and onto the middle class and the poor.” [Citizens for Tax Justice testimony before the Joint
Economic Committee, 5/17/95]
Flat Tax Would Shift Burden from Rich to Non Rich
According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, lower tax rates for the wealthy under a flat tax
will have to be financed by some combination of higher taxes on the middle class and larger budget
deficits. A flat tax that raises the same revenues as our current tax code would shift a significant
portion of the tax burden from the rich to average workers. According to Citizens for Tax Justice,
under a flat tax, the fortunate few with incomes above $200,000 will see their taxes fall by an average
of $53,940. [Falling Flat: The Dubious Case for a Flat Tax, Economic Policy Institute, 1/17/96]
Said His Family Got Their Hands Dirty And Claimed A Flax Tax Would Help Main Street
Said His Family Got Their Hands Dirty And Claimed A Flax Tax Would Help Main Street.
“Mills defended his company and family, saying they work hard and play hard and building the
business meant their hands got dirty and even ‘a little bit bloody sometimes.’ Mills said he
favored flattening the tax code to be friendlier to Main Street.” [Star Tribune, 10/08/14]
Claimed He “Never” Called For A Tax Break For The Wealthy
According to Mills website, “Stewart has never once called for a tax break on the wealthy.” [Stewart Mills
for Congress, accessed 8/01/14]
From his video:
“So what’s the solutions, we need to put armed security in every school and fund that price tag.
We have to stop putting things on our credit card and mortgaging our children’s future to China. The
ATF collects approximately $ 24 billion a year in excise fees. If we need to increase the 11% ATF
excise fee on firearms to 15% or whatever to pay for it, we need to do that. We need to stop
guarding our banks and our sports stadiums better than we guard our children. There’s only so much
money out there. We need to reform certain institutions and the way that we collect taxes. We need to
balance our priorities to get them straight. The priority should be the security of our children. Locally
here, in the Brainerd Lakes area, we have an excellent law enforcement program. However, we
198
graduate more candidates than there are law enforcement positions for. I believe we should take the
reallocated funds and distribute it to local law enforcement to hire security police to guard the
doorways and hallways of our local schools.” [Youtube, emphasis added, posted 1/10/13]
Criticized Government for Increasing Taxes
In June 2013, Mills criticized the government for increasing taxes. [Legal Ledger, 6/05/13]
Said Tax Code Should Be Simple Enough That You Could Fill Out Taxes “On The Back Of A
Postcard”
Said Tax Code Should Be Simple Enough That You Could Fill Out Taxes “On The Back Of A
Postcard.” “On the issue of taxes, Mills called for a simpler tax code -- one ‘so simple you could fill it
out on the back of a postcard,’ he said.” [The Pine Journal, 10/09/14]
199
Trade Issues
 Refused to respond to direct question about his position on the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, called TPP “a non-issue”
 When asked if he did not want to talk about TPP during the campaign, he
said “I don't want to talk about issues that have nothing to do with moving
this district forward”
 Questioned whether Rep. Nolan had read the entire TPP deal and said he
was undecided on whether or not to support it
 2014: Said he would not vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank
 Did not take a position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership; said
he had not read it yet
 Said China was cheating by subsidizing their workforce
In February 2016, Mills refused to respond to a direct question about his position on
the Trans-Pacific Partnership during a TV interview. He said TPP was a “non-issue”
and “dead on arrival” because it would not be brought to a vote. When asked directly if
he simply did not want to discuss TPP during the campaign, he responded by stating
that he did not want to talk about issues that had “nothing to do with moving … [the]
district forward.” Mills also insisted that KKR’s stance on TPP would not impact his
position on the issue. In November 2015, he questioned whether Rep. Nolan had read
the entire deal and said he was undecided on the issue.
Mills said he would not vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. He also has not
taken a position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership saying that he had not read the
agreement yet.
Forward”
200
Called TPP A “Non-Issue” And Said It Was “Was Dead On Arrival” Because It Would Not Get
A Vote. “KDLH's Nick Minock sat down with Mills to get answers. ‘They (U.S. Senators) are not
going to vote on it. So, it's a non issue. The TPP is dead on arrival,’ said Mills.” [Northland News
Center, 2/07/16]
Said He Was “Hesitant To Give … A Direct Answer” On TPP. “‘KKR - the company that bought
Mills Fleet Farm - I was looking on their website and they support the Trans Pacific Partnership. Does
that impact your view of the TPP at all?’ asked Minock. ‘I have looked, first of all, I am making up
my own mind and in Washington D.C., I will read the agreements and the bills that I vote on and that
is why I'm hesitant to give you a direct answer,’ said Mills.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
Said KKR’s Support Of TPP Would Not Affect His Position On The Issue. “‘So are you saying
KKR or Ford Motor Company - their decision on policy isn't going to impact your decision on this
issue?’ asked Minock. ‘Absolutely not. It will not impact my position on this issue,’ said Mills.
Congressman Rick Nolan is against the Trans Pacific Partnership. Nolan is concerned that the TPP
would cost the United States jobs, just like NAFTA did.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
Saturday, the Republican Party endorsed Mills in McGregor. Now that Mills has secured the GOP's
backing, he is facing more questions on where he stands on the TPP. It's a trade agreement that has
many on the Iron Range concerned for their jobs.” [Northland News Center, 2/07/16]
11/30/15]
2014: Said He Would Vote Against Reauthorizing The Export-Import Bank; Claimed That Its
Loans Had Been “Detrimental To Job Growth”
2014: Said He Would Vote Against Reauthorizing The Export-Import Bank; Claimed That Its
Loans Had Been “Detrimental To Job Growth.” “Stewart Mills, who is challenging Democratic Rep.
Rick Nolan in Minnesota's competitive 8th District, pointed to the Caterpillar sale and said he wouldn't
vote to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank in its current form because ‘its loans have at times been
detrimental to job growth’ in the region.” [Politico, 7/13/14]
201
Minnesota 8th District Exports Over $120 Million Worth of Products
According to the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Minnesota 8th Congressional District
exports $120,351,054 worth of products. [Export-Import Bank of the United States, 9/15/14]
3,800 Jobs Displaced in the 8th District due to the U.S. Trade with China
According to a 2012 Economic Policy Institute chart 3,800 jobs have been displaced due to trade with
China. [Economic Policy Institute, 2012]
Table:
Exporter
City
Districts
A.S.V Inc.
Grand Rapids 8
Baby Elephant
Ears Inc.
Cambridge
8
Bay Side
Recycling
Corporation
Duluth
8
Bendtec Inc
Duluth
8
Cirrus Design
Corporation
Hermantown
8
Concrete Pump
Repair
North Branch 8
Electric Power
Door, A Div. Of
Broncho
Company
Hill Wood
Products, Inc.
Hibbing
8
Cook
8
Ikonics
Corporation
Duluth
8
Iracore
Hibbing
8
Product
Total Shipments
Machinery
Manufacturing
and Sales
Administrative,
Management and
Support Services
Other Misc Mfg
and Sales of Non
Capital
Equipment
Fabricated Metal
Product
Manufacturing
and Sales
Transportation
Equipment
Manufacturing
and Sales
Machinery
Manufacturing
and Sales
Fabricated Metal
Product
Manufacturing
and Sales
Wood Product
Manufacturing
and Sales
Chemical
Manufacturing
and Sales
Plastics and
$8,761,819
Total Export
Value
$8,761,819
$194,638
$194,638
$8,760,028
$8,760,028
$42,300,000
$55,750,000
$1,497,658
$1,721,179
$400,484
$449,750
$1,273,154
$1,273,154
$3,733,434
$3,733,434
$1,641,014
$1,641,014
$36,353,347
$36,353,347
202
International, Llc
Rosenbauer
Holdings Inc
Total:
Wyoming
8
Rubber Products
Mfg and Sales
Group 2
$697,199
$1,712,691
$105,612,775.00
$120,351,054.00
[Export-Import Bank of the United States, 9/15/14]
2013: Export-Import Bank Awarded $694 Million Loan To Roy Hill Mine In Australia For
American Made Equipment
2013: Export-Import Bank Awarded $694 Million Loan To Roy Hill Mine In Australia For
American Made Equipment. “A massive new Australian iron ore mine will get a $694 million loan from
the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. under a deal approved Thursday morning in Washington that some
say could cost jobs on Minnesota’s Iron Range. The bank’s board of directors gave final approval to the
loan for Australia’s Roy Hill mine, with the money going to buy U.S.-made bulldozers and trucks from
Caterpillar, locomotives from General Electric and drilling rigs from Copco. The deal was praised
Thursday as an effort to bolster 3,400 U.S. manufacturing jobs and U.S. exports for mining equipment
that, if not for the loan, otherwise might be purchased from China, Japan or Korea.” [Pioneer Press,
12/19/13]
Minnesota Mining Companies And Legislators, Including Rep. Nolan, Opposed The Loan
Because It Could Harm American Mining And Iron Companies. “But the loan, first reported by
the News Tribune in August, has been strongly criticized by Minnesota mining interests and some
members of Congress who say it’s helping an Australian mine gain a foothold in the global iron ore
trade that could hurt Minnesota jobs. Because the Australian ore probably will go to Asian steel mills,
Minnesota officials fear that additional Asian steel someday will displace U.S.-made steel, and that
will cut demand for Minnesota taconite and could threaten jobs on the Iron Range. Minnesota U.S.
Rep. Rick Nolan and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, all Democrats, wrote letters urging the
Export-Import Bank to deny the loan, as did Michigan lawmakers, all to no avail.” [Pioneer Press,
12/19/13]
Roy Hill Mine Was Projected To Produce More Iron Ore Than All American Mines. “The loan,
which received preliminary approval in November, has been especially criticized by Cliffs Natural
Resources, the Cleveland-based mining company that operates three taconite iron ore mines in
Minnesota and one in Michigan. The Roy Hill project in Australia’s outback is so big and so remote
that entire new cities, ocean ports, roads, an airport and a 220-mile railroad are being built for a single
mine that annually will produce 55 million tons — more iron ore than all U.S. mines combined. The
project is owned by billionaire Gina Rinehart, the richest person in Australia.” [Pioneer Press,
12/19/13]
Iron Ore Companies Worried That Roy Hill Could Eliminate $600 Million In American Iron
Ore Exports And $1.2 Billion In Domestic Sales. “Cliffs officials had said Roy Hill will
‘substantially injure U.S. iron ore producers’ by pushing down the global price of iron ore by
increasing the supply of iron ore. Cheaper ore to Asia probably will displace any potential North
American ore sales to Asia. But it also means cheaper Asian steel that could displace U.S.-made steel,
further reducing demand for Minnesota ore. Cliffs estimated Roy Hill’s output would displace nearly
203
$600 million of U.S. iron ore exports and cause a reduction of about $1.2 billion in U.S. domestic
sales. The United Steelworkers Union joined Cliffs, some domestic steel producers in opposing the
loan.” [Pioneer Press, 12/19/13]
Caterpillar Argued That The Loan Would Create American Jobs To Manufacture The
Equipment. “Caterpillar said the $694 million contract to provide giant haul trucks, bulldozers, lift
shovels and more is a huge contract that will spur jobs in places such as Decatur, Aurora and East
Peoria, Ill., and Milwaukee.” [Pioneer Press, 12/19/13]
Mills Wrote An Op-Ed Entitled “Create And Protect Jobs” Addressing His Opposition To The
Export-Import Bank. [Mesabi Daily News, Mills Op-Ed, 10/27/15]
Criticized Export-Import Bank For Awarding Roy Hill Mine The Loan And Rep. Nolan For
Supporting The Bank; Said The Loan Would Result In Job Losses On The Iron Range. “Sadly,
when the Roy Hill Mine is fully operational it will supply more iron ore product than all of
Minnesota’s production combined. Further injuring our economy, Roy Hill Mine then ships its
product to China. Leading to the mass production of inferior foreign steel. This in turn leads to why so
many of our miners are laid off or insecure about their jobs. The EXIM Bank and their deal with Roy
Hill Mine hurts the Iron Range, yet Congressman Nolan shows zero concern for the damage it does.
He recently doubled down on his support for the bank.” [Mesabi Daily News, Mills Op-Ed, 10/27/15]
Said The Iron Range Had “Paid With Jobs” For The Bank’s Decision To Support The Roy Hill
Mine. “The EXIM Bank supports .01 percent of all U.S. businesses, leaving the other 99.9 percent of
businesses and their employees paying for it. That is the case with the Roy Hill mining deal, and the
Iron Range paid with jobs. Congressman Nolan is out of step with our district and doesn’t understand
how our economy works. He supports an organization that continues making bad trade deals and
contributes to layoffs on the Iron Range.” [Mesabi Daily News, Mills Op-Ed, 10/27/15]
Said The Bank Was “Bad Trade Policy” And Vowed Not To Support It; Said He Would
Advocate For A “Robust Enhanced Trade Remedy Law.” “EXIM Bank is bad trade policy. It
costs jobs, it costs taxpayers billions, and it threatens our way of life in Minnesota. As your
congressman, I vow to never support trade deals like that. In Congress, I will vote against any deals
that will hurt Minnesota jobs. I will also strongly advocate for a robust Enhanced Trade Remedy
Law.” [Mesabi Daily News, Mills Op-Ed, 10/27/15]
Said China Was Cheating By Subsidizing Their Workforce
Said China Was Cheating By Subsidizing Their Workforce. “In distancing himself from McFadden,
Mills is putting at arm's length a candidate with whom Mills has toured the district in the past year. When
asked if he would use Chinese steel on something such as Enbridge Energy's proposed 610-mile
Sandpiper project across Minnesota, Mills was unequivocal. ‘Absolutely not,’ said the 42-year-old
candidate. ‘First of all, they're manipulating their currency. Second of all, it's a communist country that is
directly subsidizing their workforce. So how can you compete on a level playing field? Why would we
ever want to reward them for cheating?’ Mills’ has come out in favor of PolyMet and other mining
projects throughout his campaign, which began in 2013.” [Duluth News-Tribune, 8/29/14]
204
Women’s Issues
 Touted participation in a mile-long walk where he wore high heels to support
efforts combatting violence against women on social media and a campaign ad
Mills has touted his participation in the In Her Shoes walk, which helps efforts to
combat violence against women. He sports high heels during the walk and footage
from his participation was featured in a 2014 campaign ad narrated by his wife.
Touted His Participation In A Mile Long Walk Where He Wore High Heels To Support Efforts
Combatting Violence Against Women On Social Media And A Campaign Ad
In July 2011, Mills walked one mile in women’s high heels to protest rape, sexual assault and gender
violence.
From the Brainerd Dispatch:
Also Participated In The Race In 2015. [Facebook, 8/17/15]
205
2014 Campaign Ad Entitled “In Her Shoes” Narrated By His Wife Touted His Participation In The
Walk
Heather Mills Praised Her Husband For Participating In The “In Her Shoes” Event; Said He Was
“A Guy’s Guy.” [YouTube, 6/25/14]
206
Appendix I – Campaign Finance
Items of Interest
 Accepted $360, 950 from PACs from 2013 to 2014
 John Boehner spoke at a fundraiser for him in August 2014
 January 2016: said he had raised more than $250,000 and that most of his
donors were from Minnesota
 Raised more than $2 million, gave $360,000 to his own campaign in 2014
 Said he was prepared to “put more in” for his 2016 campaign and would do
what it takes to win
 Received $10,000 from the Koch Brothers
During his 2014 campaign, Mills received $6,600 from political action committees and
$932,494 in individual contributions.
Mills ended up giving his own campaign $360,000 in 2014 and raised over $2 million.
He said he was prepared to “put in more” for his 2016 campaign and would do what it
takes to win. In January 2016, he reported raising over $250,000 for his 2016 campaign
and said most of his donors were from Minnesota.
January 2016: Said He Had Raised More Than $250,000 And That Most Of His Donors Were From
Minnesota
January 2016: Said He Had Raised More Than $250,000 And That Most Of His Donors Were From
Minnesota. “Republican Stewart Mills says he is starting his campaign for Congress this year on a strong
note. We sat down with Mills just ahead of the candidate's announcement of his fundraising total for the
end of last year. In about three months, Mills says he raised over $250,000 for his campaign against
Democratic Congressman Rick Nolan. ‘Fundraising is going very good because people are really
responding to our message. And a lot of it, most of it, is in the state of Minnesota - in our part of
Minnesota,’ Mills said. ‘And it's a lot of small dollars donations, too. But there are also people who are
making some big investments, too.’” [Northlands News Center, 1/25/16]
February 2016: Contributed $11,000 To His Campaign
207
February 2016: Contributed $11,000 To His Campaign. “Wealthy Minnesota businessman Stewart
Mills is making a second attempt to unseat the Democratic congressman who defeated him by a point and
a half in 2014. Mills' 4th-quarter fundraising report shows him raising $258,000 for his bid for the 8th
District. That's more than Rep. Rick Nolan's $187,000, even excluding Mills' $11,000 contribution to his
own campaign. Nolan still has some $400,000 more in the bank.” [CQ News, 2/03/16]
2015: Family Members Contributed $10,800 To His Campaign
2015: Family Members Contributed $10,800 To His Campaign. [FEC, accessed 2/18/16]
Name
Charles H. Mills
Sandra R. Mills
Sandra R. Mills
Heather Mills
Total
Date
12/21/15
12/18/15
11/23/15
9/23/15
Amount
$2,700
$2,700
$2,700
$2,700
$10,800
2014: Family Contributed Authorized Maximum Individual Amount to Campaign
According to Mills’ October quarterly report, Mills’ family, which included his wife, sister, mother,
father, grandfather, and other relatives contributed heavily to his campaign.
Below is a table outlining these contributions:
Name
Andrew Mills
Charles H. Mills
Nancy Mills
Henry Mills
Andrew Mills
Andrew Mills
Andrew Mills
Travis D. Mills
Travis D. Mills
Henry C. Mills
Henry C. Mills
Sandra R. Mills
Sandra R. Mills
Marisa Mae Mills
Marisa Mae Mills
Heather Mills
Heather Mills
Total
Date
10/29/14
8/01/14
2/22/14
1/31/14
1/21/14
12/18/13
11/18/13
9/30/13
9/30/13
9/23/13
9/23/13
9/06/13
9/06/13
7/18/13
7/18/13
7/01/13
7/01/13
Amount
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$5,000
$120
$120
$120
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$2,600
$39,160
208
From 2013 to 2014, Mills received $932,494 in individual contributions. [FEC, 2014 Friends of Stewart
Mills]
PAC Contributions
From 2013 to 2014, Mills received $360, 950 in PAC contributions. [FEC, 2014 Friends of Stewart Mills]
Notable PAC Contributors include:
Name
Koch Industries Inc PAC
NRA Political Victory Fund
NRA Political Victory Fund
Tea Party Express PAC
American Bankers Association PAC
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association PAC
Exxon Mobil Corp PAC
Halliburton PAC
Date
9/23/14
8/1/14
6/30/14
9/23/14
7/22/14
10/1/14
10/27/14
10/13/14
8/4/14
6/10/14
11/12/13
7/30/14
11/6/14
Amount
$5,000
$2,500
$2,500
$4,950
$4,950
$5,000
$2,000
$1,000
$1,000
$2,000
$1,000
$5,000
$1,000
[FEC, 2014 Friends of Stewart Mills]
Party Committee Contributions
From 2013 to 2014, Mills received $6,600 in party committee contributions.
Name
Aitkin County Republican Committee
Aitkin County Republican Committee
Wadena County Republican Party
Wadena County Republican Party
Cass County Republicans
8th Congressional District Republican Party of
MN
Date
10/17/14
10/17/14
10/10/14
10/8/14
10/1/14
4/14/14
Amount
$200
$200
$500
$500
$500
$5,000
[FEC, 2014 Friends of Stewart Mills]
2014: Spent $2,083,131 In Operating Expenditures
According to Mills’ FEC reports, his 2014 campaign had $2,083,131 in operating expenditures.
Paid Law Firm $7,134.71
209
According to Mills’ October quarterly report, Mills’ campaign paid $7,134.71 to a Minnesota law
firm, Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd. [Mills October Quarterly Report, FEC, filed 10/15/13]
2014: Received Contributions From PACs Belonging To Steve Scalise, Mitch McConnell, And
Darrell Issa
Received Contributions From PACs Belonging To Steve Scalise, Mitch McConnell, And Darrell
Issa. “During April, May and June, Eighth Congressional District candidate Stewart Mills III attracted
contributions from the leadership PACs of new House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Senate
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave
Camp of Michigan, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa of
California and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, chair of the House Republican Conference.”
John Boehner Spoke At A Fundraiser For Him In August 2014
John Boehner Spoke At A Fundraiser For Him In August 2014. [Lakeland News, 8/14/14]
Mills Said Boehner Would Help Bring Attention To His Message. [Lakeland News, 8/14/14]
Press Was Not Allowed At The Fundraiser; Tickets Ranged From $250 To Over $10,000. [Lakeland
News, 8/14/14]
Raised Over $2 Million, Gave His Own Campaign $360,000 In 2014; Said He Was Prepared To
“Put More In” For His 2016 Campaign
Gave His Own Campaign $360,000 In 2014; Said He Was Prepared To “Put More In” For His 2016
Campaign. “In 2014, the Minnesota 8th District race cost $17 million, with much of the money coming
from outside groups. Mills raised more than $2 million for his campaign, $360,000 of which he lent his
own campaign. ‘We're prepared to put more in,’ he said.” [Pioneer Press, 10/13/15]
Mills: “I'm Going To Do What It Takes. I'm Not Going To Go Through Everything I Went
Through Last Time To Lose By 1.4 Percent”
Mills: “I'm Going To Do What It Takes. I'm Not Going To Go Through Everything I Went
Through Last Time To Lose By 1.4 Percent.” “According to personal financial disclosure documents
he filed last year, his net worth is between $34 million and $115 million. He laughed when asked whether
he would invest millions in his rerun but said: ‘I'm going to do what it takes. I'm not going to go through
everything I went through last time to lose by 1.4 percent.’” [Pioneer Press, 10/13/15]
210
Appendix II – Paid Media Summary
This was all the paid for the 2014 election cycle.
Friends of Stewart Mills
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Obamacare” 5/15/14
You can view ad: Here
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills. My family operates Mills Fleet Farm.
Mills: As a teenager I worked here stocking shelves, then I got promoted to mopping floors.
Mills: Now I run the health care program for a thousand of our employees and their families.
Mills: Every day I see how Obamacare is hurting small businesses and the middle class, as your
Congressman I’ll replace it.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills I approved this message, because we need to grow the middle class and get
Minnesota backed to work.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Hunting Camp” 6/5/14
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills. I guess I don’t look like a typical politician so people always ask me why I am
running for Congress.
Mills: It starts with my families hunting camp doctrine, if you complain about something, you get the job
to fix it.
Mills: Well I’m fed up with Washington, the bickering, the debt, Obamacare.
Mills: Instead of complaining, I’m going to fight to fix it.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills and I approved this message, because this hunting camp can teach Washington a
thing or too.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “In Her Shoes” 6/24/14
Heather Mills: I’m Heather Mills. My husband Stewart is a guy’s guy. He loves to hunt and you can’t
keep him away from the outdoors.
211
Heather Mills: But Stewart as a big heart too. Every year he participates in the walk a mile in her shoes
event.
Heather Mills: My husband puts on pink heels to raise money for victims of domestic violence. It’s one
of the strongest things he does.
Heather Mills: In Congress, Stewart will stand up for what’s right
Heather Mills: I’m Stewart Mills and I approved this message.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “2nd Amendment” 7/9/14
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills and I’m a lifelong hunter, but the Second Amendment isn’t just about recreation,
first and foremost it’s about protecting our liberties.
Mills: Far too many politicians in Washington have no respect for the second amendment. Rick Nolan is
one of them.
Mills: Around election time, Rick will put on his hunter’s orange and grab a rifle, but in Washington he’s
repeatedly voted to take away your rights.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, I approved this message, because I’ll defend the Second Amendment always.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Salmon Cheese Catfish” 9/02/14
Mills: Rick Nolan’s DC friends are attacking me with flat-out lies.
Mills: Their ads are so blatantly false that TV stations have refused to air them.
Mills: I could take Rick Nolan’s words out of context too…
Nolan Videos Cut Together: My name is Rick van Winkel and I’m putting an end to salmon cheese
catfish.
Mills: …But I’m not going to be stooping to their level.
Mills: We deserve better than Rick Nolan and his DC friends.
Mills: That’s why I’m running for Congress. I’m Stewart Mills and I approve this message.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Minnesota Way – Duluth” – 9/04/14
212
You can view the ad: Here
V/O: Stewart Mills is running for Congress to defend our Minnesota way of life, stand up for middle class
families, and create better paying jobs on the Iron Range.
V/O: Mills will fight back against the special interests and stop DC politicians like Rick Nolan from
mortgaging our kids’ futures.
V/O: Here’s Stewart Mills:
Mills: Duluth is a long way away from Washington. Here, we value hard work, honesty, and integrity,
and we don’t spend money we don’t have.
Mills: But in Washington, it’s a whole different story. Politicians spend endlessly and put their own
interests ahead of us, the people.
V/O: Washington politicians, like Rick Nolan, have failed us. Stewart Mills will shake up Congress,
create jobs, and put middle class families first.
Mills: The hunting camp doctrine says if you complain about something, you get the job to fix it.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, I’m running for Congress, and I approve this message, because I’m fed up with
Washington, and I’ve decided to do something about it.
V/O: Paid for by Friends of Stewart Mills, Inc.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Minnesota Way” 9/04/14
V/O: Stewart Mills is running for Congress to defend our Minnesota way of life, stand up for middle class
families, and create better paying jobs.
V/O: Mills will fight back against the special interests and stop DC politicians like Rick Nolan from
mortgaging our kids’ futures.
V/O: Here’s Stewart Mills:
V/O: In Minnesota, families work hard, play by the rules, and pay their bills. That’s the Minnesota way.
V/O: But it’s not how they do things in Washington. Politicians like Rick Nolan waste our tax dollars,
borrow from China, and mortgage our kids futures to spend even more. That’s the Washington way.
V/O: Washington politicians, like Rick Nolan, have failed us. Stewart Mills will shake up Congress,
create jobs, and put middle class families first.
213
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, I’m running for Congress, and I approve this message, because in Congress, I’ll
live by the hunting camp doctrine, and leave the campsite better than I found it.
V/O: Paid for by Friends of Stewart Mills, Inc.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Gladys” 9/04/14
You can view the YouTube: Here
Eschenbacher: My name is Gladys Eschenbacher. I’ve lived in Crow Wing County for over 70 years.
Eschenbacher: I am concerned with Rick Nolan’s position on my second amendment rights.
Eschenbacher: I own a .32 caliber Colt pistol and have for many years. I have my permit to carry and
intend to do so for as long as possible.
Eschenbacher: My husband and I, we travel a lot, and when we do, this lets us feel safe and secure.
Eschenbacher: When Rick Nolan was in Congress, he said he would vote to ban firearms such as this,
meaning I could not buy one nor could I own this one.
Eschenbacher: Rick Nolan is not supporting my second amendment rights, and I don’t think he’s
supporting yours.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills. I approve this message because I’ll defend the second amendment always.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Steve” 9/10/14
Steve: I’ve been a steelworker with Local 6115 for six and a half years
Steve: People in the Iron Range are a highly trained workforce. They know how to put a good day’s work
in for an honest day’s pay. We can get the job done. We just need the opportunity to work.
Steve: Working Class Minnesotans are paying the price for the failures in Washington. Rick Nolan
doesn’t have any sense of what’s going on in northern Minnesota.
Steve: Since Rick Nolan’s been elected, I haven’t seen him once in the Iron Range. He’s gone to
Washington. He’s part of the problem. Job’s aren’t being created. The wages aren’t going up. People are
having a hard time paying the bills. [Middle Class Families Squeezed as Expenses Soar, Wages Stall,
Washington Post, 4/26/14]
Steve: It’s not about Democrats or Republicans anymore. It’s about our jobs and about our way of life.
Look past the party, and start looking at candidates.
214
Steve: Look at people like Stewart Mills. Stewart Mills is going to fight for the working class people here
in Minnesota.
Steve: If you like the direction the country is headed, you can vote for Rick Nolan. If you want a change
in this country, and you want to create jobs, and you want to see less red tape from Washington, then you
can vote for Stewart Mills.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, and I approve this message.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Double Talk” 9/25/14
V/O: The Iron Range needs jobs, but Rick Nolan only give us D.C. double talk on creating mining jobs.
V/O: And Nolan voted for job destroying EPA regulations that will drive up energy cost for Minnesota
families.
V/O: Stewart Mills will stand up to the EPA and get the Polymet mine built.
V/O: Mills has spent his life creating good jobs in Minnesota. We can trust Stewart Mills to fight for
middle class families
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, I’m running for Congress, and I approve this message, because in Congress, I’ll
live by the hunting camp doctrine, and leave the campsite better than I found it.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Sarah’s Story” 10/07/14
Woman: I have 3 kids. My family lost our health insurance because of Obamacare. We were told if you
would like to keep your health insurance you will be able to and that turned out to be a lie.
Woman: I feel like our family has paid the price for the lies of Obamacare. And the fact that Rick Nolan
thinks that Obamacare did not go far enough is very offensive.
Woman: Rick Nolan is out of touch with the average American and family. It is time for someone new.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Chops” 10/10/14
Mark Bateman: I’ve known Stewart Mills for 30 years. Those ads attacking Stewart’s hair are pretty
funny. I’ve been busting his chops about that for years.
215
Bateman: But the rest if Rick Nolan’s attacks? Ridiculous.
Bateman: Attacking Stewart Mills for helping lead a business that created thousands of good jobs for
people like me is stooping pretty low.
Bateman: Stewart Mills works hard and gets results, and we sure could use more of that in Washington.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills and I approved this message.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Working Class” 10/20/14
Dwight Behn: My name is Dwight Behn. I’ve known Stewart Mills for more than 20 years.
Behn: Stewart cares about families here, works hard, and gets results. We could use more of that in
Washington.
Behn: Rick Nolan has voted for more debt and higher taxes, putting the Washington special interests first.
[Star Tribune, 2/11/14; AP, 4/7/14]
Behn: Nolan and his DC friends have forgotten about who makes this country great – workers like us at
Mills Fleet Farm.
Behn: We’ll be better off with Stewart Mills in Congress.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Values” 10/27/14
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills. Minnesota is my home. It’s where I learned to play hockey, hunt and fish
growing up.
Mills: And it’s where I swept floors and stocked shelves at our family’s store.
Mills: The values I learned then are the values Heather and I are teaching our kids today: hard work,
honesty, accountability, and those are the values I’ll take to Washington.
Mills: Working every day to help families here in Minnesota.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills, and I approve this message because I’d appreciate your vote.
Friends of Stewart Mills: “Apologize” 10/13/14
216
Mills: It seems Rick Nolan has based his campaign on attacking me for having long hair and a family that
started a successful business. Well I don’t apologize for either one.
Mills: But politicians like Rick should apologize for using our tax dollars to make themselves and their
friends even richer. Raising their own pay, sending our tax dollars to Wall Street bankers, and trade deals
that reward outsourcers, while killing Minnesota jobs.
Mills: I’m Stewart Mills and I approve this message, because I’m on your side, not theirs.
Nolan for Congress
Nolan for Congress: “The Right Way” 8/27/14
Nolan: Washington can’t seem to see it, but we sure do in Minnesota. Stop wasting taxpayer dollars on
so-called nation building overseas, and other programs that don’t work. Fix those that do.
Nolan: But when it comes to Social Security and Medicare, seniors have earned it. We’ve got to protect
it.
Nolan: I’m Rick Nolan, and I approve this message, because we’ve got to balance the budget, but we’ve
got to do it the right way.
Nolan for Congress: “Struggle” 9/13/14
Patty: It's hard work but I feel good about it at the end of the day. I'll never understand multi-millionaires
like Stewart Mills. He doesn't know what it's like to work for minimum wage and try to figure out how to
pay your bills.
Patty: He's offended when he's asked to pay his fair share, but opposed to raising the minimum wage.
Patty: Rick Nolan, he understands what people go through.
Patty: That the minimum wage needs to be raised. That women should get equal pay for equal work.
Patty: Rick just gets it.
Nolan for Congress: “Cares” 9/28/14
217
Phil: I served in the Navy. The USS Reuben James. Your body takes a beating. There isn’t a VA hospital
within 60 miles.
Phil: When I had a heart attack, they flew me from Onamia, Minnesota, to St. Cloud Hospital.
Phil: The government stuck me with a thirteen thousand dollar bill -- for the flight.
Phil: I contacted Rick Nolan -- and he made the government do what’s right.
Phil: Now he’s working to give vets care closer to home.
Phil: I'm a Republican. But I'm for Rick Nolan. 'Cause he cares about veterans a lot.
Nolan for Congress: “Bickering and Gridlock” 10/09/14
V/O: While some choose bickering and gridlock, Minnesota’s Rick Nolan works across party lines to get
something done.
V/O: Praised for the influence he is wielding, Nolan passed legislation to boost Great Lakes shipping.
And mandated all energy pipelines built here cont 100 percent American steel.
Nolan: It’s time to stop the so-called nation building abroad and start reinvesting in America.
Nolan for Congress: “It Happened Here” 10/21/14
V/O: It happened here in Duluth. The New York billionaire Koch Brothers closed their plant, outsourcing
over 100 jobs.
V/O: They’ve spend over $200,000 trying to elect Stewart Mills to Congress. Why?
V/O: Because Mills promised to protect their special tax breaks for corporations shipping jobs overseas.
V/O: Rick Nolan fought to end tax breaks for outsourcing corporations and mandate all pipeline built here
contain American steel.
Nolan for Congress: “Right Here” 10/25/14
Nolan: It seems like all my opponent wants to do is run a smear campaign. Talk about how he’s opposed
to raising the minimum wage, and he’s personally offended when millionaires like himself are asked to
pay their fair share.
218
Nolan: Here’s what I think we should do. Creat good paying middle class jobs, and end nation building
overseas so we can rebuild right here in America.
Nolan: I’m Rick Nolan and I approve this message, to rebuild the middle class.
DCCC
DCCC: “Cost” 9/16/14
V/O: It costs a lot to get this look.
V/O: Lucky for Stewart Mills the third, he inherited millions and a job with a six-figure salary.
V/O: But that’s not enough for Mills. So he’s running for Congress to give millionaires like himself
another big tax break.
V/O: Even as he opposed tax cuts for nearly everyone else.
V/O: Stewart Mills is looking out for himself, costing you more.
V/O: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this
advertising.
DCCC: “Big One” 9/22/14
V/O: It’s not your typical fish story...
V/O: Stewart Mills III caught a big inheritance and a job at the family business that pays half a million a
year.
V/O: But in Congress, Mills will leave you on the hook for higher taxes because Mills opposed tax cuts
for the middle class even as he wants to give another huge tax break to millionaires like himself.
V/O: With Stewart Mills, there’s always a catch.
DCCC: “Another Big One” 9/29/14
V/O: In every hunting camp, there’s always someone who talks a good game, but whose aim is off.
Stewart Mills III inherited millions, and, now, wants to be your Congressman.
219
V/O: But in Washington, Mills will give more big tax breaks to millionaires like himself even as he
opposed cutting taxes for nearly everyone else.
V/O: Making you pay more so he pays less.
V/O: Stewart Mills has a target on the middle class.
DCCC: “Lifestyle” 10/08/14
V/O: He’s become a minor celebrity but behind the glamorous lifestyle, Stewart Mills III has an agenda
we can’t afford.
V/O: Mills inherited millions, and, now, he’s running for Congress on a plan to give more big tax breaks
to millionaires like himself – even as he opposed cutting taxes for 95 percent of Minnesotans.
V/O: Stewart Mills III is for himself, not you.
DCCC: “Coverage” 10/15/14
[Announcer #1] Welcome back to our coverage. This is Stewart Mills the third.
[Announcer #2] Lotta controversy around this guy.
[Announcer #1] Yeah, Mills inherited a fortune.
[Announcer #2] And now he’s campaigning to give more big tax breaks to millionaires like himself.
[Announcer #1] But Mills opposed cutting taxes for ninety-five percent of Minnesotans.
[Announcer #2] That’s just classic Mills right there.
[Announcer #1] Yeah, well, let’s face it, Stewart Mills the third is for himself, not you.
[Announcer #2] Certainly not me.
[Announcer #2] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of
this advertising.
DCCC: “Handed” 10/28/14
V/O: When you work for every dollar, you don’t expect any hand-outs.
220
V/O: But Stewart Mills the third has been handed everything. Inheriting millions and a six figure salary.
V/O: Now Mills wants a seat in Congress, where he’d hand millionaires like himself a big tax break, but
for ninety five percent of Minnesotans, he opposed tax cuts.
V/O: So don’t hand Stewart Mills a seat in Congress. He’s not for you.
Outside Groups for Nolan
AFSCME People: “Inherited” 7/24/14
Mills: “Folks saying that the wealthy are not paying their fair share […] 2% the 1% whatever percent you
want […] is personally offensive […] personally offensive.
V/O: Stewart Mills inherited his millions and got a family job paying $560,000 dollars a year.
V/O: Now Stewart Mills is against raising the minimum wage, but wants another tax break for the
wealthy.
V/O: Because paying his fair share is…
Mills: Personally offensive.
V/O: Stewart Mills is just out of touch.
V/O: Ask AFSCME People is responsible for the content of this advertising.
House Majority PAC: “Middle Class” 8/8/14
Mills: “Folks saying that the wealthy are not paying their fair share is personally offensive.
V/O: Stewart Mills inherited his millions and got a family job paying $560,000 dollars a year.
V/O: And now Stewart Mills wants another tax break for people in his tax bracket.
V/O: Rick Nolan opposes tax cuts for the wealthy instead Rick Nolan supports tax credits for business
that expand manufacturing in Minnesota.
V/O: That’s how you create good middle class jobs.
V/O: House Majority PAC is responsible for the content of this advertising.
221
House Majority PAC: “Context” 9/29/14
V/O: Remember this clip of Stewart Mills?
Mills: Folks say the wealthy are not paying their fair share is personally offensive
V/O: Now he claims it was out of context? You decide. The whole video is on Stewart Mills’ own
youtube channel. Stewart Mills inherited his millions and wants another tax break for the wealthy.
Because paying his fair share of tax is
Mills: Personally offensive
V/O: Stewart Mills, what context makes that ok?
House Majority PAC: “Billioniares” 10/23/14
V/O: Why are New York billioniare Koch Brothers spending hundreds of thousands to elect Stewart
Mills? In Duluth, the Koch Brothers outsourced 140 Minnesota jobs but Stewart Mills would still give
them more tax breaks. They’re against raising the minimum wage. So is Stewart Mills. And Stewart Mills
says millionaires paying their fair share in tax is
Mills: Personally offensive
V/O: That’s music to the Koch Brothers’ ears. Millionaire Stewart Mills and his billionaire friends don’t
care about you.
222
Appendix III – Mills Fleet Farm Court Cases
This appendix contains a summary of all the court cases examined for this research book. For this search,
court records were examined at several Wisconsin and Minnesota court houses and the United States
Courts system.
Copies of every case available were received where the company’s name was mentioned. While not every
case may have been written up in the book, the table below provides a comprehensive summary of what
was available and analyzed.
United States District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Case
Number
97-2655
Overview
Judgment
Michael
Maziarka
Mills Fleet
Farm
Plaintiff alleged that he was
wrongfully terminated from
Mills Fleet Farm store due to
an illness
Against Plaintiff
John M.
Greenberg
Mills Fleet
Farm
97-1733
Dismissed without
prejudice
Armament
Systems and
Procedures,
INC.
Christopher
Modland
Mills Fleet
Farm
06-C-0832
Plaintiff demanded $22,000
from Mills Fleet Farm
because of job discrimination
The Plaintiff accused Mills
Fleet Farm of patent
infringement
Mills Fleet
Farm
04-CV03051
PAM-RLE
Against Plaintiff
Staton
Holdings
Mills Fleet
Farm
06-CV0711-BECF
Plaintiff claimed a paper and
pencil questionnaire used by
Mills Fleet Farm, Inc. was
used to discriminate against
applicants on the bases of
race and gender.
Plaintiff alleged that a
communication carrier was
unauthorized and violated the
FCC’s toll-free number
regulations after the carrier
granted permission of a
telephone number to Mills
Fleet Farm
James Steele
Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay
Mills Fleet
Farm
03-5467
ADM/AJB
09-CV-498JBC
Plaintiff claimed age job
discrimination
Plaintiff alleged Mills Fleet
Farm of copyright
infringement of a cat
Dismissed with
prejudice
Plaintiff voluntarily
dismissed the action;
Case dismissed without
The Bandana
Co
223
Dismissed with
prejudice
Dismissed with
prejudice for failure to
state a claim
DuWayne
Olson and
Jacqueline
Olson
TPI Plastics,
Inc
J Kinderman
& Sons Inc
Dragon Claw
(USA) Inc
Richard and
Lois Moran
State of
Wisconsin
potholder
prejudice
Cosco and
Fleet Farm
92-CV00362RHK-FEB
Plaintiff demanded $5,000 for
a breach of contract
Dismissed
Popp Cem Tile
Prod, et al
Rudolph T
Randa,
presiding
Inliten LLC
and Mills Fleet
Farm
Mills Fleet
Farm
Mills Fleet
Farm, Aetna
Life &
Casualty
Company,
Delta
International
Machinery
Corporation
and Regent
Insurance
Company
Junker Landfill
Trust,
Andersen
Corporation,
Minnesota
Mining And
Manufacturing
Company,
Chicago &
Northwestern
Transportation
Co., Croix Oil
Company,
Dahl Tech
Plastics,
Erickson's
Diversified
Corp., George
96-cv00158-RTR
Trademark Infringement
(Lanham Act)
Judgment on Consent
01-cv01235-LA
Copyright Infringement
Dismissed - Settled
02-cv00698-RTR
95-cv00215-jcs
Copyright Infringement
Dismissed - Settled
No cause code entered
Dismissed - Settled
97-cv00139-jcs
No cause code entered
Judgment - Judgment
on Consent
224
Edmund Lee
and Barbara
M Webster,
Church
Mutual
Insurance
Company
Tony Rizzo
Siegfried
Construction,
Glass Service
Company,
Johnson's
Body Shop,
Maple Island,
Inc. , Mills
Fleet Farm,
Toro
Company, U.s.
West, Ufe
Incorporated,
Town Of Troy,
Northern
States Power,
Washington
County,
Ameritech,
Minnesota
Department Of
Transportation,
City Of
Glenwood,
Minnesota
Department Of
Corrections,
City Of Lake
Elmo,
Stillwater
Housing
Partners
Black and
Decker, Fleet
Wholesale
Supply
South Bend
Sporting
Goods,
Maurice
Sporting
Goods, Pamida
Stores
05-cv00549-bbc
Injuries and damages
sustained
09-CV00189-BBC
Trademark Infringement
Dismissed - Settled
(Lanham Act) Plaintiff alleged
Mills Fleet Farm using
Plaintiff’s design and trade
name without being granted
the right do so
225
Transfer/Remand Remanded to State
Court
Operating Co,
Blain Supply,
Mills Fleet
Farm, Walmart
[United States District Court]
Minnesota – Washington County District Court
Plaintiff
Case
Number
Fleet and Farm 82-CV-11of Menomonie, 5842
Inc.
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff alleged that she was
on store’s property in Hudson,
Wisconsin and opened the
door to a large entertainment
center on display and the
cabinet fell over on top of
Nordstrom causing permanent
injuries.
Dismissed
Michelle
Zeigler and
Ronald
Zeigler
Mills Fleet
82-C2-05Farm and Mills 004432
Properties
Plaintiff alleged that he
slipped and fell on sidewalk
outside of Mills Fleet Farm
store, suffering permanent
injuries to her right knee.
Dismissed
Clarence R
McSherry
Mills Fleet
Farm
82-C1-00001089
Plaintiff alleged that he fell
Dismissed
while inside an accessory
building while waiting for
assistance in a Mills Fleet
farm store where he purchased
a mower.
Suzanne
DeMar and
Todd DeMarr
Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay
82-C4-00000-504
Plaintiff alleged that she
moved a roll of linoleum,
causing it to fall off the shelf.
As a result, the roll of
linoleum hit her food, causing
personal injuries.
Chelsea
Nordstrom
Defendant
226
Dismissed
Mike
Edwards
Mills Fleet
Farm
82-CO-092160
purchased a lawn-mower and
after three uses, the engine
seized up. The plaintiff asked
for his money back after the
store said they were not going
to repair it.
Settled, $348.52 in
favor of Plaintiff
[Washington County District Court]
Individual Sued Store for Cabinet Falling, Claimed Permanent Injuries
In May 1997, Chelsea Nordstrom filed suit against the Mills Fleet store in Hudson, Wisconsin for a
cabinet falling on top of her and causing permanent injuries.
The case was dismissed. [82-CV-11-5842]
Individual Sued Store for Permanent Injuries from Sidewalk that Allegedly Was Not Maintained
In December 2002, Plaintiff Michelle Zeigler claimed she slipped and fell on a sidewalk outside of Mills
Fleet Farm store, suffering permanent injuries to her right knee.
She claimed that the store was “careless and negligent in the maintenance of their property on said date by
failing to remove the snow and ice.
The case was dismissed [82-C2-05-004432]
Minnesota – Douglas County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Mary
Lynaugh
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
21-CO-0815
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff alleged that her truck
was scratched from new trees
she had put in her car by Mills
Fleet Farm employees
Dismissed
[Douglas County District Court]
Minnesota – Dakota County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Joseph
Kulhanek
Mills Fleet
Farm and
Unknown
Cement
Case
Number
19-C2-068935
Overview
Judgment
tripped and fell in a Mills
Fleet Farm store because of
the work being performed on
Dismissed
227
Contractor
Maria Mootz
Virginia
Bowman,
Linda Nelson,
Lanna
Tschetter,
LaDonna
Clement and
Mills Fleet
Farm
the floor that he was shopping
in and sustained significant
and permanent damage.
Defendant allegedly failed to
warn of the dangerous
condition plaintiff’s fall.
19HA-CV08-2624
Plaintiff alleged that Mills
Fleet Farm was careless and
negligent in failing to surprise
the use of its motorized carts;
failing to train or instruct
operators as to the proper and
safe use of its mortised carts;
and careless and negligent in
failing to warn of the
dangerousness of its mortised
carts among other negligent
acts.
Dismissed
[Dakota County District Court]
Minnesota – Stearns County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Overview
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
73-CO-111063
Terry
Kreiling
Judgment
Sandra
Gohmann
Mills Fleet
Farm
73-CO-08225
Plaintiff alleged that her car
was damaged at a Mills Fleet
Farm car wash.
Kenneth
Korman
Mills Fleet
Farm
CX-99-5000 Defendant alleged that while
Dismissed
shopping at a Mills Fleet Farm
store in Waite Park, a large
box was pushed off of an
upper level shelf, by a Mills
Fleet Farm employee, and fell
directly upon the Plaintiff. As
a result, the Plaintiff suffered
serious injuries and emotional
harm.
Plaintiff alleged that his
Settled, $75 in favor of
vehicle was damaged during
Plaintiff
installation of a trailer hitch
purchased at Mills Fleet Farm.
228
In favor of Plaintiff,
$857.70
Mary Jo
Crever and
Jerry Crever
Fleet and Farm
of Green Bay
X8-99-2385
Defendant alleged that while
Dismissed
shopping at a Mills Fleet Farm
store, she sustained a severe
injury to her neck when a box
fell from a display shelf and
struck her.
[Dakota County District Court]
Minnesota – Washington County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
American
Family
Mutual
Insurance
Company
General
Electric
Company,
Electric
Insurance
Company and
Fleet Farm
Case
Overview
Number
2011CV0099 American Family Insurance
Company provided insurance
to William and Jessica Knaus
whose house caught on fire
because of a dehumidifier,
which was bought at Mills
Fleet Farm.
Judgment
Plaintiff Dismissed
case
[Washington County District Court]
Minnesota – Olmsted County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Howard
Sawallisch
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
S7-05-798
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff claimed that while
his car was being repaired for
two new front struts, a front
tire and an alignment, the
vehicle stopped running.
Against Plaintiff
[Olmsted County District Court]
Minnesota- Anoka County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Randy
Berggren
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
02-CO-13864
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff claimed damage to
car from Mills Fleet Farm car
wash.
Against Mills Fleet
Farm, $2,213.79
[Anoka County District Court]
Minnesota – Crow Wing County District Court
229
Plaintiff
Defendant
Scott Mattson Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
CO-92-1011
Overview
Judgment
Farm wrongfully terminated
his employment in violation
of the Minnesota Human
Rights Act.
Dismissed
Dismissed
Paula
Bickford, as
mother and
natural
guardian of
Jamie Vogt, a
minor
Mills Fleet
Farm and Fleet
Wholesale
Supply Co.,
Inc.
C6-00-489
Farm negligently placed a
thing rope around their vacant
lot at various levels, causing
the plaintiff to get caught on
the rope at his neck and fall
off the bicycle resulting in
severe and permanent
injuries.
Warrren
Samuel
Mills Fleet
Farm
S8-05-609
Plaintiff alleged he took car to Against Mills Fleet
Mills Fleet Farm to show
Farm, $490.98
slow leaks in three tires;
When the store was finished
fixing his car, they parked it
in a pool of break fluid and
Plaintiff had to pay to get it
fixed and towed.
Leonard
Locher and
Lorraine
Locher
Mills Fleet
Farm Supply
C7-99-641
Plaintiff alleged he was struck Dismissed Plaintiffs’
by a cart operated by a Mills
pretended cause of
Fleet Farm employee
action, awarding Mills
Fleet Farm its costs,
disbursements and
reasonable attorneys’
fees and other further
relief the court deems
just and proper
[Crow Wing County District Court]
Minnesota – Hennepin County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Katie
Hawkinson
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
27-CO-101812
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff went to Mills Fleet
Farm for new front tires and
alleged she requested two
Against Mills Fleet
Farm, $257.67
230
new front tires, Mills Fleet
Farm mistakenly replaced rear
tires and disposed of those
tires. Store refused to fully
compensate Plaintiff for her
loss.
Jessica
Borchardt
Mills Fleet
Farm
27-CO-109552
Plaintiff alleged she tried to
return a defective battery with
the receipt within the 30 day
grace period and was denied a
refund and/or exchange.
N/A
[Hennepin County District Court]
Minnesota – Sherburne County District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Harold Dobel
and Kenneth
Dobel
Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
C7-85-602
Overview
Judgment
Plaintiff (a minor) alleged that
he was greatly injured in
character and reputation after
he was falsely accused of
taking an un-purchased retail
merchandise and was detained
in the store
Settled, $1,000 paid to
Kenneth Dobel, $1,000
paid to Harold Dobel,
$1,000 paid to Smith,
Pringle and Hayes
[Sherburne County District Court]
Minnesota – Court of Appeals District Court
Plaintiff
Defendant
Scott Mattson Mills Fleet
Farm
Case
Number
CO-92-1011
Overview
Judgment
Farm wrongfully terminated
his employment in violation
of the Minnesota Human
Rights Act.
Against Plaintiff
[Court of Appeals District Court]
231
Appendix III – Mills Auto Cash for Clunkers
In 2009 and 2010, Mills Motor, Mills Auto Center and Mills Auto Enterprises participated in the federal
government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program, a program that offered $3,500 to $4,500 for people who
traded in an old car for a new one with higher fuel economy.
The following table outlines these transactions:
Invoice Date Invoice Amount
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
8/1/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
8/1/09
$4,500.00
8/3/09
$4,500.00
8/4/09
$4,500.00
8/4/09
$4,500.00
8/7/09
$4,500.00
8/12/09
8/17/09
$3,500.00
$4,500.00
Dealer Name
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
232
Address
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
City
State
Zip
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
Willmar
MN
MN
56201
56201
8/17/09
$4,500.00
8/17/09
$4,500.00
8/18/09
$4,500.00
8/19/09
$4,500.00
8/24/09
$4,500.00
7/28/09
$4,500.00
7/27/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$4,500.00
7/30/09
$3,500.00
8/1/09
$4,500.00
8/1/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
8/1/09
$3,500.00
$4,500.00
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
233
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 South 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
Willmar
MN
MN
56201
56201
7/31/09
$4,500.00
8/1/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$3,500.00
8/4/09
$3,500.00
8/4/09
$4,500.00
8/4/09
$3,500.00
8/4/09
$4,500.00
8/4/09
$4,500.00
8/5/09
$4,500.00
8/7/09
$4,500.00
8/7/09
$4,500.00
8/8/09
$4,500.00
8/10/09
$3,500.00
8/10/09
$4,500.00
8/10/09
$3,500.00
8/10/09
$4,500.00
8/11/09
$4,500.00
8/11/09
$4,500.00
8/12/09
$4,500.00
8/12/09
$4,500.00
8/12/09
8/13/09
$4,500.00
$4,500.00
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
234
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
Willmar
MN
MN
56201
56201
8/13/09
$4,500.00
8/17/09
$3,500.00
8/17/09
$4,500.00
8/18/09
$4,500.00
8/18/09
$4,500.00
8/18/09
$3,500.00
8/18/09
$4,500.00
8/20/09
$4,500.00
8/20/09
$4,500.00
8/21/09
$4,500.00
8/21/09
$4,500.00
7/29/09
$4,500.00
8/11/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
7/31/09
$4,500.00
8/2/09
$4,500.00
8/10/09
$4,500.00
8/10/09
$4,500.00
8/14/09
8/20/09
$4,500.00
$3,500.00
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
CENTER, INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
235
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
2000 S 1st
Street
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Willmar
MN
56201
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
Baxter
MN
MN
56425
56425
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
MILLS AUTO
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
8/20/09
$3,500.00
8/20/09
$3,500.00
8/20/09
$4,500.00
8/22/09
$3,500.00
8/22/09
$4,500.00
8/22/09
$4,500.00
7/27/09
MILLS
$4,500.00 MOTOR INC.
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
7/27/09
MILLS
MILLS
236
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14138
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
7/27/09
MILLS
7/27/09
MILLS
7/28/09
MILLS
7/28/09
MILLS
7/28/09
MILLS
7/28/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/29/09
MILLS
7/31/09
MILLS
7/31/09
MILLS
7/31/09
MILLS
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
237
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
7/31/09
MILLS
8/1/09
MILLS
7/31/09
MILLS
8/2/09
MILLS
8/1/09
MILLS
8/2/09
MILLS
8/2/09
MILLS
8/1/09
MILLS
8/2/09
MILLS
8/4/09
MILLS
8/4/09
MILLS
8/6/09
MILLS
8/6/09
MILLS
8/6/09
MILLS
8/8/09
8/8/09
MILLS
$3,500.00 MILLS
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
238
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
Baxter
MN
MN
56425
56425
MOTOR INC.
8/8/09
MILLS
8/8/09
MILLS
8/10/09
MILLS
8/10/09
MILLS
8/10/09
MILLS
8/10/09
MILLS
8/11/09
MILLS
8/18/09
MILLS
8/18/09
MILLS
8/20/09
MILLS
8/20/09
MILLS
8/20/09
MILLS
8/20/09
MILLS
8/21/09
8/24/09
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
Drive
14858
Dellwood
MILLS
MILLS
239
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Baxter
MN
56425
Drive
Total
$620,000
240

Research Book

Transcription

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