WAYZATA, Minn. — Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips denied knowledge of robocalls that faked President Biden’s voice to discourage voter turnout in the New Hampshire presidential primary. Phillips, who is seeking the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, stood to benefit from a low turnout. According to credible news accounts, the robocalls were masterminded by a Phillips campaign consultant. Phillips acknowledged that the consultant, Steve Kramer, had been on his payroll but that his contract has expired. About Kramer, Phillips said: “I’m disgusted that a consultant hired to assist my campaign with ballot access is alleged to have faked a robocall impersonating Joe Biden.” Phillips called the robocalls despicable. Phillips invited authorities to nvestigate. Phillips said he never knew Kramer personally. Kramer is a New York-based consultant. He was paid $260,000 by the Phillips campaign for services in December and January, according to required periodic reports to the Federal Elections Commission. The New Hampshire primary was January 23.
Verbatim
Katie Dolan, a Phillips spokesperson: “If it is true that Mr. Kramer had any involvement in the creation of deep-fake robocalls, he did so of his own volition, which had nothing to do with our campaign. The fundamental notion of our campaign is the importance of competition, choice and democracy.” Dolan said the campaign’s relationship with Kramer ended several weeks ago. His contract, she said, was only to gather signatures to help Phillips get on the ballot in assigned states.
Phillips. Three-term member of U.S. Congress from western Minneapolis suburbs.