Rep. Severson’s family fun page includes man blowing himself up

Romping with kids, picnicking with the kids, wrasslin’ with the dog — just the kind of activities you’d expect on the ubiquitous "family" page on a candidate’s website. But for one campaign website, that of Sauk Rapids Republican Rep. Dan Severson, there’s a surprise addition — a guy blowing himself up.

"As you can see, my family enjoys spending time together and having fun," reads Severson’s site. "I appreciate a good smile. Click on the link below to view a movie that will hopefully put a smile on your face."

The link opens a file titled, "German_engineering_versus_Arab_technology.swv," a fake Volkswagen commercial that shows a man who appears to be of Arab descent getting into a Volkwagon Polo. He drives in front of a cafe, opens his jacket to reveal explosives, then detonates the explosives. The gag: the car windows stay unbroken as blood splatters on them. It ends with the message: "VW Polo: Smart but Tough."

The spot was not made by Volkswagen but was instead a viral video created by "Dan and Lee" in 2005. Volkswagen threatened to sue the duo over the video, which cost them 40,000 Euros, or about $62,000, to produce.

Minnesota Independent has contacted Severson, and we’ll publish his reply when we receive one.