Minnesota Independent reporting on pulpit politicking creates media ripple

The Minnesota Independent’s Andy Birkey was the first reporter in the state to cover plans by pastors Brad Brandon in Hastings and Greg Stone in St. Peter to endorse political candidates from the pulpit in violation of laws governing tax-exempt organizations. Since he published that report on Friday morning, plus two follow-ups this week, other media — including the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, City Pages and WCCO — have been following up on the Minnesota Independent’s original reporting. None of these outlets mentioned Birkey’s reporting, but one key group did: Americans United for Separation of Church and State cited his work multiple times in its letter of complaint to the Internal Revenue Service over Pastor Brandon’s endorsement.

On Friday morning, Birkey broke news that the pastors planned on defying U.S. laws that prohibit tax-exempt organizations, including houses of worship, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Brandon challenged the “liberal media”to “file a complaint with the IRS.” He urged, “Do it out of hatred for me.”

Birkey then traveled to Hastings on Sunday to cover Brandon’s endorsement of 11 candidates, including nine Republicans, a Constitution party candidate and an independent. (The Hastings Star Gazette also had a reporter at the service.) The church printed fliers listing its endorsements. In an indication that he’s aware of his church’s tax status and legal requirements under it, Brandon stated, “I am not violating the IRS code 501(c)3. I don’t consider myself violating that, but I do consider myself exercising my free speech.”

Monday afternoon, Americans United filed a complaint against Brandon’s Berean Bible Baptist Church, over what it characterizes as a “blatant violation” of the law. “[E]vidence indicates that this church violated federal law — and did so knowingly,” read AU’s letter, which noted that Brandon “seems eager to be investigated by the IRS.”

While that letter cited the Minnesota Independent’s reporting, no other major media outlet did, including City Pages, the Pioneer Press, the Star Tribune, the Associated Press (which syndicated the Strib’s story) and WCCO. Congratulations to Andy for setting the pace on this breaking story.