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.













