PAULSEN, Erik, a Representative from Minnesota; born in Bakersfield, Kern County, Calif., May 14, 1965; graduated from Chaska High School, Chaska, Minn., 1983; B.A., St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., 1987; businessman; staff, United States Senator Rudy Boschwitz of Minnesota; member, Minnesota state house of representatives, 1995-2008; majority leader, Minnesota state house of representatives, 2003-2007; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Eleventh Congress (January 3, 2009-present).