Overview
- An administrative law judge found probable cause Thursday and sent a complaint about Lindell’s July Fourth pillow giveaways to a three-judge panel for a full evidentiary hearing with the date to be set.
- A citizen complaint filed July 22 says Lindell handed out pillows labeled “Mike Lindell for Governor” at a Delano parade and cites a $34.95 retail value printed on the packaging.
- Lindell and his campaign acknowledge the giveaways and submitted invoices and affidavits saying the pillows were bought wholesale for $4.90 each and were available with a promo code for $9.95.
- Minnesota law makes it a felony to give anything of monetary value to induce votes while exempting food or refreshments worth up to $5 consumed on site, a statutory rule that frames the factual dispute over valuation and exemptions.
- The procedural escalation comes days before the Aug. 11 GOP primary and follows other campaign pressures on Lindell including his recent step back from MyPillow management and intra-party residency challenges.