[Update: see below]

Stu Rothenberg, a Republican and a contributor to Roll Call, writes at his "non-partisan" blog, The Rothenberg Political Report, that he had a "spectacular" interview with MN-03 Republican candidate Erik Paulsen. Of course, all we get from Rothenberg is that Paulsen answered one question spectacularly. We don't get the actual answer to that spectacularly answered question but merely a summary.

I wouldn't say my interview with Erik Paulsen went well. I'd say it was spectacular. His response to a question on immigration policy was the single best answer that I have ever received — and I've certainly asked the same question to at least 100 other candidates.
(The Rothenberg Political Report, subscription only)

This is the kind of content free reporting on this race we should expect from Washington pundits in love with their own punditness. You'll have to trust Rothenberg that the answer was spectacular because he was either too lazy to write it down, record it with one of those new-fangled voice recording machines then have an intern transcribe it or too Republican to write it down.

Here's how thorough his journalism is:

I haven't met Paulsen's Democratic opponent yet, so I can't handicap his chances completely. But Paulsen definitely gives Republicans a strong nominee in their effort to hold a shaky open House seat.

I confirmed with the Madia Campaign that Rothenberg has made no attempt to contact them.

Yes, Rothenberg knows nothing about the MN-03 race, he knows nothing about the MN-03 demographics, he knows nothing about Paulsen's voting record, all he knows about Paulsen is what Paulsen fed him and most importantly he knows nothing about Ashwin Madia. Given his ignorance we are supposed to trust his astute judgment because he is a well-known Washington pundit who is too lazy to do even the slightest amount of research (cough ... google ... cough) into one of the hottest races in the country.

This is why he makes the big bucks.

The only thing that will impress an ignoramus like Rothenberg is to make sure that Our Brave Captain has a huge fundraising haul this quarter. So go ahead and donate to Ashwin's campaign.

This is how beltway punditocracy works. Rothenberg prints a puffball piece about Paulsen. Consequently, Chris Cizilla, at the WaPo blog The Fix, uses it to figure out how he ranks the top House races. Who will be the next Washington pundit to compound Rothenberg's ignorance?

To be continued ...

Update

Real Clear Politics has posted Rothenberg's ignorance:

Erik Paulsen (R), Minnesota's 3rd district. I wouldn't say my interview with Erik Paulsen went well. I'd say it was spectacular. His response to a question on immigration policy was the single best answer that I have ever received -- and I've certainly asked the same question to at least 100 other candidates.

Holding a degree in mathematics from St. Olaf College, Paulsen initially used his math background to work as a financial analyst for a cable TV shopping channel. But after a brief internship in the St. Paul office of then-Sen. Rudy Boschwitz (R) and a short stint as a field representative in Boschwitz's re-election campaign, Paulsen opted for politics over the business world.

He eventually worked in a couple of capacities for Rep. Jim Ramstad (R), including as state director, before winning an open state legislative seat at the age of 29.

Paulsen, 43, is sharp, articulate and politically savvy without seeming overly ambitious or arrogant. He clearly thinks about policy and can talk about it without being boring or long-winded. He is one of the more politically appealing candidates that I have interviewed.

I haven't met Paulsen's Democratic opponent yet, so I can't handicap his chances completely. But Paulsen definitely gives Republicans a strong nominee in their effort to hold a shaky open House seat.
(Real Clear Politics)