A Republican politician in Colorado exploited a loophole in congressional rules to win his June primary. A week before the election, Doug Lamborn used taxpayers' dollars to send out a promotional mass mailing bragging of his accomplishments and bashing President Obama.
These mass mailings are allowed as long as the language used in them isn't too political or self-serving, but they're banned in the three months before an election. But Lamborn found a loophole -- the term "mass mailing" only applies when something goes out to 500 or more people. Lamborn sent his mailer to 499.
This practice, known as "franked mail," is often used by politicians in danger of losing elections, or who need a boost in publicity. It worked for Lamborn -- he won by a slim 53 percent of the vote.
It is unfair for politicians to give themselves an edge at taxpayers' expense. Please sign the petition to urge Congress to close this loophole!
We, the undersigned, are concerned that a loophole in congressional rules is allowing politicians to skew election results at taxpayers' expense.
Recently, a politician named Doug Lamborn of Colorado used this loophole to win his June primary. A week before the election, Doug Lamborn used taxpayers' dollars to send out a promotional mass mailing bragging of his accomplishments and bashing President Obama.
As you know, these mass mailings are allowed as long as the language used in them isn't too political or self-serving, but they're banned in the three months before an election. But Lamborn found a loophole -- the term "mass mailing" only applies when something goes out to 500 or more people. Lamborn sent his mailer to 499.
We believe it is unfair for politicians to give themselves an edge at taxpayers' expense. We respectfully urge you to close this loophole in congressional rules. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
