Eliz Dole Sends GOP Fundraising Letter DISGUISED As IRS Form-REPLY OR ELSE

[kpete]

Elizabeth Dole sends out GOP fundraising letter disguised to look like federal tax form, "requires" you to respond "or else"
by John in DC - 3/08/2006 10:33:00 AM



Local blogger BlueNC makes an incredible find.
http://www.bluenc.com/node/1454?PHPSESSID=ca494c4ee3670e8a02754553db21d2c9

This is pretty low. A Republican party fundraising letter that pretends to be an official document from the IRS, and then demands that you not destroy the official document and that you respond?

This is fraud, and it's no better than the people who try to extort money from the elderly or those Nigerian spammers. They're looking for a few suckers who don't know any better, and that's exactly what Senator Dole and the Republican party are doing with this mailer. They're trying to trick people into donating money to the Republican party at tax time, or else.

I doubt this is legal, and it's most certainly sleazy as hell.

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2006/03/elizabeth-dole-sends-out-gop.html

[EFerrari]

1. Send it to Keith. I see a Worst Person award here.

:)

[ronnykmarshall]

28. Did Bobdole approve this?

Bobdole doesn't like Bobdole's wife doing this sorta thing. Bobdole would never pull a stunt like this. Bobdole need another little blue pill.

[EFerrari]

31. Now, don't make me feel sorry for Bobdole.

:P

[ronnykmarshall]

34. I kinda miss ol' Bobdole!

10 years ago, I'd never thought I'd say THAT! Compared to this crop of pukes ..... ol' Bobdole looks pretty good.

[EFerrari]

71. Nixon, too! And Saint Barry Goldwater.

:silly:

[FVZA_Colonel]

78. You know, ever since I first saw that episode of the Simpsons where Dole

and Clinton are kidnapped by Kang and Kodos I can't refer to him using only his last or first name.

[EFerrari]

81. LOL!

:)

[FVZA_Colonel]

84. "Bobdole doesn't need this..."

It may have been an incredibly topical piece, but it still holds up as one of the best Tree House of Horror Shorts they've ever done.

[9119495]

91. I actually use that vignette to teach satire to my history classes.

It's a bit dated but it's message is hilarious.

We then launch into Petrarch, etc.

[lies and propaganda]

86. miniature American flags for all!

yeah!

[FreedomAngel82]

68. LOL oh funny

Maybe Bob Dole gave Elizabeth Dole the idea.

[LiberalFighter]

126. Where does BobDole need that little blue pill? Hmmmm

How about a dozen little blue pills through the opening in his other little head?

[NewWaveChick1981]

51. I second that!

I live in NC (didn't vote for Dole, btw :) ). That's pretty damn sneaky (and I daresay illegal...). Keith would have a field day with it.

[EFerrari]

72. Done.

:)

[The Southern Dem]

76. Don't worry...I sent it to him

I felt strange, but after his segment on O'Reilly last week I could actually hear him reading this letter. Oh...I live in NC too and wouldn't have voted for Dole if my life depended on it.

[The Southern Dem]

65. Hi..Southern Dem from BlueNC

I wrote the original post and want to assure you this was sent to Olbermann yesterday. The four page letter is ripe for snark.

[EFerrari]

129. Welcome to DU, Southern Dem

Smells like team spirit to me. :hi:

[The Southern Dem]

143. Thank you!

As I mentioned downthread. It's one of the small tactics they use to intimidate and look like the party of power. We have to tackle the little things too.

[ktowntennesseedem]

112. She might even take all three, "Worse" "Worser" and "Worsest"!

A worst person trifecta!!!

:scared:

[EFerrari]

130. Wasn't on tonight but maybe he's trying to shield us, lol

:)

/oh man, I can't type to save my life

[Catchawave]

113. Done :)

[elehhhhna]

2. K&R

[glitch]

3. How is this not illegal? Isn't this fraud? Sleazy is a given, it's Dole.nt

[cboy4]

73. That's a good question. I thought they were cracking down on all

of the sneaky, unethical bastards that send out envelopes that look really official, only to contain junk inside!

[MadMaddie]

4. We know that the gov won't try to prosecute...

But if the state persues it and prosecutes it....theres always hope!!

[skylarmae]

5. if sent thru the mail - mail fraud as another count too!

if real, this is amazing, or is it? Wasn't there propaganda out there before the 04 elections that said the dems would take away all their bibles, etc..... standard operating procedure????

And on a catty note, can this dole woman pull or stretch her face any further? Just check out some of her earlier photos when she was campaigning with hubby....

either way, criminals IMHO

[Dr. Jones]

14. Reeeeeeer...

meoooooowwwwwwwww...

:silly:

[Megahurtz]

117. Report it to the Postal Inspectors lol!

If they get enough calls, they might do something!

[Gormy Cuss]

6. She's threatening her own kind.

Here I thought there couldn't be another reason why I'm not a registered Republican.
:yoiks:

[central scrutinizer]

7. speaks volumes about her opinion of the intelligence of her supporters

She is counting on wringing money from semi-literate voters

[silverweb]

8. God, I hope they send me one!

Not that they would.

I never get any reTHUG mail.

But I'd sure love to write FUCK YOU in red across this damn thing and send it back to them.

:evilgrin:

On Edit: I wonder if this will get Lizzy a "Worst Person in the World" spot? :rofl:

[thecrow]

10. We should all sign up to receive RepibliCON mail

If for no other reason, to increase their overhead.
What? Don't you think they sign up for mail rom the Dems?

[silverweb]

12. Maybe...

But I try to keep the junk mail to a minimum... saving trees and paper and all that, dontchaknow. That's more important to me than increasing their overhead.

[Spazito]

9. Wow, ......... just wow!

Recommended.

[MrPrax]

134. I Love These Guys!!

Never a Dull Moment...I swear

:rofl:

[sam sarrha]

11. this speaks volumes on how desperate they are about the next election

[old_techie]

13. defrauding dead people?

This thing was addressed to my would-be 98 year old father who is now deceased and never was a Republican! I am sending it back with IMPEACH BUSH on it and no money of course. Let them pay for their postage paid envelope!

[meganmonkey]

18. Throw in some benign but heavy objects

to weigh it down a bit. Maybe tape it to a brick or something }(

[formercia]

29. lead flashing cut to fit inside envelope n/t

[Spazito]

21. WTG, old_techie and Welcome to DU!

Thanks for making this public!

[EFerrari]

25. Welcome to DU, old_techie!

That's the spirit. :hi:

[RogerARTcom]

104. AMERICA - UNITE Sweep Clean Campaign .com

AMERICA - UNITE

AMERICA - UNITE Sweep Clean Campaign .com

Sweep Clean - American - Government

http://www.CleanSweepCampaign.com

2006 & 2008

GET YOUR BROOM - on

You Know What To Do... Pass It On


----------------------------------------------

Take Your Broom

Wherever U Go
- American - Government

http://www.CleanSweepCampaign.com

2006 & 2008

GET YOUR BROOM - on

You Know What To Do... Pass It On


----------------------------------------------

Take Your Broom

Wherever U Go

[Orion The Hunter]

136. Dole....

...because she is BANANAS! Thank goodness she doesn't represent my state!

[Hissyspit]

15. That's my Senator!

We needed someone to pick up where Jesse Helms left off.

[Pacifist Patriot]

59. You must be so proud.

:sarcasm:

[Hissyspit]

94. Oh, yes!

/sarcasm (I forgot the sarcasm indicator in the first post!)

[Pacifist Patriot]

119. LOL! The Jesse Helms comment gave the sarcasm away.

[BuyingThyme]

16. What the hell could be going through this old fart's head?

If this is for real, she simply needs to be locked up.

[yellowcanine]

17. I don't think there is any question that this is mail fraud. Dole should

be required to return any funds generated by this letter and pay a substantial fine if not actual damages to recipients of the letter.

How is it fraud?

It is made to appear as an IRS document.

It says it is a SURVEY. Surveys don't require a contribution.

There is an implicit threat that a response is required AND that a minimum of $11 must be sent in.

That is mail fraud. No response is required. A recipient can throw it in the trash and nothing is going to happen. The letter should tell people that rather than suggest that a response is required let alone suggest that money must also be sent.

Also this is not a case where a simple apology and a promise not to do it again will do. Actual harm has already been done. If even one person has already sent in $11 in because they thought they had no choice Dole has already defrauded them. And it does no good to argue there was no fraud "intent". If there were no intent to defraud the letter would have made it clear that people could ignore it and it would not have been disguised as an IRS mailing.

[ohtransplant]

20. Someone who received this should contact the US Postal Inspection Service

and let them look into it.

This level of subterfuge would certainly not be tolerated by a for-profit business and shouldn't be tolerated by the rethuglican party.

[BuyingThyme]

23. Somebody should contact the IRS.

[The Southern Dem]

67. I have that on my list of things to do.

I have the originals and I haven't called yet. My friend (a lawyer) said that my husband (the addressed recipient) may have to be the one to file the complaint and I don't know that he will. Thanks for the suggestion and I will be calling.

[marions ghost]

118. yeah

the intent to defraud is there. I say let Liddy collect it, bank it, and then let it be publicized.

I agree this is a serious offense. But I also believe that there is no legal recourse or consumer lobby strong enough to challenge it. And our population is so downtrodden and assaulted by advertizing they don't recognise this as being over the line. "Buyer beware" attitudes let a lot of this kind of thing go on.

Maybe this case could be used as an example however, so complaints are in order. At the very least, objections will be documented.

[marions ghost]

19. Clever...love that authoritarian language...

"THIS SURVEY DOCUMENT IS REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME and must be accounted for..."

"OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY DOCUMENT--DO NOT DESTROY"

--------

Many gullible people will respond to this. The ONLY hope is to publicize this in the state of NC so that people will know they are not required to respond.

I seriously doubt anyone will take this up legally as fraud, although they should. Who cares enough? This kind of fraud is rarely prosecuted at state or federal level. Too many people, even intelligent Americans, believe that they are protected by laws, or that mechanisms are in place to prosecute these kinds of crimes. This is just one of the Big Lies this country operates on.

[The Southern Dem]

79. Our attorney general is a Democrat

and he has his eyes on the Governor's mansion. I'm hoping that would help. The complaint has been filed just in case. I agree that many people would fall for this.

[marions ghost]

99. I have seen

mailings such as this in conjunction with elections and a complaint was filed. However the state attorney general was not interested in conducting an investigation. They will give you all kinds of lip service about how they are interested in the complaint. I'm not meaning to discourage you on this--it is a good exercise to file the complaint--it can help enlighten people as to the fact that there are no realistic legal avenues for pursuing such things in our current climate. But at the very least it might get some publicity. Publicity IMO is the only way to combat these things. (Sure send it to Olbermann). The legal system is not set up to handle these kinds of cases on the public's behalf. The state legal system works for corporate interests.

Let us know how it goes....

[The Southern Dem]

109. I will

I think it's important to follow through. I've been told that many times just one complaint won't get noticed, but if they receive several it has a better chance. Several won't get there if we don't send the darned things. So a complaint was filed and we'll just see what happens.

[f-bush]

135. WELCOME TO DU!!!!

[The Southern Dem]

140. Thank you.

I look forward to checking back often.

[Marie26]

dupe nt

[Marie26]

22. God, I can't stand Dole

She doesn't even try to pretend she represents NC constituents.

[Divernan]

24. Can someone send this to Jon Stewart?

nt

[EFerrari]

27. Since Comedy Central isn't grown up enough to have contact info

the nearest link is the viewer response form:

http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml

[Che_Nuevara]

26. I think DUers should print these out

and fill 'em out and return 'em! Of course, you'd have to pay 40 cents postage, but wouldn't it be worth it?

[karlrschneider]

30. An interesting post from the blog

I posted this at DKos but
#4182 On 7 March, 2006 1:33pm PantsB (not verified) said,

I posted this at DKos but it'll probably be missed at the bottom. When you file your complaint, cite...(IANAL)
Title 39, 3001
(i) Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails which constitutes a solicitation by a nongovernmental entity for information or the contribution of funds or membership fees and which reasonably could be interpreted or construed as implying any Federal Government connection, approval, or endorsement through the use of a seal, insignia, reference to the Postmaster General, citation to a Federal statute, name of a Federal agency, department, commission, or program, trade or brand name, or any other term or symbol; or contains any reference to the Postmaster General or a citation to a Federal statute that misrepresents either the identity of the mailer or the protection or status afforded such matter by the Federal Government is nonmailable matter and shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless--
(1) such nongovernmental entity has such expressed connection, approval or endorsement;
(2)
(A) such matter bears on its face, in conspicuous and legible type in contrast by typography, layout, or color with other printing on its face, in accordance with regulations which the Postal Service shall prescribe, the following notice: "THIS ORGANIZATION HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR ENDORSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE BY AN AGENCY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.", or a notice to the same effect in words which the Postal Service may prescribe;
(B) the envelope or outside cover or wrapper in which such matter is mailed bears on its face in capital letters and in conspicuous and legible type, in accordance with regulations which the Postal Service shall prescribe, the following notice: "THIS IS NOT A GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT.", or a notice to the same effect in words which the Postal Service may prescribe; and
(C) such matter does not contain a false representation stating or implying that Federal Government benefits or services will be affected by any contribution or noncontribution; or
(3) such matter is contained in a publication for which the addressee has paid or promised to pay a consideration or which he has otherwise indicated he desires to receive, except that this paragraph shall not apply if the solicitation is on behalf of the publisher of the publication.

[The Southern Dem]

66. PantsB

I got your message. I was trying to be a good diarist and reply to everyone. There was some amazing info at DKos for me yesterday. Thanks for tracking me down at BlueNC. I have printed your post out so I won't lost it. Thank you!

[f-bush]

32. I say we demand an investigation

as to it's legality! Suggestions? Where do we go from here? Can we start an online petition to the appropriate agency? I am really computor retarded, so don't know how to set it up!

[The Backlash Cometh]

33. What a shameless whore. Or woman pimp, because she's too old

to make any money any other way.

[madrchsod]

35. this is standard operating procedure for the republican party

i have received phony credit cards from both the state and national republican party. the last credit card stated that i was a gold card member. last year i received a similar letter to doles from the national party it`s theme was that if i did`t contribute the country was going to hell and i may die as a result.
the republican party is the party of fear---- they have nothing else to offer

[Higans]

93. Fear, quite Orwellian.

A world of fear and treachery is torment, a world of trampling and being trampled upon, a world which will grow not less but more merciless as it refines itself. Progress in our world will be progress towards more pain. The old civilizations claimed that they were founded on love or justice. Ours is founded upon hatred. In our world there will be no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, and self-abasement. Everything else we shall destroy everything.

http://www.online-literature.com/orwell/1984

[katinmn]

36. DO NOT DESTROY YOUR SURVEY!

DO NOT DESTROY YOUR SURVEY! The enclosed Republican Senate Leadership Survey is an OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY DOCUMENT. Your Survey is REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME ONLY and MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR upon completion of this project.

:rofl:

I cannot believe these wretched creatures.

[Cronus Protagonist]

37. I got one much like that from the Democratic Party last year

And this one clearly says it's a survey, also much like the Democratic one I got. The ploy is to ask for your opinions on various matters and at the end of the survey, they ask for a donation to handle the expenses of the survey and to make your voice be heard. This is a tempest in a teacup, if you ask me.

Educate Your Local Freepers Today!
Buttons, Stickers, Magnets for brainy people
http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13

[July]

56. Did it look like an IRS document?

I get Democratic Party surveys often, too, but they aren't disguised as anything else.

[Cronus Protagonist]

80. I looked at the GOP one - where does it look like an IRS document?

I saw all the screen caps. Don't see any that say IRS on them anywhere. The ones I get from Democratic candidates looke like they used the exact same forumula. I don't see any difference. It's a push poll survey with a request for money and they try to make it official looking. In fact, I wonder if they used the same printer and designer because the similarity is profound. I guess once the pols know something works, they all get on the bandwagon. I wish I had kept one of the ones I get, but I trash them as soon as they arrive.

Really, where is this similarity? I must have missed it. The IRS doesn't send me push poll surveys, only demands for payment and account information. and they certainly don't title the document with "The Republican Senate Leadership Party" and "Senator Elizabeth Dole".

Tempest in a teacup. I can think of at least fifty things to get worked up about that are more substantial than this non-issue.

Still, if it floats your boat, have at it....

[July]

85. That's what the recipient said.

What I could see had a design that looked like a financial data form (IRS, student loan application, whatever). I've never gotten anything similar from the Democratic Party.

It sure does float my boat to point out the difference between Republicans and Democrats, and between deceptive (not only in format but in authoritarian language) surveys and those that look like surveys and don't order me to reply, preserve the document, or allow their party to "account for" my personal, registered copy.

If it's a non-issue for you, there's no need to post, is there?

[Cronus Protagonist]

88. No need to post? Not really, except it's fun

And I have a point of view.

The document says nothing about IRS or taxes. Sure, it's heavy handed. Sure it looks official. But does it look like it's from the IRS? Not at all. It looks like it's from the Republican Party just like it says in large, bold letters at the top of the opening letter, after which it goes into detail about why the recipient should send money to support the party. Nothing abour the IRS or taxes at all. Nothing.

As for the envelope, I get magazine subscriptions that look more official than that.

Next time I get a Democratic one from Dianne Feinstein, I'll post caps of it and you can check it out as well. I bet it won't get as much outrage as this innocuous document did. In the meantime, keep stirring that teacup.

:evilgrin:

[greyl]

90. I partially agree with you, but

the 3 "options" for returning the form are definitely misleading and preying on the gullible.
see post #38

edit: and this:

"DO NOT DESTROY YOUR SURVEY! The enclosed Republican Senate Leadership Survey is an OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY DOCUMENT. Your Survey is REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME ONLY and MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR upon completion of this project.

If you decide not to represent your local voting district in this important Republican Senate Leadership Survey - please RETURN THE SURVEY DOCUMENT - AT ONCE - IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED."

[Cronus Protagonist]

100. It's hard hitting, more than most, but it's still not an IRS fake out

I mean really. There's no mention of the IRS anywhere in the document or on the envelope.

[greyl]

106. Yes, it's not disquised as an IRS form at all. nt

[GrumpyGreg]

105. I'm with you. The very fact that the original poster saw it

as a sleazy fund raising gimmick would mean that most,if not all,of the others who received it would understand right away what it was.

Even the elderly,which the poster seems to think are stupid and easily scammed,would have the brains to figure it out.

It's not fraud,it's attention getting,slimey fundraising.

[The Southern Dem]

125. That's a pretty moronic thing to say.

I never once implied that the elderly are stupid and it is ignorant and insulting for you to put words in my mouth. What an absolutely absurd, childish trick to try and turn this conversation against me.

You might not care about protecting others from scams or the use of intimidation in fundraising, but I do care.

[The Southern Dem]

144. Thank you July

I thought it might be a waste of my breath to respond to these guys, but it appeared they needed some dots connected for them.

I would never discourage someone from doing the right thing. Thank you for replying when I wasn't around to support my position.

[The Southern Dem]

122. It would have been nice if you had read my original blog

No where did I say that document was a fake IRS document. It was designed to look like a government(IRS) document even down to the way the questions are sectioned out and the document number is printed. Many, Many people have agreed with this. The point wasn't that anyone would confuse it with an IRS document, it's that the similarity might confuse some into believing that the document was somehow "official". Especially, when coupled with the all caps section of the letter saying, "This is an OFFICIAL DOCUMENT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY." We know that's a load of crap, but it would fool some people.

Also in my original post I referred more to the intimidating verbage and tone of the four page letter. Not once has anyone disagreed with my assessment there.

In the comments of my diary on Kos I gave a nod to the fact that there is a lot going on that is important and didn't want to blow this out of proportion. Fortunately, of the hundreds of folks responding to my personal blog, Kos diary and the postings on Americablog and here I see fewer than 10 who agree with your position. You might not care that others are taken advantage of by scams like this. I do. I prefer to take action and encourage others to do the same. I wouldn't dream of discouraging someone from doing the right thing.

[greyl]

138. You said it was "disguised as a "Return"",

"designed to look like a tax form", and "passing off a fundraiser as a tax document" and now "No where did I say that document was a fake IRS document."
Nobody accused you of saying that the document was a fake IRS document, exactly. Note the title of this thread.

""This is an OFFICIAL DOCUMENT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY." We know that's a load of crap, but it would fool some people."

Actually, it is an official document of the republican party.

"Fortunately, of the hundreds of folks responding to my personal blog, Kos diary and the postings on Americablog and here I see fewer than 10 who agree with your position."

So? The power of suggestion, mayhaps?

To be clear, I think this is a very underhanded and misleading fundraising tactic, but that the tax form angle is weak.

[The Southern Dem]

141. The envelope....

U.S. Individual Resident and Return enclosed - and while we know it means to return the enclosed item, you have to look at the entire package. "Disguised as a tax form" takes into account the look of the envelope...the design of the form...the use of the document numbers printed the same way they are on IRS forms...and the fact it was sent out during the height of tax season. It is the impression of importance. Yes, there are a lot of factors in play, but they have taken a simple survey and made it more important than it is....through the tone of the letter and words used written in all caps. It does require that you read the entire letter and take into consideration all the factors I mention in my original blog post and you are certainly welcome to disagree if you've done that.

What I don't appreciate is having my efforts to correct an intimidation tactic made light of. This might not be the most vitally important issue of the day, but it's one of those small ways that the Republicans have used over the past 30 years to intimidate voters into thinking they are the party that represents power. Vote for us or die. All fear, all the time. We have to tackle every single tactic they use, when they use them. We can't just point to them and whine that they don't play by the rules. We have to make them obey the rules. That's all I'm trying to do.

[The Southern Dem]

82. It isn't the survey

It's the intimidating language in the letter. My original diary made that point. It requires the return of the survey and gives no option to do so without sending money. There are a lot of naive folks out there who will fall for this.

[Cronus Protagonist]

101. Perhaps, then, the Democratics should be taking note

Money being the lifeblood of politics and all that....

[marions ghost]

108. agreed

there is an implied threat in the tone and appearance of the solicitation. People will comply and send money just to avoid trouble.

It reminds me of my favorite "moral values" story...

Once on Halloween a teenager (as tall as me) turned up at my door about 4 pm, without a costume or paper bag. "Trick or Treat" he said, "I accept money."

"This kinda feels like a hold-up" sez me.

"Whatever" sez he, unmoving. I gave him some quarters just to leave.

ELizabeth Dole's solicitation sinks to this level. Is it OK?....No. In a parallel universe somewhere this would be extortion. Using implied threats to get what you want.

People who say "buyer beware" all the time in response to situations like this need to read the statististics on fraud. Anyone can become a victim.

[The Southern Dem]

110. Absolutely

I actually had a friend who is a Republican say that it was just too bad for people who fell for something like this. She is a very protective mom and I pointed out that she would feel differently if someone took advantage of her daughter. She said, "That's different." Yeah, right.

[Iowa]

103. I agree with Cronus Protagonist...

This is about what I'd expect from a low-class corporate whore trying to squeeze a few bucks out of the flag-waving trailer-trash that makes up a good portion of her base. Her behavior is dishonest, sleazy, and low class, but there's no surprise there.

And maybe it's just me (or maybe I'm missing something), but as hard as I try, I'm having a tough time conjuring up tears for any dimwit republican who gets duped into thinking it's an IRS bill and forks over his lunch money.

[Canuckistanian]

38. 3 options for returning it, and all 3 require sending money.

The first option is:

Yes! I want to help defend our Republican Senate Majority and build a strong foundation of Republican grassroots support for President Bush and his agenda. I am enclosing my most generous contribution of: __$500 __$250 __$100 __$50 __$25 __Other$____

The second option is:

No. I do not wish to participate in this vital Republican Senate Leadership Survey. however, I am returning my Survey Document, along with a generous donation to help build Republican grassroots support for President Bush and his agenda. I am enclosing a donation of: __$500 __$250 __$100 __$50 __$25 __Other$___

The final option is simply absurd. This is the final option:

No. I do not wish to particiapte in the Survey, nor do I wish to make a donation to help the Republican Party. I am returning my Survey Document, along with a contribution of $11 to help cover the cost of tabulating and redistributing my Survey.

[progressoid]

42. That third choice is a doosy.

Sadly, there are probably idiots out there that send in the 11 bucks. :eyes:

[Canuckistanian]

62. And those that did send in $11 get put on a special list....

Sucker Alert! We got another one! :woohoo:

[marions ghost]

115. ??????????????? What's the difference

between this ...and the infinite stories of swindling you hear about every day? They might as well say "It will cost you 11 bucks to be a member of the Republican party." There's an implication that "everyone must do their part" which less well-off people often respond to.

My dad used to tell me the old story about the guy who advertized in magazines, "Last week to send your dollar" and made $30K. They WILL make money off this scam.

[4dsc]

47. WATCH OUT FOLKS!!!

My democratic Senator sent a survey to me and question 20 stated: "If you are unable to support Senator ---------- today, would you be willing so send a contribution of $10 to help cover the costs of processing this survey?

At least they ask and didn't mandate..

[The Southern Dem]

69. The real problem with this

is the very intimidating four page letter that came along with the survey. I don't mind them asking nicely for money. I mind them implying that you HAVE to do it b/c this is an OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY DOCUMENT...like that really means anything.

[ekelly]

132. Repubs should respond with:

No. I do not wish to particiapte in the Survey, nor do I wish to make a donation to help the Republican Party. I am returning my Survey Document, along with a bill for $11 to help cover the cost of the time I took to read the survey and the effort it took for me to walk to my mailbox to return it to you.

Do repubs really enjoy being thought of as stupid robots by their reps?

[renate]

146. love your idea!!

:rofl:

[APPLE314]

39. Funraising letter

Probably used the Red Cross mailing list as a starting point. 

They have to replace their Dubois lobbying money.

[Higans]

96. Welcome to DU!

[NobleCynic]

40. My first reaction is that it can't be real

No one could be stupid enough to send out something this crass. But then I think again on it, and realize the stupdity is our greatest renewable resource. Bank on people's gullibilty and you'll never go hungry.

If this is actually real, there will probably be some form of legal action and we'll hear about it again. Even though I have my doubts somedays, not all the rank and file in the Republicans are willing to put up with that kind of BS, and there will be more of these mailings out there. Given simple human error, changing party registration, changing addresses, etc., there should be more that end up in Dem or independent hands. Until then, I'll have some reservations about the authenticity. I wouldn't put it past Republican fund-raisers, but...

[NobleCynic]

45. On the other hand

If Cronos Protagonist got one like that from the Dems last year, maybe it's not illegal. Unethical certainly, but if it scrapes just past the requirements I guess both parties would resort to such low measures. On the other hand it could be illegal, but both parties do it anyway. Ugh.

If it is authentic, hopefully something it can be expoited against the Republicans that sent it out. A rational thinking person would certainly be offended by it.

[July]

60. I do not buy the "both parties do it anyway" line.

That is what Republicans say whenever they find themselves under scrutiny, and they can usually cough up far fewer and decidedly lesser offenses among Democrats to try to muddy the waters and make it seem as if it's "politicians" rather than "Republican politicians" who are the problem.

As I've said in reply to Cronos Protagonist, I also get Democratic surveys often, but they don't look like IRS documents, and they don't "require" me to reply, preserve the document, or anything else.

There IS a difference.

[Gormy Cuss]

97. I don't recall receiving a survey under DiFi's name that was this sleazy

in the way it tried to extort donations. I do recall an "important survey" that was really just a shakedown, but it did not have the "Official Document" language or the attempt to convince me that I had to reimbursement for not participating. Those are substantial and important differences that really ramp up the sleaze factor. I don't have copies of the Dem mailings so I could be wrong, but I am very attuned to fake surveys and I think that I would have noticed.

I did send it back and told them to stop sending such crap or I'd unenroll. It's the only way the knuckleheads will figure out that we're annoyed and therefore less likely to send money.

I doubt the Dole letter is illegal but it certainly is sleazy.

[The Southern Dem]

70. It's real

I have the originals. Four page letter and 3 page survey. Even the mailing envelope looked like it held a tax form.

[NobleCynic]

139. Sigh...

Given my generally low opinion of humanity, I'll have to concede that your likely telling the truth here. The optimist in me just can't stand it being true. The politician in me loves it being true. Now we just need leaders capable enough to turn this garbage against the propagators.

[savemefromdumbya]

41. E Dole - one sick lady

[FreedomAngel82]

43. Simply amazing

I warned my mom since she and my dad are still registered republicans (my mom is now an indie though but hasn't changed) so hopefully they won't get one of these letters from Frist. He's retiring after this year so hopefully we won't get one from Alexander.

[autorank]

44. They see no consequences...at all. Great post, great find.

Someone should do an article on Dole's tenure at the Red Cross.

The corruption of nepotism, climbing the ladder on the back of your spouse (of either gender).

[sui generis]

46. well at least they're as good as saying they believe

their base is too stupid to figure it out.

Pretty bold - but what else do we expect from the Party of Corruption and Lies.

I would have been surprised if she was busted for running a clean campaign.

[Sal316]

48. My fiancee got one in the mail yesterday.

She filled it in and let 'em have it! It's funny, she did say "this looks like they made it like a tax form!" I didn't notice the 'complete or else' section, though.

[The Southern Dem]

75. The survey should have come with a letter

It was four pages...lots of underlining and all caps. Ripe for snark and if I hadn't been so angry (lots of older relatives in my family who might have fallen for this if they weren't all smart enough to be Democrats) I might have had more fun with this.

[LiberalinNC]

49. Hubby received one about a week ago, have done nothing w/ it!

[adigal]

53. Write IMPEACH BUSH on it in big red letters

and send it back in the prepaid envelope

[Pacifist Patriot]

58. Fabulous idea!

[The Southern Dem]

74. Do you think it just came to those of us in NC

and it was my husband who received it here too. He's a registered Republican....he wanted me to throw it away. Hang on to it or file a complaint with the AG's office. The more they get the more likely they are to do something about it. It isn't the survey that bothers me as much as the letter which says the survey must be returned in 7 days.

[LiberalinNC]

77. The survey doesn't bother me, what gets me is the demand for Money!

You can't give your opinion unless you hand over some cash!

[LiberalEsto]

50. WalMart advertised for Libby Dole in her first Senate race

I know, because I received one of the ads.

The ad was part of a WalMart weekly sale circular - four pages of pastel, soft-focus photos of Libby and some saccharine copy about what a great person she is. Nothing was mentioned about her Senate campaign, but it was obvious that WalMart loved Mrs. Dole. It must have cost a mint for the photos and the printing.

The sales circular with the Dole insert was distributed in North Carolina, but a stray batch made its way to Maryland and into our Sunday Washington Post circular ads. I had never seen this kind of thing before. I couldn't understand what the point of the thing was until I found a small news article about it.

What I'd like to know is whether they're going to do that again, what it cost, and whether it was reported as a campaign expenditure. My guess is that it wasn't, since it never mentioned politics.

I'm not surprised about the fake IRS letter. Seems to me that this woman is capable of stooping very low in her political activities. Typical rethug wife.

[Merrick]

52. Email everyone you know about this

blowing this story up with an email chain reaction could really hurt the repugs. something like this really gets under a persons skin, so the more people who know, the better.

[DinahMoeHum]

54. K'd, R'd and Nominated for GOP Hypocrite of the Week. . .

:evilfrown:

[lectrobyte]

55. She's such a See You Next Tuesday

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

57. If Bob would just...

...get back on the Viagra, maybe Lizzy wouldn't have to act out like this.

[Nye Bevan]

61. Very sleazy but probably legal

In my mailbox the more "official" something looks ("DO NOT DESTROY", "OPEN IMMEDIATELY", "IMPORTANT INFORMATION" etc.) the more it is guaranteed to be junk mail. As long as they don't put "Internal Revenue Service" or similar on the mailing I don't think they are breaking any laws.

However, Dole's opponent should be able to use this obnoxious mailing to win over some voters.

[Vinca]

63. If there was a god,

this would be illegal as hell and Liddy would be tried, convicted and sent to Club Fed.

[onehandle]

64. Republicans preying on the weak-minded.

They're counting on sheep to send cash as ordered.

[truebrit71]

83. Wow! Amazingly sneaky....

But I think that most folks once they start reading the RNC drivel will clue into the fact that it is pure bullshit.

Not sure that the verbage is totally legal either.. particularly these bits "DO NOT DESTROY YOUR SURVEY! The enclosed Republican Senate Leadership Survey is an OFFICIAL REPUBLICAN PARTY DOCUMENT. Your Survey is REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME ONLY and MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR upon completion of this project."

Scumbag losers...

[Dr Ron]

87. Typical fund raising spam

I doubt it is illegal (but I'm no lawyer, and sure wouldn't mind if I'm wrong and the Republicans get into legal problems over this). As it says US Republican Senate Leadership Survey right on top, and the questions are political (not financial as in a true IRS document) most should see thru this, but there's no doubt there are suckers who wont'. If there weren't such suckers, would Bush have been reelected?

Such direct mail schemes are very common. Not all are even political. At my office I often get what appears to be bills but are not for anything ever ordered. Perhaps the most common one I'm getting looks like a bill for yellow page advertising, but is actually an order for a directory (which may or may not exist) other than the yellow page directories actually in use locally.

Republicans have done the most with direct mail politically, with varying degrees of dishonesty. My wife often goes thru her parents mail to weed out the numerous fund raising letters from right wing sources.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

89. Why 11 bucks?

I guess the extra dollar goes to Libby's latest facelift.

[ScreamingMeemie]

95. Probably so they can figure out how many truly stupid people inhabit

the party so they can send them more "official letters" that must be paid for.

[omshanti]

92. People need to send this to the State board of Elections

Or the Federal Election Commission, or the Attorney General's office.

Please report it if you got a copy in the mail!

[Up2Late]

98. They should send it back with some of those flat photo magnets...

...to add some weight and maybe cause a few things in the office to get erased.:think:

Have I mentioned that Republicans Suck lately? Well, they do.:evilgrin:

[chastitybeaverhausen]

102. Think about it folks,

Imagine being married to a one handed geriatric hopped up on Viagra. I think she's simply gone off the deep end.

[mnhtnbb]

107. We live in NC and get junk mail from Liddy, too

All Republican mail that comes to us I tear up, put in the postage paid return envelope and send back to them! Warms my heart to know they had to pay for their crap to be returned to them.

Good on NC Blue for taking this to the AG in NC. I'd love to see
ol' Liddy reprimanded for her sleazeball fundraising letter.
She's such a self-righteous bitch.

[The Southern Dem]

111. Thanks!

It feels good to follow through. The bitch is my senator too. Are you aware that she still hasn't repaid all those illegal contributions she took for her last campaign? I'm hoping the FEC will apply some force. They've already ruled against her.

[cain_7777]

114. These people are disgusting!

I am not surprised by this at all. The sad thing is that these tactics work, and the elderly are most likely the main demographic targeted in this kind of scam. Double bag Dole in a class action civil suit and criminal charges of mail fraud. If the letter crosses state lines then its federal. These people are so drunk with power and have been getting away with this shit for so long that it is becoming more blatant and pompous. These people!

[Mabus]

116. Do it or face Fox Security

They'll need something to do after they finally catch all those O'Reilly haters. :rofl:

[starroute]

120. The firm that sent it appears to be Response Consulting

See the letter here:
http://www.responsehq.com/pages/port-survey.htm

Here's the staff list:
http://www.responsehq.com/pages/about-team.htm

Note that their copywriter formerly worked for Response Dynamics -- the firms that was sending out very similar scare letters for Jack Abramoff's pals at NCPPR, for Moon-follower Gary Jarmin, and for the College Republicans.

Here's their client list, including the Elizabeth Dole Committee:
http://www.responsehq.com/pages/port-clients.htm

I wonder how many of their other clients may be playing the game as well?

[The Southern Dem]

121. Thank you....nice work.

I will follow up on this.

[Endangered Specie]

123. ahhahah, so sterilizing her husband wasn't enough for her?

I doubt this is legal, and it's most certainly sleazy as hell.

Welcome to NC politics.

[mdmc]

124. kick to the r

:kick:

[drduffy]

127. Oh Liz......

Your are such a hot bitch. You have such a hot.... sock it to me, yeh!

[0007]

128. Lizabeth Dole is the queen of all blisters!

I get sick every time I hear or see this bag of pus.

[mdmc]

131. thanks for posting this kpete

:kick:

[orleans]

133. MY FAVORITE PART: (i admit i didn't read the entire thing)

page 2:

"...many other LIBERAL DEMOCRATS will be fighting tooth and nail to undermine President Bush's vision for a stronger, safer, more prosperous America.
"You see, the liberal Democrats don't agree with President Bush. They still want BIGGER GOVERNMENT and HIGHER TAXES. They want MORE OF YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY to spend on their big government programs."

hysterical!

[The Southern Dem]

142. That's been a favorite part of many people

who responded. There are some wonderful opportunities for snark in this letter, but I was too angry to be sarcastic.

[Raksha]

137. This thing reminds me of a "phishing" or spoof letter,

like those fake official-looking e-mails I get telling me my eBay or PayPal account may be terminated unless I "verify" my information on their bogus website.

I wonder if that's where Libby got the idea.

[Trevelyan]

145. K&R Speechless and Enraged -- Libby Doles stealing $150,000

from Red Cross when she was appointed by a Repuke president should be a separate thead.

Thank you for bringing this latest Repuke outrage to our attention.

[ladym55]

147. Hmmm, this is a new low

And one that hasn't shown up in the mailbox yet. My 86-year-old mom is in a nursing facility and I get all her mail sent to my home. And BEFORE my mom went into a nursing facility, she was a big contributor to all sorts of right-wing crazies--and the right-wing crazies have all found my address. We have THREE this week from Bill Frist alone (we'll skip the folks against immigration and border vigilantes and citizens for a Christian America). The envelopes have all sorts of threats on them OPEN BY RECIPIENT ONLY!!!!!! Hillary and Bill plan world domination!!! I just quietly feed them all to the paper shredder (and hope THAT doesn't throw up)

From my perspective, the Republicans ARE extorting money from the elderly. They make things official looking and scary and people like my mom send them lots and lots and lots of money. The Republicans KNOW EXACTLY what they are doing!

:mad: