GOP sends letter appearing to be census form

[Emit]

We received one of these mailers at our residence for a family member who no longer lives at this address. I did think it was from the US Census, and set it aside to deliver to this family member - it looks very 'official' with "DO NOT DESTROY OFFICIAL DOCUMENT" in big, bold letters on the front, and the words, "Census Document Registered To:" before the addressee's name.

DENVER – The Republican Party is seeking input and money from GOP voters — seemingly under the guise of the U.S. Census Bureau.

"Strengthening our Party for the 2010 elections is going to take a massive grass-roots effort all across America. That is why I have authorized a Census to be conducted of every Congressional District in the country," GOP Chairman Michael Steele says in a letter mailed nationwide.

The letter was sent in plain white envelopes marked "Do Not Destroy, Official Document." Labeled "2010 Congressional District Census," the letter uses a capital "C," the same as the Census Bureau. It also includes a "Census Tracking Code."

The letter makes a plea for money and accompanies a form asking voters to identify their political leanings and issues important to them. There are no disclaimers that participation in the GOP effort is voluntary; participation in the government census is required by law. Failure to participate carries a $5,000 fine, though it is rarely enforced.

Sara Sendek, a Republican National Committee spokeswoman, said the letter was not an attempt to mislead voters.

~snip~

The letter asks political questions, including, "Do you think the record trillion dollar federal deficit the Democrats are creating with their out-of-control spending is going to have disastrous consequences for our nation?" and, "Do you worry that the Obama administration is committed to greatly expanding the government's role in your life?"

~snip~

U.S. Census Bureau spokesman Michael Cook says he has received several complaints over the past week from voters who believed the letter was misleading. Cook says the agency is still deciding what steps to take.

~snip~

Among the recipients was Democratic Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, whose letter arrived at the governor's mansion.

"The Republicans have said they want to get a bigger tent," Schweitzer told The Associated Press, "so perhaps they are trying to lure a politician into the Republican Party that can actually balance a budget."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100125/ap_on_el_ge/us_gop_census



Love Schweitzer's comment. :)

[Sonicmedusa]

1. I love Brian Schweitzer.

He is such a character. I wish he were in congress.

[elocs]

2. Did you notice that the date on the link is Monday, January 25? Today is Saturday, January 30.

I'm glad you have just discovered it though.

[Emit]

4. Yes, I knew that.

Why the snark? Is it not still newsworthy?

[AspenRose]

3. Thank you for sharing the information.

That's an important thing to keep an eye on.

[Historic NY]

5. I think they have a "legal" problem "simulating" an official government document.