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Monday, June 2, 2008
Democrat Congressman Heath Shuler has followed-up on his winter illegal immigration constituent mail-out. Titled 'Helping North Carolina Families Make Ends Meet', this latest publically financed mailing concentrates on highlighting the benefits of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. His Republican opponent in the 11th District Congressional race, Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower, has challenged this use of public funds during an election season to inform the voters. "It is a nifty looking publication that makes you wonder if the Congressman is part of some new pilot federal project on public campaign financing," said Mumpower. "He has raised about a million dollars so far from unions and other special interests - I am surprised he needs the help of the American taxpayer too."
Congressional mail-outs are allowed under controversial 'Franking' privileges available to all members of Congress. "You could put the useful information in those four pages on the back of a postcard," said Mumpower. "The rest is pretty, glossy, and expensive fluff." "I have committed to never do mass mailings, but if I were the Congressman, I would not be bragging about an economic stimulus package that uses money borrowed from China and Japan and owed by our children and grandchildren. Around the time he voted for this federal community welfare program, he also voted to raise taxes an average of $1,600 for every person in WNC."
"The key to the authentic purpose of these mail-outs is who receives them," said Mumpower. "If it's about getting someone reelected, then they would be sent out to targeted lists." "If it is about information that somehow cannot be communicated through newspapers, television, radio, web sites, and other media, then it should come to everyone in the 11th District. The winter publication was sent out to a select group - those interested can ask the Congressman about his latest effort. Mr. Shuler seems willing to go to any lengths to buy a seat in Congress - including spending taxpayer dollars."
#104
Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate
Principles before party, power, or popularity-always.
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