Brad Ashford (DINO? NEBR) calls for end to lawmakers sending taxpayer-funded mailings

[Omaha Steve]

We donated to Brad even though he is not our representative. So far he votes more like an R than a D. But he used to be an R so...

http://www.omaha.com/news/politics/brad-ashford-calls-for-end-to-lawmakers-sending-taxpayer-funded/article_332a2d98-668a-5f50-a852-3fbfab92a33e.html

POSTED: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2015 5:15 PM | UPDATED: 12:05 AM, WED OCT 7, 2015.
By Joseph Morton / World-Herald Bureau

WASHINGTON — Rep. Brad Ashford, D-Neb., wants to cut off the mass mailings sent from Capitol Hill lawmakers every year on the taxpayers’ dime.

“We must end special privileges for members of Congress,” Ashford said in a press release Tuesday. “Nebraskans expect elected officials to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. That’s why I will not spend tax dollars for self-promoting mass mailings, which do not help my constituents.”

Ashford has not sent any so-called mass mailings since taking office early this year and says he won’t in the future. He has co-sponsored legislation to repeal congressional mail privileges, casting that move as part of a larger push to tamp down congressional perks. For example, he also has backed various bills that would eliminate automatic pay adjustments for members, reduce congressional salaries by 10 percent and end congressional pensions.

The practice of lawmakers sending mailings and billing the public is commonly known as “franking” and dates back to the beginning of the country. Within that category are “mass mailings,” which are defined as unsolicited, identical pieces of mail sent to 500 people or more.

FULL story at link.

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Can't disagree with that. n/t

[Yupster]

2. Sounds good to me

Every little bit counts. Save some trees too.

[geek tragedy]

3. campaign junk mail, get rid of it nt

[Recursion]

4. Ashford is one of two Democrats to have beaten Republican incumbents last year

Him and Graham of FL.

The party follows scalps. That's where they are going.

[hfojvt]

5. mass mailings could be a good thing

if we had Congresspeople with integrity.

Why is it though, that we cannot get Congresspeople with integrity?