Both Parties Rip GOP's Confusing 'Census' Survey

It's a fundraising mailer, but envelopes say 'official document'

By NxBigmouthery, Newser User

Posted Jan 25, 2010 9:30 PM CST | Promoted on Newser Jan 25, 2010 9:30 PM CST

(User Submitted) – A mailer from the Republican National Committee is drawing fire from both parties over its resemblance to official US Census documents. The “Congressional District Census” is in fact a fund-raising attempt, but comes in an envelope marked “DO NOT DESTROY OFFICIAL DOCUMENT,” Politico reports, noting that the tactic is one Republicans have used before, but its appearance during the year of an actual federal census could sow confusion.

House Democrats raised concerns in a letter last month to the postmaster general, saying the document “is an attempt to mislead recipients and appear to us to be violations of federal law.” Republican Patrick McHenry also “would discourage any organization from distributing information that intentionally or not is easily confused with official US Census materials,” his office says. A Census rep tells the AP the agency has received complaints and is considering action.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele. (AP)

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

jimg

Jan 28, 2010 3:28 AM CST

This is known as FRUGging, or fund-raising under the guise of research. I get similar "polls" from all sides (ACLU, NRA, candidate mailers, both R and D). For the RNC to do this in a census year is misleading the membership and undermines the important (and required) work of the Census. Baldly stupid. And it would be for ANY fund-raising org of any political stripe. This is akin to scamming.

oldgoat

Jan 27, 2010 5:54 AM CST

I got one of their survey's and it is a joke. Makes it look offical when it really isn't. Funny that the GOP has no problem being misleading isn't it. osu the conservatives are pretty good at getting money from others. Did you read how the tea baggers convention is going? Might want to.

foodchain11

Jan 26, 2010 12:00 PM CST

Hey Dark Francis, nice job! Glad you contributed this artlcle. It must be time for champagne somehwere!!

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Both Parties Rip GOP's Confusing 'Census' Survey

It's a fundraising mailer, but envelopes say 'official document'

US Census • House Democrats • House Republicans • postmaster general • politics as usual • Republican National Committee • political fundraising • Patrick McHenry

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GOP Rep Wants Investigation of White House

Pa. lawmaker offered job for dropping anti-Specter run: Issa

GOP Pulls 'Reverse Braveheart ' on Payroll Tax

Scots got slaughtered, points out Dana Milbank

House Rejects Balanced Budget Amendment

Measure falls short of two-thirds majority thanks to Democratic opposition

Democrats Winning 2012 Money Race (Sort of)

But numbers don't include independent groups

Romney Rakes In $18M—and That Worries the GOP

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Both Parties Rip GOP's Confusing 'Census' Survey

It's a fundraising mailer, but envelopes say 'official document'

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US Census • House Democrats • House Republicans • postmaster general • politics as usual • Republican National Committee • political fundraising • Patrick McHenry

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

GOP Rep Wants Investigation of White House

Pa. lawmaker offered job for dropping anti-Specter run: Issa

GOP Pulls 'Reverse Braveheart ' on Payroll Tax

Scots got slaughtered, points out Dana Milbank

House Rejects Balanced Budget Amendment

Measure falls short of two-thirds majority thanks to Democratic opposition

Democrats Winning 2012 Money Race (Sort of)

But numbers don't include independent groups

Romney Rakes In $18M—and That Worries the GOP

Obama is clobbering Republican candidates in money race

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