Paul Johnson: Latham Using Taxpayer Funds to Disseminate Propaganda
In
these shocking reports, the Paul Johnson for U.S. Congress campaign and
the Iowa Democratic Party detail the alleged spending privilege abuses of U.S. Rep. Tom
Latham.
“Franking”,
the privilege allowing members of Congress to mail constituents
information using their signature rather than paying postage, started
in 1775. But a sampling of Latham's recent mailings shows rather than
providing solid facts and information that could benefit his
constituents, he frequently uses his franking privilege to distribute
generalized statements painting a rosy picture of his achievements and
the legislation he supports.
“Not
only do unsuspecting Iowan's pay for Mr. Latham to disseminate “puff”
propaganda from his office budget, but the materials contain faulty and
inaccurate generalizations often targeted to seniors,” says Johnson.
As an
example, Johnson cites a recent Latham brochure targeted to seniors
that states prescription drug prices have decreased 20 to 60 percent
using Medicare's prescription drug card. The Associated Press in an
April 30, 2004, article stated that prices of Lipitor, Celebrex and
other popular brand-name medicines are no lower using the drug discount
card, than when purchased without discounts through online pharmacies.
Additionally, the best prices for Celebrex, Fosamax and Lipitor, (drugs
used for arthritis, osteoporosis and cholesterol levels), were at least
a third higher with the best Medicare mail order prices, than from the
three Canadian pharmacies listed on the state of Wisconsin's online
prescription drug resource center.
“I have
yet to find a resident in District 4 who has experienced the savings
Mr. Latham touts. Perhaps his ideas are being swayed by prescription
drug manufacturers who have lavishly donated to his campaign,” says
Johnson. “At a time when seniors have been hit by escalating prices and
the new Medicare prescription drug card has 70 confusing options,
Iowans don't need hype, but facts and information that will help them
assess their situation.”
Federal
records show medical and pharmaceutical interests contributed $46,500
during Latham's 2002 campaign and his current campaign has already
received $30,000 from those same sectors. Records show two-thirds of
Latham's campaign is financed by Political Action funds. On the other
hand, Johnson's campaign is financed primarily by citizen donors.
“A
candidate who markets himself at taxpayer expense is not a steward of
the resources of his office. I believe it's time for a change, and
that's why I want to represent Iowa's 4th Congressional District,”
emphasizes Johnson.
Latham's
mailings all bear the required notation, “This mailing was prepared,
published and mailed at taxpayer expense” in small print beneath the
return address. The use of franking is federally prohibited 90 days
before elections in an effort to limit campaign use. Latham's most
recent mailing, a four-page color brochure, arrived in Decorah
households Monday, August 9, just 85 days before the Nov. 2 general
election.
To learn more about Paul Johnson or to contribute to his campaign, go here.
LATHAM SPENDING TAX-PAYER DOLLARS TO CAMPAIGN
Iowa Democratic Party
A
four-page color glossy campaign mailing sent by Congressman Tom Latham
to voters in the 4th District is a gross abuse of congressional
franking privileges, according to Iowa Democratic Party Chair Gordon
Fischer.
“Members
of Congress are only allowed to use taxpayer money to keep their
constituents informed of official Congressional business,” Fischer
said. “Tom Latham is using tax dollars to campaign for re-election.”
To read more of IDP chair Gordon Fischer's comments, go here.
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