This is just another great reason to help and support Andy Hurst!

The time is now.  Please recommend this diary on Daily Kos.  Spread the video around.  E-mail the video link to the folks at Crooks and Liars.  PLEASE help Andy spread this video around the internet to create a buzz.  This is OUR chance to get him into the spotlight.  For everyone who has seen the video and doesn't try and help get this video around the internet, they just don't care enough, and that is not right.

He sent me one of them things also.  Mine is a "transportation update from congressman Tom Davis".  He even talks about how he's "Making Metro Better".  Hmmm, seems he left out the part about threatening to pull the funding on the Dulles/Tysons extension if he doesn't get his way.

On occasion I get mailed flier updates from the local Fairfax officials about what's happening.  Not slick campaign materials, just updates.  Now that's a reasonable use of tax payer dollars.

I supposed they'd argue that this is just a perk and, as you say, everyone does it.  But it sure looks like an unfair use of taxpayer dollars to me.  I wonder if it'll come up in the Reform Committee...

Yeah we got one of those tax payer paid 2 sided glossy's. Listen like I've said in other diaries. The GOP and Davis especially is a money hungry fool. Anytime he can spend someone else's he'll do it. That's why he's going to have a hard time getting through the eye of the needle when his time comes. Andy Hurst will act much more responsible with the people's money, he knows cause he associates with everyone, not just lobbyists like Davis. Hurst is one of us. Volunteer or send em some dough--there very appreciative.

The Fairfax Chronicle runs a column by Tom every month. This really bothers me because as we near the election this could be construed as campaign advertising.

If not, we should complain - loudly!

that you can not use the Franking privilage within 90 days of an election and Tom waited to the very last min.  This was probably a calculated decision they made the day after the primary.

Spread around Andy's video.  This is our best opportunity to create buzz about Andy's campaign.  Send the video to folks at Crooks and Liars.  Send it around to people you know who can get it to the press.  Andy is a great candidate who would get a lot more support if people saw him in action.  C'mon folks, what use is complaining if we don't take this opportunity???

Why am I the only one bitching about this?

If people would open it the viewing would count as a hit.  It would be great if Andy got a million hits!  He's talking about the health of the entire Congress.  Time to get rid of crooks like Davis.

should see Andy's video.  Spread it around!

Thelma "Just Like Delay" Drake is working off the same page as Davis. No word from DC until May then 5+ flyers before the 90 days deadline. Also, it seems she may have "targeted" her list- sending some to only part of the district. Only the last one came to "the Household". Also, the taxpayers got to pay for the visits of Cheney and Bush. She should reimburse the taxpayers for the travel!

Jeez Tom, we get the message loud and clear - you like to misuse taxpayer money for your own self interest.  You can stop now.

Seriously, I hope Andy plays this one for all its worth.  What Davis is doing may techincally be legal, but if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck...

The people of the 11th aren't stupid.  As long as Andy does make this an issue most people will recognize the unfair and inapproriate abuse no matter how much Davis howls that it's "fair and legal".

but for me, I don't think any congressperson should be doing this. 

If they were to send out a modest and realistic update about their district every quarter I'd fully support it.  In fact, communication between citizens and their representatives is very important and every congressperson SHOULD go to great lengths to keep their people informed.

But when that "information" comes in the form of glossy, self-promoting, campaign litature it's wrong.  And it's wrong no matter what party the congressperson belongs to. 

Actually, Pubus, the hypocrites are the Republicans who claim to be the taxpayers' best friend while endlessly raiding the Treasury to help buddies like Enron and Jack Abramoff -- and to try to save their own well-padded rear ends with these taxpayer-funded campaign pieces. 

You got owned.

I am glad to see you are talking about this.  I got his piece yesterday and did not even remotely resemble a contituent update piece of mail.  I was sure it was campaign material until I noticed the franking disclaimer.  This is an outrage and waste of tax dollars and Davis needs to be called on it.  Frankly, I have never seen such an abuse of the franking privelidge.  I guess he wants to save all his $$ for his Senate race and to give it to save his Wife next year and his best buddy Albo.

Annoying.

That's money that could go to health care or school kids.