Upton Political Use of Taxpayer Dollars Comes Under Fire

May 24, 2012, Fairfax, VA—Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson today sent a letter to the House Ethics Committee today questioning Michigan Representative Fred Upton’s use of taxpayer paid franked mail to tout his political rating by a national association to his constituents.

Wilson’s letter to House Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Jo Bonner stated, “I am confident that between the political campaign war chest that a powerful committee chairman can easily amass, and his own personal wealth, Mr. Upton could afford to pay for his own political direct mail without need of taxpayer assistance. Given this confidence, this mailing is all the more offensive, as it reveals Mr. Upton’s sense of entitlement to the perks and benefits of office that are so repugnant to Americans across the political spectrum.”

The letter is in response to a mlive.com news report that Upton has come under fire for a taxpayer funded letter targeting sportsmen in his district touting his rating by the pre-eminent gun rights organization in the world.

“This taxpayer funded campaign mailer is a callous abuse of the congressional franking system which is designed to let constituents know what is happening in Congress and how they are voting.  To cross the line by including political determinations by third party groups in the midst of a reelection campaign is a despicable abuse of power,” Wilson continued.

The letter bringing the House’s attention to the abuse was sent to all members of the House Ethics Committee as well as to House Speaker John Boehner.

Attachments:

Letter to House Committee on Ethics, Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson, May 24, 2012 at http://getliberty.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Ethics-Letter-on-Upton-NRA-Mailing-5-24-12.pdf

Interview Availability: Please contact Rebekah Rast at (703) 383-0880 or at rrast@getliberty.org to arrange an interview with ALG President Bill Wilson.

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