WASHINGTON -- We told you this morning about Rep. Phil Gingrey's use of taxpayer funded mailers to promote his stance on immigration. Further digging shows the other two Congressmen in the Republican U.S. Senate race have taken advantage of the franking privilege as well.
Above you'll find a page of Jack Kingston's December newsletter, which includes a section entitled "Obamacare" in which Kingston states, in bold type: "I will not rest until this legislation is fully repealed." This came around the time his Senate campaign was under fire after Kingston suggested he would be willing to work on fixes to the law.
Kingston also put out federally funded Facebook ads last year, directing visitors to his official Facebook account with images including a rifle. The text states: "I am fighting to protect your 2nd Amendment rights. LIKE my page to get important updates!"
In January taxpayers paid for a radio ad for Rep. Paul Broun to inform listeners about an official town hall meeting in Dacula. Broun said: "I also want to hear your thoughts on my legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare, the Patient Option Act."
Gingrey spokesman Cameron Harley said the immigration flier advertising a no-amnesty approach was not about gaining a political advantage:
"In-step with previous franked mail from his office, its content was certified by the House Franking Commission as a measure which effectively aids the Congressman in performing his constitutional duties – rather than gaining a political foothold. Facilitating timely and effective responses to constituent concerns is a responsibility that Congressman Gingrey takes very seriously, and will continue to as long as he holds public office."
Data compiled by WSB-TV's Justin Gray show Broun has been the most avid user of federally funded mass mailings. Since 2010, Broun has sent $332,019 worth of mass mailings, to Gingrey's $61,974 and Kingston's $41,968.
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