Rep. Heinrich’s Taxpayer-Funded Pitch for ObamaCare

I have written Rep. Heinrich in the past on a variety of issues. While one of these issues was the health care bill that Heinrich voted for twice and that is now deeply unpopular, I’ve written to him and received responses from him on a variety of issues.

Recently, I received this unsolicited letter from Heinrich’s office. I was surprised to receive it because it had been some time since the health care vote and any correspondence with the Congressman on the issue. But, we are getting close to Election Day, and this mail (known ad “franked” mail) is taxpayer-financed. The letter simply defends ObamaCare and is clearly meant to assist with Heinrich’s re-election campaign. While it is technically legal according to my former colleagues at the National Taxpayers Union, that doesn’t make it right or fair.

This year may see a record number of incumbents go down to defeat, but franking is one of the advantages of incumbency that most certainly tilts the playing field in favor of those already in office.