That’s because this mailing was sent under the 1775 law that allows congresspeople to communicate with constituents using only their signature and avoid paying any postage (but not the cost to produce the mail piece). That’s called franking. If you cut out the postcard and indicate you want to “Stay Informed”, you must now pay the postage and, it is my guess, you will get a request for a campaign contribution by return mail (or email).
Statistically, the incumbent has the advantage in any election and technically the mailing is legal, although right in that grey area. But using taxpayer dollars for a mass mailing to brag and campaign this close to an election is, at the least, tacky.
Linda Delaney
Steamboat Springs