Colorado Springs – Freshman U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn spent $41,691 on government-paid postage for mailings to constituents in his first three months in office, more than his predecessor spent during his last five years, records show.
The Gazette of Colorado Springs reported today that Lamborn’s mailing expenses included letters and several full-color pieces on his votes and duties.
They were sent to registered Republican and Democratic voters in the 5th Congressional District.
To qualify for free postage, known as the franking privilege, mailings must be reviewed by a House oversight committee to ensure they are not political.
Lamborn’s staff said the committee approved his mailings.
“With a new congressman, we’re going to have to reach out…,” said Lamborn spokesman Chris Harvin. “The thought on that is it’s more of an integrated marketing campaign.”
Lamborn, a Republican, defeated Democrat Jay Fawcett last fall after winning the GOP nomination in a bitter six-way primary. He replaced Joel Hefley, a Republican who retired after 10 terms.
The primary battle was so intense that Hefley refused to endorse Lamborn in the general election, saying his campaign for the nomination had been “sleazy” and “dishonest.”
Jeff Crank, Hefley’s former chief of staff who finished second in the primary, called Lamborn’s mailings an abuse.
“How many taxpayers in the congressional district have to pay their taxes so that Doug Lamborn can frank them with their mail pieces?” said Crank, who is considering challenging Lamborn in 2008.
Lamborn outspent at least five of Colorado’s six other U.S. representatives, The Gazette reported. The second-highest total reported was $19,000 by freshman Democrat Ed Perlmutter.
The newspaper said GOP U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave did not respond to requests for her mailing expenses.
