Rules Are For Other People

Even though Mr. Rogers is undoubtedly packing his cargo shorts and sandals for a publicity-filled (and content-free) trip to DC next week, he apparently has taken a few minutes to work on his empire building re-election campaign.

Seems that Mr. Rogers sent an email to his constituent Legislative Update list asking if they'd like to receive his campaign emails. (Hat tip once again to Judy at Living Blue for spotting this.) Rules governing the use of constituency email lists vs. campaign emails lists are a little murky. There was some discussion this spring about updating franking privileges into the 21st century, but nothing conclusive.

Speaking of franked mail, I've been hearing about a Rogers franked mail piece that was sent after summer recess, arriving in the District just before the August 5th primary. If you have one, please do scan it and send it to The Neighborhood, along with the date you received it.

For those of our readers who are legal eagles, here's the official description of time frames for franked mail:

6)(A) It is the intent of Congress that a Member of, or Member-elect to, Congress may not mail any mass mailing as franked mail--

(i) if the mass mailing is postmarked fewer than 60 days (or, in the case of a Member of the House, fewer than 90 days) immediately before the date of any primary election or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which the Member is a candidate for reelection (emphasis added)

It's pretty clear that Mr. Rogers is not too concerned with ethics 'n' stuff. We're talking about a politician who maxed out his campaign donations to disgraced (and convicted) former Congressman Bob Ney, as well as disgraced (and first-ever Congressional leader to be indicted) former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. Rogers also took money from convicted felon and former uber-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Funny how a former FBI guy would be so casual about ethics and appearances...