Idahoans get 'deceptive' GOP fundraising mailer

COEUR d'ALENE - Republican National Committee fundraising letters that appear to be from the U.S. Census Bureau are arriving in Idaho.

Many call the letters "deceptive."

A bill to stop the GOP tactic cleared the U.S. House unanimously this week. The measure is sponsored by a California Republican, Rep. Darrell Issa, who says he's disgusted.

The mailer skirts a recent U.S. law - passed after a first RNC mailer - required nongovernment mailings using "census" on the outside of the envelope to have a disclaimer that it's not a government document.

This new fundraising letter makes the word "census" visible through a plastic window.

One such letter came to Leah Kelly in Coeur d'Alene. The mailer does state, "This is not a U.S. Government document."

Cecil Kelly, Leah's partner, said the letter isn't in compliance with the laws.

He said the mailer shouldn't have the word "census" on it when it's really a fundraising ploy.

"It doesn't matter to me whether they're Democrats or Republicans, they're breaking the law," he said.

Cecil Kelly, who runs the Law Office of North Idaho, said his objections have nothing to do with party affiliation.

"Do what is right, just and fair," he said. "They should abide by the rules."

Issa calls this "deceptive" and aims to extend the restrictions to any visible use of "census."

Republican Party officials didn't immediately say how many Idaho residents got the letter.