An anonymous postcard mailing that arrived in mailboxes in the 7th Congressional District this week has raised eyebrows and outrage over both its threatening intent and source. It appears that the mail piece was only distributed to voters who have previously voted in Republican primaries. It also specifically references that Republican Party officials will be “watching” to see who votes, or doesn’t, in the “critical” 7th congressional district special election primary.
The mailing claims to have been produced by “America First Conservatives Election Dept.” The postcard claims that the group is compiling “an official list of Republicans who fail to vote” in the Special Election and that Party officials will be “very disappointed” in those who do not cast their vote.
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden says neither he nor anybody associated with the state party had anything to do with this mailing. “Anything we distribute always contains our disclaimer,” Golden said. “And while we encourage everybody to vote, this is not how to do it. We are definitely not keeping a list of those who fail to vote for future punishment, as this clear case of illegal voter intimidation implies.” Golden indicated that he has already talked to the US Attorneys office and intends to get to the bottom of who paid for, printed and distributed this postcard.”
Golden also pointed out that the mail piece contains a prepaid postal code number in Austin, TX. “There will be a record of who paid for this, and it will eventually be tracked down,” Golden noted. “Either the mail house will be compelled to reveal the source or the US post office will.”
The mailer was reportedly sent by Thomas Graphics, Inc., Austin, TX, They have responded to some inquiries that they are familiar with the mailer, but won’t disclose who paid for it. They have failed to return repeated phone calls from TriStar Daily seeking more information. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
Steve Gill is editor and Publisher of TriStar Daily.
