THE HECK’S IN THE MAIL?
Slick Markey missive pumps up pol on our dime
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, in the last few weeks of a tough re-election battle, is sending out glossy, self-promotional, taxpayer-funded mass mailings touting his efforts fighting coronavirus.
Markey’s material — including the preparation, publication and mailing costs — is fully paid for by taxpayers and it’s coming to your mailbox less than six weeks before the Sept. 1 primary day.
The incumbent Democrat is locked in an increasingly bitter and difficult re-election fight against U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, grandson of the slain Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and appears to be using any resources he can find to hold off his challenger.
Senate “franking” rules normally prohibit lawmakers from sending out taxpayer-funded mailings within 60 days of a primary or election, but lawmakers carved out an exemption for coronavirus-themed mailings.
Markey is using that loophole to supplement his campaign effort.
Markey’s mailing — which went out to some Boston residents — is titled “Resources for Help During the Coronavirus Crisis” and is also translated into Spanish. It includes flattering photos of Markey and portrayals of his role in the crisis — lines you’d normally see in a promotional press release.
“As our country confronts a shortage of both coronavirus test kits and critical medical and protective equipment such as masks, Senator Markey is working to increase private production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our essential workers, nurses, doctors and health aides,” the mailing says. “He also called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a plan to meet diagnostic testing needs, and was one of the first leaders to call for a coronavirus ‘czar’ in January.”
In a beginning note, Markey writes “As your United States Senator, I am committed to connecting Massachusetts residents with the resources available for families, frontline health professionals, workers, and small businesses during the coronavirus public health emergency.
“My top priority remains the health and safety of everyone in Massachusetts,” Markey adds.
“My staff and I stand ready to help you. If you need assistance or are having an issue with a federal agency, please contact any of my offices listed here.”
Markey has traditionally been among the most prolific users of the “franking” privilege — which allows lawmakers to send out materials to constituents on the taxpayers’ dime.
A Markey spokesperson, Giselle Barry, says the mailing fully complies with Senate rules. She then sent a long quote to the Herald — in Spanish, which the Herald translated as:
“Communities of color are being disproportionately devastated by the health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus. It’s important that Spanishspeaking households get information, including phone numbers and web pages, about how to prevent the spread of coronavirus, access tests, PPE, and resources to manage difficulties with finances. During this crisis, information is power. Instead of propagating fear in immigrant communities like Trump, we need to share information to help those who are most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.”