Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
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Jon Husted Caught Starring in Fraudulent Ad Featuring DC Businesses
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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NEW REPORT: Jon Husted Caught Starring in Fraudulent Ad Featuring DC Businesses
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Columbus, Ohio -Jon Husted is under fire for starring in a fraudulent television ad that aired across Ohio claiming to highlight local small businesses, even though every business featured in the ad was located in Washington, D.C.
Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:
"Jon Husted wants Ohio small business owners to think he is on their side, but he couldn't be bothered
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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NEW REPORT: Jon Husted Caught Starring in Fraudulent Ad Featuring DC Businesses
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Columbus, Ohio -Jon Husted is under fire for starring in a fraudulent television ad that aired across Ohio claiming to highlight local small businesses, even though every business featured in the ad was located in Washington, D.C.
Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:
"Jon Husted wants Ohio small business owners to think he is on their side, but he couldn't be botheredto visit a single Ohio small business to film his ad. While Senator Husted chases fake photo ops, his support for reckless tariffs is driving up costs across the state."
See For Yourself:
TiffinOhio.net: Ohio Sen. Jon Husted promotes D.C. businesses in Ohio TV ad
* Ohio voters were told by Republican Sen. Jon Husted to support "local small businesses." But the businesses featured in the ad were all in Washington, D.C.
* The ad aired on stations in Toledo, Columbus and Cleveland and featured Husted alongside three business owners discussing the importance of small businesses to their communities. The advertisement did not disclose that the businesses shown were located outside Ohio.
* One of the businesses shown in the ad was Cinder BBQ, a restaurant operating in Washington, D.C. The segment included footage of one of the restaurant's owners speaking inside the business.
* Television airplay records show the ad aired on WTOL in Toledo, WBNS in Columbus and WKYC in Cleveland as of Oct. 22, 2025. At no point did the advertisement disclose the location of the businesses featured.
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/new-report-jon-husted-caught-starring-in-fraudulent-ad-featuring-dc-businesses/
Following Zach Nunn's Vote to Slash Rural Health Care Funding, MercyOne Ottumwa Announces Closure
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Following Zach Nunn's Vote to Slash Rural Health Care Funding, MercyOne Ottumwa Announces Closure
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Today, the Ottumwa Courier reported that MercyOne Ottumwa Family and Internal Medicine Clinic will close its doors in February. And, Pella Regional Medical Clinic in Ottumwa reduced its family practice operations beginning January 15th.
REMINDER: Zach Nunn had the audacity to say it was a " myth " that rural hospitals are at risk of closure thanks to his vote to slash Medicaid funding.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Following Zach Nunn's Vote to Slash Rural Health Care Funding, MercyOne Ottumwa Announces Closure
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Today, the Ottumwa Courier reported that MercyOne Ottumwa Family and Internal Medicine Clinic will close its doors in February. And, Pella Regional Medical Clinic in Ottumwa reduced its family practice operations beginning January 15th.
REMINDER: Zach Nunn had the audacity to say it was a " myth " that rural hospitals are at risk of closure thanks to his vote to slash Medicaid funding.
NUNN : "Let's dispel myths from reality here. I think that myth here is that rural hospitals are going to close down. That's not the case."
Nunn voted for the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. Rural health care advocates have been sounding the alarm on the impact of these cuts on Iowa hospitals and health care clinics and what closures could mean for Iowa families.
DCCC Spokesperson Katie Smith :
"Zach Nunn voted to cut critical funding for Iowa's rural hospitals and health care providers. Now, clinics are closing and Iowans are feeling the consequences. This news is a gut punch for Ottumwa families who deserve someone fighting to protect their health care - not rip it away."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/following-zach-nunns-vote-to-slash-rural-health-care-funding-mercyone-ottumwa-announces-closure/
DCCC Statement on Federal Court Ruling on California Congressional Map
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DCCC Statement on Federal Court Ruling on California Congressional Map
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Today, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement after a federal court upheld California's new congressional map:
"Today's decision is a victory for the millions of Californians who voted to stand up in the face of Republican efforts to gerrymander their way into the House majority next year. This case was simply about one thing, whether voters - not Donald Trump - have the right to choose their
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DCCC Statement on Federal Court Ruling on California Congressional Map
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Today, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement after a federal court upheld California's new congressional map:
"Today's decision is a victory for the millions of Californians who voted to stand up in the face of Republican efforts to gerrymander their way into the House majority next year. This case was simply about one thing, whether voters - not Donald Trump - have the right to choose theirrepresentatives. Should Republicans decide to continue this meritless lawsuit, Democrats will continue to fight back against the GOP scheme to rig the midterms. We have the people and the law on our side, and it's why we will take back the House Majority next year."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/dccc-statement-on-federal-court-ruling-on-california-congressional-map/
AP: DGA Chair Gov. Andy Beshear Says "Focusing on Everyday Concerns is Key for Democrats Vying for Governorships"
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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AP: DGA Chair Gov. Andy Beshear Says "Focusing on Everyday Concerns is Key for Democrats Vying for Governorships"
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New reporting from the AP highlights how DGA Chair Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sees Democratic gubernatorial candidates building on their historic success in 2025 by focusing on "offering solutions for Americans feeling stressed by high costs for housing, health care and other essentials" as the DGA goes on offense this year.
Outlining how "core issues" like the economy, health care,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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AP: DGA Chair Gov. Andy Beshear Says "Focusing on Everyday Concerns is Key for Democrats Vying for Governorships"
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New reporting from the AP highlights how DGA Chair Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sees Democratic gubernatorial candidates building on their historic success in 2025 by focusing on "offering solutions for Americans feeling stressed by high costs for housing, health care and other essentials" as the DGA goes on offense this year.
Outlining how "core issues" like the economy, health care,public safety, and education will remain top of mind for voters who are facing rising costs, Gov. Beshear noted how Democratic candidates' message on affordability will contrast with Republicans' support for slashing health care and food assistance in order to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.
Check out more from the AP's reporting here or read more below:
AP: Beshear: Focusing on everyday concerns is key for Democrats vying for governorships
* Democrats looking to expand their hold on the nation's governorships should be focused on offering solutions for Americans feeling stressed by high costs for housing, health care and other essentials, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who is tasked with electing more Democratic governors, said Monday.
* Three dozen races for governor are at stake in the November midterm elections as Democrats, looking to build on their 2025 victories in Virginia and New Jersey, try to gain ground in statehouses. While making their case on economic issues, Democrats should be more forthcoming in discussing how their values, including their faith, shape their policy proposals, Beshear said.
* And they should go on offense against Republican President Donald Trump, who has "absolutely no solutions" for the challenges that families are facing, Beshear said during a sit-down interview with The Associated Press. Beshear is leading the Democratic Governors Association heading into the midterms.
* "I believe that Americans are craving authenticity right now," Beshear said. "They want to know you. They want to at least know what drives you. Because if they're going to cast their vote for you, believing that you will make their life better, they want you to know that something is driving you to do that that is real and important to you.
* Beshear rose to prominence after winning three elections in Republican-trending Kentucky -once for attorney general and twice for governor. He defeated Trump-backed opponents both times he won the governorship. Beshear will travel the country this year campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including the party's nominees in several presidential swing states.
* Democratic candidates should be on the offense pushing back against the GOP's big tax and spending bill championed by Trump last year, Beshear said. The measure delivered not just $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for Americans but substantial changes to safety net programs. The trade-off will cut more than $1 trillion over a decade from federal health care and food assistance, largely by imposing work requirements on those receiving aid and by shifting certain federal costs onto the states.
* "I think that every Democratic candidate ought to be standing in front of the clinic that is closed because of these cuts," Beshear said. "I think that every Democratic candidate needs to talk about how many more people are at a food bank because the food assistance is no longer there.
* "It's both an issue of the economy and affordability helping people get by," he added. "But it's also a case of just morality. Who cares about you and who is making it that much harder just to survive?"
* The Democratic message will portray its candidates as being willing to stand up to Trump, Beshear said.
* "We're going to say where you have a governor that puts his state or her state above an allegiance to the president, you see services that aren't in others," he said.
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/ap-dga-chair-gov-andy-beshear-says-focusing-on-everyday-concerns-is-key-for-democrats-vying-for-governorships/
Why Has Tom Kean Jr. Gone Silent on His Campaign Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust?
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Why Has Tom Kean Jr. Gone Silent on His Campaign Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust?
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Kean Jr. campaigned on a pledge that he would place his assets into a blind trust, but is facing scrutiny for breaking his promise
Lawmakers are weighing legislative options to ban members of Congress from trading stocks while in office. But there's one member who has been noticeably silent: Tom Kean Jr.
Reminder: Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock trading
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Why Has Tom Kean Jr. Gone Silent on His Campaign Promise to Put His Assets Into a Blind Trust?
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Kean Jr. campaigned on a pledge that he would place his assets into a blind trust, but is facing scrutiny for breaking his promise
Lawmakers are weighing legislative options to ban members of Congress from trading stocks while in office. But there's one member who has been noticeably silent: Tom Kean Jr.
Reminder: Kean Jr. campaigned on a promise to ban congressional stock tradingand place his millions of dollars in assets into a blind trust. But reporting revealed he has broken that promise to New Jersey voters.
It's time for Kean Jr. to answer a simple question: Why has he failed to follow through on his promise to New Jersey voters?
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
"Career politician Tom Kean Jr. continues to profit off the stock market despite running on a promise to ban congressional stock trading and put his assets into a blind trust. New Jersey voters deserve to know why Kean Jr. said one thing on the campaign trail but has done the opposite in Washington."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/why-has-tom-kean-jr-gone-silent-on-his-campaign-promise-to-put-his-assets-into-a-blind-trust/
Senate Democrats Carve Out Path to Senate Majority in 2026
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Senate Democrats Carve Out Path to Senate Majority in 2026
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January 14, 2026
TO : Interested Parties
FR : Devan Barber, DSCC Executive Director
RE :
Over the last year, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has built a strong foundation for electoral success and created the path for Democrats to take the Senate majority in 2026. While Republicans began the cycle pledging to grow their ranks in the Senate to 55 seats, it is now clear that not only will they fail
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Senate Democrats Carve Out Path to Senate Majority in 2026
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January 14, 2026
TO : Interested Parties
FR : Devan Barber, DSCC Executive Director
RE :
Over the last year, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has built a strong foundation for electoral success and created the path for Democrats to take the Senate majority in 2026. While Republicans began the cycle pledging to grow their ranks in the Senate to 55 seats, it is now clear that not only will they failto meet that goal, but that they also face a serious threat to holding their majority at all. This dynamic did not emerge overnight, and is driven by disciplined strategies Democrats employed in 2025 to:
1. Recruit strong Democratic candidates across the country, puttingRepublicans on defense and creating multiple paths to a Democratic Senate majority.
2. Discourage formidable Republican candidates from entering Senate races, and highlighting the damaging and expensive GOP primaries -putting more races in play.
3. Relentlessly focus on the issues that matter to voters, and hold Republican candidates accountable for failing to address them.
Senate Democrats Expanded the Battleground Map and Created Multiple Paths to the Majority
At the start of 2025, Democrats had two clear offensive targets: Maine and North Carolina. Over the past year, the DSCC expanded the battleground map significantly and created multiple potential paths to the majority with " star recruits in marquee races " and formidable Democratic campaigns.
* In Alaska, Mary Peltola entered the race against Dan Sullivan as " the only person who could pose a threat to Senator Dan Sullivan " and her decision to run for Senate is a " big boost " for Democrats and the " final puzzle piece Democrats need to pull off an upset." Early polling shows the race statistically tied, with most polls showing Peltola - who is the most popular public figure in Alaska - with a slight lead over Sullivan.
* In Iowa, Joni Ernst's decision to retire despite an " intense intraparty effort to persuade her to run again " put " a competitive Senate seat in play " and came amid " recent signs of political headwinds for Republicans in Iowa." The upcoming election will be the first time in more than 60 years that Iowa has had an open Senate seat and an open gubernatorial seat at the top of the ticket at the same time, and Democrats massively overperformed in three special elections last year.
* In Maine, Governor Janet Mills' entrance into the Senate race prompted analysts to immediately shift the race in Democrats' favor, noting her candidacy marks a " significant escalation in political firepower " in the race against Susan Collins. Mills is the only Democrat to have won statewide in Maine in the last 20 years and has consistently overperformed other Democrats in dense areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Susan Collins' numbers have declined precipitously since 2020, and she is at a much worse position with Maine voters now than she was at this point in the 2020 cycle.
* In Michigan, Republicans are stuck with flawed candidate Mike Rogers after he underperformed Trump by over 100,000 votes in 2024 and lost in a wave Republican year as Trump carried the state. Michigan Republicans blame Rogers' loss on " candidate quality," saying he " didn't resonate with people." Rogers' lackluster fundraising has continued this cycle, lagging behind the Democratic candidates and resurfacing " a major concern many Republicans had during his race last cycle."
* In New Hampshire, Chris Pappas is a " formidable candidate " and " a strong favorite to win in a general election." Pappas has a record of winning tough races in New Hampshire, and he maintains a lead against both of his potential Republican opponents in early polling.
* In North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper is a " heavyweight candidate " with " a record of winning over Republican voters and running disciplined campaigns," and his decision to run for Senate marked a "significant boost" for Democrats. Cooper has never lost an election and has already built a formidable campaign, " shattering records," dramatically outraising his opponent, and maintaining a tight lead in early polls.
* In Ohio, Sherrod Brown's decision to run for Senate " puts the Ohio Senate special election on the competitive map." Brown is the only Democrat to win a statewide race in Ohio in nearly 20 years, and in 2024, he overperformed the top of the ticket by more than 7 points. Recent polling shows the race statistically tied, with Brown holding a small lead in some polls.
Beyond the opportunities above is the race in Georgia, where Jon Ossoff is running a formidable campaign as the only Democratic incumbent in a state Trump won. Ossoff's unique appeal with the Georgia electorate is driven by his relentless focus on the issues that matter, like lowering health care costs and rooting out corruption. Despite heavy Republican spending in the state, Ossoff holds a tight lead in polling against each of his potential opponents and has dramatically outraised each of his potential opponents with grassroots support that " underscores his Senate firepower," holding a 5:1 cash-on-hand advantage over the Republican candidate with the highest fundraising.
Republicans' Recruitment Failures, Flawed Candidates, and Expensive Primaries Put More States in Play
Republicans set a goal to reach 55 seats, but they stumbled from the start by failing to land the strongest recruits, opening the door to deeply flawed candidates and losing control of destructive primaries.
POLITICO reported " the success that Senate Democrats have had in luring battle-tested candidates into the arena stands in contrast to Republicans' efforts this cycle." Associated Press noted " early headaches " for Republicans across the map. And Punchbowl wrote " Republicans' battle to keep the Senate majority is growing more expensive by the day."
* In Georgia, Republicans' failure to recruit Brian Kemp in Georgia fundamentally changed the trajectory of the race, sparking " bitter infighting " and a " messy, uncertain three-way primary."
* In New Hampshire, Republicans' failure to recruit Chris Sununu set off a " bruising," competitive late-September primary that will ensure whichever candidate emerges damaged, drained of resources, and with little time to pivot to the general election.
* Retirements in Iowa and North Carolina further complicated the Senate map for Republicans, as Thom Tillis' retirement was a clear indication that even top Republicans know their agenda is toxic with voters, and Joni Ernst ignored the " intense intraparty effort to persuade her to run again " amid " signs of political headwinds for Republicans in Iowa."
* The GOP primary in Texas is " national Republicans' biggest internecine headache " that " could threaten their Senate majority " as they spend tens of millions of dollars to prop up weak incumbent John Cornyn. Republicans' $50 million in spending has " done little to actually lift Cornyn's support " as they hurtle towards a protracted, expensive runoff.
Republicans' Affordability Crisis and Health Care Cuts Are Already Costing Them with Voters
Senate Republicans' toxic agenda has generated backlash from voters, who overwhelmingly rejected the higher costs and health care cuts in off year and special elections. In the five Congressional special elections in 2025, Democrats overperformed 2024 margins by an average of roughly 17 points - and new analysis from Blue Rose Research finds that Republicans' standing is expected to continue to deteriorate between now and November 2026.
Early data from 2025 elections suggests that the swing in results is attributable to both turnout and persuasion - indicating that the Democratic base is motivated and enthusiastic, and Democratic messaging on key issues is winning over swing voters. The midterm electorate is expected to favor Democrats, while Republicans have historically been unable to turn out Trump's coalition of voters when he is not on the ballot, which will be an additional challenge for them in the midterms.
Senate Democrats' work to center health care and costs has driven those issues higher in importance among voters and defined them as the key issues in the 2026 election. Poll after poll shows that voters are overwhelmingly concerned about the GOP's price spikes and health care cuts - and new data from Blue Rose Research finds that Democrats have strengthened their advantage over Republicans on health care, while narrowing the traditional Republican advantage on cost of living, the economy, and inflation to a near draw.
The continued resonance of these issues will boost Senate Democrats' campaigns, and Senate Republicans' failure to address rising costs and repeated votes against measures to help lower the cost of health care create a menu of attacks to be used against them in this year's election.
The bottom line : An expanded battleground map with strong Democratic campaigns, weak Republican opponents, and a favorable environment and campaign issue set lay the groundwork for Democratic victories in 2026. At the start of the election year, Democrats have created multiple paths to flip the majority in 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.dscc.org/article/senate-democrats-carve-out-path-to-senate-majority-in-2026/
Scott Perry Leaves His Constituents Out in the Cold
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Scott Perry Leaves His Constituents Out in the Cold
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Vulnerable GOP Congressman Scott Perry is literally leaving Pennsylvanians out in the cold.
In a scathing letter to the editor, a Dauphin County voter blasts Perry for claiming on his website that he is accessible to constituents, but then locking out a group of seniors from his district office - and even threatening them with arrest - during a recent visit.
"Is this how Rep. Perry defines serving his constituents and valuing
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Scott Perry Leaves His Constituents Out in the Cold
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Vulnerable GOP Congressman Scott Perry is literally leaving Pennsylvanians out in the cold.
In a scathing letter to the editor, a Dauphin County voter blasts Perry for claiming on his website that he is accessible to constituents, but then locking out a group of seniors from his district office - and even threatening them with arrest - during a recent visit.
"Is this how Rep. Perry defines serving his constituents and valuingtheir feedback?" the frustrated voter asks.
REMINDER: It has " been more than 2,000 days since Perry faced his constituents at an in-person town hall setting " - nearly 6 full years. Perry has even gone to extreme lengths in the past to dodge tough questions, including running into the woods to avoid speaking with CBS21.
Read the full letter for yourself:
PennLive: Letter | Rep. Perry says he values constituent feedback. Then why did he lock them out?
* U.S. Rep. Scott Perry's official website begins, "I value all feedback from residents of the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. I am here to serve you, and so is my staff."
* On January 5, more than five dozen Perry constituents - mostly seniors, none radicalized - went to his Rossmoyne Business Center office to deliver personal letters about government issues important to them.
* We all were locked out, not just from Perry's office but the entire building, per policy he established the night before. An employee of Linlo Properties, the building owner, threatened us with arrest when we asked merely to see the building's directory of occupants.
* Eventually the letters got delivered to someone inside, but only after a constituent attorney's multiple phone calls resulted in Lower Allen police arriving to negotiate entry for just a pair of Perry's constituents.
* Imagine: it took a lawyer plus a police escort for two constituents to access the building housing the congressman's office, its lease paid by all constituents.
* Is this how Rep. Perry defines serving his constituents and valuing their feedback?
* Yes it is.
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/scott-perry-leaves-his-constituents-out-in-the-cold/
