What constitutes "buying votes"?

[RT_Fanatic]

The other day, a guy campaigning for state rep was canvassing the neighborhood, and stopped at my house to offer a flyer and fridge magnet. He's a nice enough guy, a business owner (a restaurant/catering business) in a neighboring town, and a Democrat. Now yesterday, in the mail comes a letter from this guy, addressed personally to my wife and me from this candidate. It's a form letter, but with a personal note scratched at the end, mentioning that it was nice to speak with us. Accompanying the letter was a gift certificate good for a seafood buffet (every Friday evening, $18.95)or Sunday brunch ($12.95) for two at his restaurant. Is this legal, ethical? If I have dinner on this guy, am I obligated to vote for him?
:wtf:

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Did the letter mention in any way that he is running...? Did he ask you

in the letter to vote for him? I would say it's illegal.

[RT_Fanatic]

2. He said in the letter

that he hopes we'll remember him at the polls on election day. No "please vote for me."

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. While I guess it would be just "this side" of legitimate ( I am calling to

mind the pencils and such that one gets from candidates on election day at the polls) I would say it's a rather expensive little reminder. But, if it has no real cash value, then it's probably legit...slimily so, but legit.

[RT_Fanatic]

6. Right--"no cash value"

That is marked prominently on the document.

I'm looking forward to enjoying some crab legs, breaded shrimp, a cold Yeungling draft(although I'm sure beverages are NOT included)...

[shraby]

3. Regardless of the dinner, you are not obligated

to vote for anyone except the one you chose to vote for.

[SoCalDem]

5. Enjoy the dinner..vote for whom you like.

He'll write off the free dinner coupons as advertising. :)

[JNelson6563]

7. It's tacky but not illegal

He's promoting his restaurant and campaign at the same time. I am one who believes only one thing should be focused on.

Still, the guy's got a clue on the campaign thing. Hitting the doors is so important and it's surprising to me how many candidates are loathe to do this. Additionally, the follow-up letter (tacky rest. coupons aside) is a good thing to do.

You've got the planning of the walking, note taking during that task, printing of the letters, handwritten note on each, mailing assembled and postage paid.

A lot goes into this kind of stuff.

Julie

[DoYouEverWonder]

8. Can you scan it

and post a copy?

I'd love to see it.

[RT_Fanatic]

10. Not having a scanner myself,

I'd have to get someone at work to do it--If I find the time, I will.

[Ecumenist]

9. Yeah RT...

I'd love to see a copy of this letter too. We here at DU are VERY open, above board and one of the important tenents that sets this board apart is that anything that is referenced has to have some sort of proof, as in a link. Seeing as how we have been hurt as a country by the buying of the votes and black box voting, it is very inmportant that we confront this anywhere it rears it's ugly head, no matter what side of the aisle it arises from.

Even if this person is a progressive, it seems that he's employing something dangerously similar to influence buying. Please feel free in scanning in a copy of this letter so that we can see who this person is.

[RT_Fanatic]

11. The guy's name is

Tim Carson. He's running for PA state legislature, 52nd district.

[JunkYardDogg]

12. $300 Tax Refunds, Tax Breaks for the Rich

Using U.S. Treasury money to buy votes in the form of tax refunds and tax breaks
That is Buying votes !!!!!
With our own money
The scum bags don't even have to use their money as bribes