The Bulletin: "Williams: Sestak's Use Of Mailings Is Excessive"

Press Release

The Bulletin: "Williams: Sestak's Use Of Mailings Is Excessive"

By Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin

Craig Williams, who is running for Congress against incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-7th, of Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, yesterday criticized his opponent for frequent use of official mailings.

Mr. Williams said the congressman's mailings accumulated a total cost of $637,502.51 from Jan. 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. That amount exceeds the total spent by any Pennsylvania congressperson during that time period. U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-18th, of Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties, took second place with $387,308.26 spent on mailings.

The Republican said Mr. Sestak's use of mailings to an extent that is 371 percent more than the state delegation's average amounts to exploiting his position as a public official to advertise himself to voters. Mr. Williams said such expenditures should be viewed particularly unfavorably considering Mr. Sestak already has a formidable campaign war chest.

"He's had $3.5 million in the bank," Mr. Williams said. "Why are we paying for this?"

Sestak spokesman Jonathon Dworkin said a general overview of the congressman's official expenditures would not lead one to conclude he has made excessive use of available perks. He said Mr. Sestak does not request reimbursements for meals or gasoline and has been sparing in his use of taxpayer-funded travel.

"Congressman Sestak has focused on his constituents' challenges by making government accessible, transparent and effective," Mr. Dworkin said. "In doing so he has demonstrated the responsible and accountable use of government funds and the public service that his constituents deserve."

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