Forged letters to congressman anger local groups

As U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello was considering how to vote on an important piece of climate change legislation in June, the freshman congressman’s office received at least six letters from two Charlottesville-based minority organizations voicing opposition to the measure.The letters, as it turns out, were forgeries. Full Story »

Posted by Beth Wellington - via Digg, Memeorandum
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Posted by: Posted by Beth Wellington - Jul 31, 2009 - 10:29 AM PDT
Content Type: Article
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Edited by: Beth Wellington - Jul 31, 2009 - 11:29 AM PDT

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4.1
by Beth Wellington - Aug. 3, 2009

I agree w. Kim about the writing style, however, this reporter broke the story (although one wonders why it took so long.) That is why I submitted it. I've included two links with more information. Hat tip to Sue Sturgis at ISS for finding them. Also a 2002 piece from the Baltimore Sun, which exposed Bonner's former antics. Unfortunately the Sun doesn't have a link up, so used Common Dreams archive. BaltSun ran only the AP story. In looking again today, came up w. Brian ... More »

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3.4
by Dwight Rousu - Aug. 4, 2009

The incidents of business lobbyists writing fake letters are interesting. It is a little hard to tell how widespread the practice is, but in such things it would seem this is the tip of a iceberg that will not be brought fully to the surface.

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3.6
by Kim C. Maynard - Aug. 2, 2009

The article is well written though a bit flat. It somehow just misses capturing that sense of hard outrage lying simmering just below the factual surface. This may not have been the best style, a fairly standard AP type of construction, for this story. "Just the facts" is okay for wire stories but this needed a more personal touch to connect on an emotional level.

The American Political process is ruined. Our politicians are bought and paid for by whomever and whatever big money force occupies and runs their ... More »

See Full Review » (7 answers)
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3.9
by Juliet Sallette - Jul. 31, 2009
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4.0
by Louise Auerhahn - Aug. 2, 2009
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4.4
by Bob Stepno - Jul. 31, 2009

interesting to see this story develop legs via TPM and Politico. One unclear point: Was no one on the story last month when the Bonner rep was in Charlottesville apologizing?

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4.6
by Aaron Knott - Aug. 2, 2009

I am interested in energy policy

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4.8
by Eileen Levandoski - Jul. 31, 2009
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Links Help

  • NAACP-Forgery Group, Bonner & Associates, Has A Decades-Long History Of Astroturf Tactics (Pending)

    Posted by Beth Wellington
  • Lobbying Firm Employee Forged Letters About Climate Bill (Pending)

    TPMMuckrakerLobbying Firm Employee Forged Letters About Climate BillWashington PostAn employee of a Washington lobbying firm forged a letter from a Latino social service group ...
    Posted by NewsTrust Staff
  • Astroturf Lobbying: Community Leaders Decry Lobby Firm's Fax (Pending)

    Posted by Beth Wellington
  • Scholars and Rogues ? Bonner & Associates forges documents in opposition to climate bill (Pending)

    Posted by Beth Wellington