VANITY QUESTION: Need help on proper form for addressing a former Congressman

HR

[hispanarepublicana]

I'm working on writing letters to a number of former Congressmen. What is proper form in the address block?

Is it
The Honorable Joe Schmoe
Former U.S. Congressman
Address, City, State, Zip
Dear Congressman Schmoe:

Or is it
The Honorable Joe Schmoe
Owner, Joe Schmoe's Post-Congress Company
Address, City, State, Zip
Dear Former Congressman Schmoe

[hispanarepublicana]

Any help is appreciated. I've googled and found nothing.

[mark502inf]

Dear Loser,

[ken5050]

is it a former Dem congresscritter, or a former Pubbie congressman..? former is "asshole"..latter is "honorable"

[hispanarepublicana]

I'm one of the biggest smarta55es on FR, and I knew it would come back to bite me in the butt.
These are elderly, retired Republican congressmen.

[WhiteGuy]

It is usually accurate to address this way:

"Dear Lobbyist,"

[End Times Sentinel]

I usually try to turn the person's name into a nickname, and if that's not going to work "Sparky" or "Slacks" seems to work for most guys.

Then again I'm often told I'm rude and disrespectful, so take that advice for what it's worth.

Owl_Eagle

”Unleash the Hogs of Peace.”
P.J. O'Rourke Parliament of Whores

I usually try to turn the person's name into a nickname, and if that's not going to work "Sparky" or "Slacks" seems to work for most guys.

Then again I'm often told I'm rude and disrespectful, so take that advice for what it's worth.

[hispanarepublicana]

so take that advice for what it's worth

I guess you get what you pay for....

[DTogo]

How about simply Mr. or Mrs.? Politicians work for us, supposedly, sometimes, rarely, never...

[areafiftyone]

If you are writing to Kennedy - you can say:

Dear Boooozer er uh Loser:

[End Times Sentinel]

I'm one of the biggest smarta55es on FR, and I knew it would come back to bite me in the butt.

Bit in the butt?  You're spreading joy and happiness with this thread.  Why, it can go eight ways from Sunday.  Thank You!

Owl_Eagle

”Unleash the Hogs of Peace.”
P.J. O'Rourke Parliament of Whores

I'm one of the biggest smarta55es on FR, and I knew it would come back to bite me in the butt.

Bit in the butt?  You're spreading joy and happiness with this thread.  Why, it can go eight ways from Sunday.  Thank You!

[gulfcoast6]

If he or she are politicians you agree with start with 'The Honorable', if you don't agree with them it should be 'Dear Joe', Politicians live off of ego, slap them down with not feeding them and call them by their first name.

[gulfcoast6]

Ask them when they are going to get the 'scooters' advirtised for the old folks on TV cause some of them are sure old enough to use them.

[lunarbicep]

Office of the Clerk, U. S. House of Reps. should be able to help you: http://clerk.house.gov/clerk/index.html