Tom Delay National Leadership Award Scam

Naspino

[Naspino]

I received a call today from someone claiming to be from Tom Delay's office offering my wife a "National Leadership Award". It didn't sound like a Republican on the other end and so I treated it as a solicitor call and cut her off; however she asked me to give my wife a 1-800 number to call to receive her award.

Since my wife does not work and hasn't really contributed anything to the Republican party I has to assume they threw a dart to select her name. I then started looking around the internet for this and found that this award is being offered to basically anyone, liberals, rapists, murders, you name it.

The scam is that when you call you are told that Tom Delay wants to run an article in a newspaper and include your name as backing it but they need $300 from you to run the ad.

From all references I've found on the net -- this is actually something being run by Tom Delay's office and by other congressmen. Its really frustrating to me that I back these people and they execute these sleazy, scum ridden fund raising techniques. My G_D -- just call and say we could really use your help to beat the h)ll out of the Democrats this year -- don't spam me with telemarketing gimmicks!

Can anyone refute that this is really Tom Delay's doing? I hope so. Its a good way to alienate your voters -- not to mention falsely associate yourself with the scum of society. Just do a search -- this award was given to a liberal journalist that is using it to bash Republicans as sleazy fund-raisers; given to a guy with 6 prior convictions and a warrant out for his arrest -- and then "retracted" because they didn't know. Thats the point you morons -- you are calling people you DON'T KNOW and recognizing them for their leadership (ahem for $300).

[Sloth]

I heard somebody talking about this on the radio the other day... sounds really sleazy. I wouldn't give a dime.

[Archangelsk]

It was in a couple of newspapers about a week ago. They actually fax over a copy of one's "award" and then ask you to pony up to attend an "awards dinner" on your behalf. Apparently, if you balk at the original price they are open to negoitiations, but methinks this is just an elaborate scam.

All Republican leaders should denounce this form of fundraising loudly and can the goofball at the RNC who came up with the idea.

[1Old Pro]

I AGREE. I was also "selected" for this leadership reward which only requires a LARGE DONATION. About 20 of my frieds were also selected, I guess it's a real exclusive club....some 280 million mebers.

Stop this TOM, it's bothersome. If you want money, act like a Republican in the majority and give Dassholes wife a kick in the rear and do everthing you can to screw the Dem senators, especialy regarding Estrada.

Then, I'll consider giving money, that is when you get something DONE!!

[Naspino]

Yes -- from what I read though they defend it as "effective". Well -- so long as its effective -- who cares what it does to the reputation of the party and those that support it.

[Naspino]

Well -- maybe we need to FREEP Tom Delay to stop acting like a Democrat?

[Naspino]

Let Tom know you don't appreciate his method of fund-raising.

My contact information in Washington is:

Rep. Tom DeLay
242 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5951
FAX: (202) 225-5241


My contact information in Texas is:

Rep. Tom DeLay
10701 Corporate Drive, Suite 118
Stafford, Texas 77477
Phone: (281) 240-3700
(800) 759-5748 - Toll-free in area code 409
FAX: (281) 240-2959

[sinkspur]

I just now got a fundraising letter from the RNC. It included a card, to be signed by my wife and I, congratulating George W. and Laura Bush on their 25th wedding anniversary. Of course, there was a return envelope (no stamp) for a "generous" contribution to the "George W. Bush Victory Fund."

I do what I always do with political fundraising requests. They go in the fireplace to get the kindling started.

[dead]

Tom Delay told me that he has some money he needs to move out of Nigeria. He's going to let me keep a nice percentage of it for myself!

[Naspino]

I like this:

"Because of the tremendous volume of mail we receive each day, unfortunately, we cannot accept e-mail which comes from outside the 22nd District of Texas. I trust you will understand. If you prefer to send me regular mail, also known as "snail mail," please do so."

Now we know why Tom receives a tremendous volume of mail from ourside the 22nd District -- cause his soliciting people from all 50 states with telemarketing. Bet these are the same people calling from the Pro-Life Committee.

[MHGinTN]

From all references I've found on the net -- this is actually something being run by Tom Delay's office and by other congressmen. Naspino .. Prove it! Accusations are cheap, proof is valuable. If you've got it, show it, otherwise you're playing a stealth trash game.

[afraidfortherepublic]

We get a call like this about every six months, or so -- 'Businessman of the Year'. They usually want $1000 to attend some dinner. We always say, "No, thank you."

[Naspino]

You're a bit high-strung today aren't you? Not to mention the people on this thread that have validated this -- here are is the google link to research it for yourself:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22tom+delay%22+%22leadership+award%22

This one is probably the most reliable. It says its from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). It doesn't matter to me if it didn't come right out his office because they play a taped message from him telling you of your award. Shows some complicity doesn't it?

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/DailyNews/nrcc_020502.html

[ChicagoGuy]

"It didn't sound like a Republican on the other end." What does that mean? How does one "sound like a Republican"? I hope this isn't a racial thing - we don't need blacks to think they have to vote against us because they don't "sound like us".

[amused]

My boss has been getting these calls for years. I always knew they were about donations in a "Who's who in [pick your subject]" kind of way.

[728b]

Shoot! I thought I was the only one, and the award would come with a monetary prize.

I am almost as excited as when Ed McMann told me I was a finalist in the Publishers Clearing House sweep stakes.

[Naspino]

"It didn't sound like a Republican on the other end." What does that mean? How does one "sound like a Republican"? I hope this isn't a racial thing - we don't need blacks to think they have to vote against us because they don't "sound like us".

It sounded like a telemarketer that missed her 5 minute break. Telemarketers = Scum = Liberal = Democrats. Sorry if that offends you and sorry if Telemarketers think they have to vote against us because they sound like "Scum". You were quick to jump to racism -- you have a little bit of that in you obviously.

[728b]

"It didn't sound like a Republican on the other end." What does that mean? How does one "sound like a Republican"? I hope this isn't a racial thing "

I think he means they had a lisp. ;o)

[Naspino]

I was looking at the links on google some more -- what is funny is all of these autobiographies of people on the net claiming this and that award and including the "National Leadership Award" from Congressman Tom Delay or some other Tom guy. Now -- should I give these "distinguished" people my business knowing they didn't have the brains to see through a scam?

[Naspino]

My wife can now claim she "..was humble enough that after having been nominated for the "National Leadership Award" declined to accept it..."

[728b]

I'm new around here, but I just figured out what I can put in the Tag Line on my post.

[ChicagoGuy]

I've known many Republicans who were telemarketers - they were people who took jobs to support themselves (even though it wasn't glamorous) so they didn't have to live off welfare, etc. Not a great job, but they were not "scum", liberal or Democrats. Maybe you're independently rich, but most of us Republicans work hard for our money, often at jobs that are/were unpleasant or thankless. And I didn't "jump to racism" - I merely posited that I hoped that wasn't the issue- since most Republicans I know can't be separated from others based on what they "sound like". It is both incorrect and inappropriate for you to say that I "obviously" have "a little bit of that" in me.

[Naspino]

...hee ...hee -- look at this: ---

Why Kuhn's? Nicholas R. Kuhn, owner and founder of Kuhn's Home Improvements has received the National Leadership Award from Congressman Tom DeLay. This award is given in recognition of being successful in starting your own business and following all of the guidelines set forth by the State of Wisconsin.

Mr. Kuhn has also been made an Honorary Chairman on the NRCC'S (National Republican Congressional Committee) Business Advisory Council. He will be attending political strategy meetings with Republican Party Congressional Leaders, as well as participating in surveys and conference calls.

--- Why Kuhn's indeed.

[Naspino]

It was inappropriate for you to put words in my mouth.

I don't care if people are hard up for work are not -- if you choose to make a living by harassing other people then you're scum. Thats what telemarketing is -- you don't want to call me and find out about my product -- so I'll call you -- monthly -- maybe weekly depending on how sucky my computer is. Oh -- you want me to stop? Fine -- I'll stop for a --- week -- you know until your name magically appears in my computer. Wait -- how did that happen? Oh -- because I go around and pay people to give me a list of "validated" phone numbers. Honestly -- have you EVER bought anything from a telemarketer -- and have you EVER been glad to hear one on the other end of the phone when you pick it up? Scum.

[Quilla]

I received two or three of these faxes (nomination included) in past couple of months. They were easy to throw away. Then I got the phone call. I asked to speak to Mr. Delay, who, of course, was not available. I gave that poor gal a piece of my mind. I explained that is was misleading, that everyone and his dog was getting these calls, that I did donate large sums to Republicans, and that if they didn't stop this scam they've seen my last dollar. She thanked me - go figure.

[Naspino]

BTW -- I didn't mean "Scum" referring to you -- to telemarketers. I reread it and it seemed that way.

[Naspino]

Well thats the point of this post -- what brainiac at NRCC came up with this? WHO likes telemarketing? If Coca Cola called me and did this I'd drink Pepsi. When possible I always switch away from companies that spam me with telephone calls; and now the NRCC is doing it. I'm even fine witht he GAGOP calls asking for my support. Fine -- I'm a Republican they know it -- it makes sense. I wouldn't be fine if they lure me into a 20 minute phone call and then slam me with the "need" to donate money for this that or the other in order for them to "properly" stroke my ego with an award.

[ChicagoGuy]

You (like many people) may not like telemarketers (I don't love getting those calls from people either), but that doesn't make the entry-level person on the other end of the phone "scum", and it doesn't make them liberal or democratic. (Personally, I'm a Christian, so I don't view God's creations as 'scum'). Many or most of those telemarketers are Republican. So your "telemarketer = scum = liberal = democrat" analogy is both incorrect and unkind.

[ChicagoGuy]

LOL. Don't worry; I didn't take it that way. We're just disagreeing, not calling each other names.

[Naspino]

Well you have a higher tolerance for annoyance. I work from home and so I just got another one -- except the problem is for some reason I think calls are delayed to my home and so by the time I answer they're computers have already cut the call off. So -- per day I get 2-3 calls with no one on the other end; the others start immediately into their script and usually I'm on another phone call with a business associate or working on a design. They are scum because many times when I say -- "You have called me at work" -- THEY have the NERVE to get abusive with me -- as if I SOMEHOW intruded upon THEIR day? I'm Christian too -- but that doesn't mean I think everyone has to be tolerated.

[folklore]

My latest came from the NRSC. Same hype. When I get these, I take them to my local bar to rile up my demwit friends. LOL!

[richardtavor]

I'm a Colonel in the Texas Air Force (I have a certificate and everything!

[jigsaw]

I am almost as excited as when Ed McMann told me I was a finalist in the Publishers Clearing House sweep stakes.

Hey, I was there.   You WERE a finalist!   Too bad you didn't send in your final form.

(Ed and I split your winnings between us. Thanks.)

And, welcome to FreeRepublic. ;-)

[richardtavor]

I always tell them (free vacations, credit cards, etc.) that I can sure use them because I've been out of work for a year and can sure use the money. (I get a click every time.)

[jpl]

"Because of the tremendous volume of mail we receive each day, unfortunately, we cannot accept e-mail which comes from outside the 22nd District of Texas. I trust you will understand. If you prefer to send me regular mail, also known as "snail mail," please do so."

Don't bother sending snail mail either. It'll get thrown right in the garbage if it's from outside the Congresscritter's district.

[728b]

:o)

[tubebender]

My son and I each received one of these. I tossed mine but son is going to "get even". I'm waiting for a call back from him to see what he did.

[728b]

I'm a Colonel in the Texas Air Force (I have a certificate and everything!

Maybe you could fly me to the awards ceremony.

[Scorpio B]

I have recently received very similar to the same thing except it was from Tom Cole. What I don't understand is that I am not even a Republican. I hope that something is done about this soon because I don't think this is something that either party should be doing.