The Republican fund-raising machine is back to some old tricks: the bogus, telemarketed "National Leadership Award" pitch/scam dating back to at least 2002 and ethically-challenged former Congressman Tom DeLay.
A friend of mine in the corporate world received this voice mail in mid-March 2007, as related to him by e-mail from his administrative assistant:
Heather Yolan from Congressman Tom Cole’s office called and said they would like to recognize you with a National Leadership Award, and would like to talk to you about a press release ASAP…their number is 1-877-213-0603.
I love the ASAP bit.
So, the calls are now associated with the likes of Republican Congressman Tom Cole…and Tom Reynolds, as well. Here’s another recent example. And here. And here.
The blog Disregard Evil Tongues summarizes the pitch:
I was promised a suitable plaque to proudly display in my office to show my workers how I support the President and his policies. I would get a fine wooden gavel for my desk. (The better to hit my co-workers who are not impressed by the plaque) I would be invited to the President’s dinner in Washington where I would be able to voice my opinions on the problems impacting small business….I would be named an Honorary Chairman of the Small Business Leadership Committee….
But the catch: the Baloney Leadership Committee and all the rest of it can be yours only for the price of a contribution to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
That is right, for a mere $500.00 I could help the NRCC spread the word of their support of small business, and the NRCC was certain my name would carry a lot of weight in the [community] and would I be willing to send the money in two easy payments.