TUCSON, Ariz. – Gabby Giffords has achieved the dubious distinction of being the leader in the entire U.S. House of Representatives for using taxpayer dollars for self promotion.

According to the Arizona Daily Star, “in her first year in office, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spent $234,000 sending full-color, multipage fliers to her home district.”  [“Giffords No. 1 in mailings using U.S. funds,” Arizona Daily Star, May 4, 2008.]

“It’s clear that Gabby Giffords is abusing the congressional franking privilege,” Pima County Republican Party Chair Judi White said.  “The Giffords mailings are little more than campaign mailers paid for by taxpayers.”

In an August 2007 article in the Star, it was reported that Giffords was trailing Rep. Ed Pastor for the lead in the Arizona congressional delegation for most taxpayer dollars spent on mass mail.  [“Franking: vital info or free publicity,” Arizona Daily Star, August 8, 2007.]

Not one to be outdone, Giffords kicked her mail operation into high gear, easily passing not only Pastor, but spending more tax dollars on mail than any member of Congress.

“In November taxpayers will hold Gabby accountable for her wasteful ways,” White said.

# # #