One of the most telling indicators of franking privilege abuse is the timing of these communications. For much of their term, representatives like Langworthy and Williams remain relatively quiet. Then, as elections approach, they flood the airwaves with tax-payer-funded messages extolling their supposed achievements, using the franking privilege.  “Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives.”

What were they doing the first year and a half of their terms? 

Langworthy became active in the six months leading up to the election. In addition to abusing the franking privilege for airtime, he jumped on any issue that would get him before the public.

He was on television railing against the Veterans Administration Hospital in Buffalo and long wait times.  He was able to get some administrators fired. Ironically, it is Republican lack of support for the VA that’s led to those problems.  

Next, he became a strong advocate for rodents. He angrily defended the rights of rodents over the rights of state workers who were bitten and at risk of rabies. That fiasco garnered him more media attention before Langworthy moved on, leaving dead rodents and unanswered questions in his wake.

Langworthy represents one of the poorest congressional districts in New York State. You’d think his efforts would be directed toward improving the economy in NY23 rather than wasting his time on pet squirrels. 

His record of bringing federal dollars to his district is shameful. I’ll discuss that in an upcoming post.