The other day at the office I noticed that someone had received a Christmas card from John and Theresa Kerry. I thought to myself that I hope this card was paid for by Kerry’s personal funds and not government funds. I could just imagine how much money he and other candidates would be wasting if they all send out thousands of Christmas cards to everyone that may have donated or contributed in some way to a past campaigns. Then I saw this:

U.S. House members spent $20.3 million in tax money last year to send constituents what’s often the government equivalent of junk mail — meeting announcements, tips on car care and job interviews, surveys on public policy and just plain bragging.

They sent nearly 116 million pieces of mail in all, many of them glossy productions filled with flattering photos and lists of the latest roads and bridges the lawmaker has brought home to the district, an Associated Press review of public records shows.

Some offered advice on topics one would more commonly expect to see in a consumer-advice column.

“Keep your car properly maintained” to improve mileage, suggested Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., in a newsletter on how to deal with rising energy prices.

Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif., offered tips on home improvements.

And Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., who lost her primary race after a high-profile scuffle with a Capitol Hill police officer last year, sent out a taxpayer-funded newsletter a few months before the election that included this simple observation:

“Convicted felons can vote,” she said, if “your” prison sentence has been served, parole or probation completed and fines paid. While campaigning, McKinney, who is black, noted that blacks make up a disproportionately large share of the prison population, which she said dilutes their voting strength.

A dozen House members spent more than $133,000 each to send 9.8 million pieces of mass mailings. Total cost? $1.8 million.

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