Republican AG Seeking Re-Election in North Dakota says RNC's Telemarketing Calls are Illegal
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10/5/2006
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The Associated Press
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The Republican National Committee agreed to stop making recorded-voice calls to the homes of North Dakota GOP supporters after the Republican attorney general said the calls were illegal.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem's Democratic challenger complained about calls made over the weekend in which the recorded voice of RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman thanks contributors. The state's do-not-call law bans recorded calls to homes, unless the recorded voice is introduced by a live operator.
The RNC maintains that the calls are legal, saying they fall under an exemption allowing such calls when a business relationship already exists. Stenehjem said a campaign contribution does not amount to the start of a business relationship.
Stenehjem said Wednesday that he told the RNC that he would take action if the calls continued.
Stenehjem was faxed a letter on Wednesday from Sean Cairncross, the RNC's deputy legal counsel, saying the committee "believes its actions in this instance fully complied with North Dakota law."
"Regardless, the RNC will refrain from making any further such calls to thank North Dakota Republicans for supporting their party," Cairncross wrote.
Stenehjem's opponent in next month's election, Mayville attorney William Brudvik, demanded a formal investigation and said the RNC should be fined $2,000 for each call.
Stenehjem, however, said he would not investigate further unless the calls continue. He said that is how he has handled similar complaints against others, including the 2004 presidential campaign of Democrat Wesley Clark.
Brudvik, in a letter to Stenehjem on Wednesday, complained specifically about what he said was a recorded RNC call to the state Democratic headquarters in Bismarck on Saturday. Stenehjem said that call was not illegal because North Dakota's anti-telemarketing rules do not apply to workplaces.
Stenehjem said parties in North Dakota commonly contribute to each other's campaigns to get on mailing and e-mail lists.
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