U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack. D-Mt. Vernon, is reaching out to constituents in the 2nd Congressional District to warn of fundraising appeals from the Republican National Committee that mimic official U.S. Census documents.

A fund-raising pitch by the Republican National Committee appears as if it is an official 2010 Census document, warned U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.

A fundraising pitch by the Republican National Committee appears as if it is an official 2010 Census document, warns U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Mt. Vernon.

“This fundraising letter even calls itself at ‘Census survey’ and asks people to pay for the cost of processing the census form,” Loebsack said Monday.

“The Census is vital for our communities because an accurate count helps ensure that Iowans get adequate funding for schools, roads and hospitals. It is also critical for flood recovery, and helping our disaster-stricken neighbors,” he said.

He added that official Census documents will not “ask for party affiliation or for money.”

The fundraising documents, which apparently have been mailed out in nearly if not all U.S. Congressional Districts, are sent in an official-looking envelope labeled with “DO NOT DESTROY OFFICIAL DOCUMENT.” The header of the letter inside reads, “2010 Congressional District Census” with smaller text indicating that this particular survey is “commissioned by the Republican Party.” A copy of the survey form that was received by a West Branch resident was made available to The Iowa Independent. The mailing includes a “census tracking code” as well as a deadline to respond.

In addition to general information, such as political affiliation and which news outlets the voter favors, the mailer also asks questions like “Do you trust Democrats to take all steps necessary to keep our nation secure in this age when terrorists could strike our country at any moment?” and “Do you worry that Russia is moving away from its relationship with the U.S. and trying to re-establish itself as a military and economic superpower?”

News outlets in Wyoming, New York, Tennessee, California, Texas, Colorado, and many other states have printed complaints about the mailers. Dennis Johnson, the director of the Census Bureau’s regional office in Kansas City, was highly critical of the mailer, calling the timing “unfortunate.”

Officials at the Republican National Committee say the mailing was not intended to be misleading or confusing, but was sent to garner public opinion and raise funds. Republicans circulated a similar letter just prior to the 2000 census.

Iowa residents should expect to receive their official 2010 Census documents in early- to mid-March of this year.