For Immediate Release
Contact: Sid Smith
October 29, 2008
(208) 343-6405
DEMOCRAT MAILER ENABLES IDENTITY THEFT
Democrat mail piece included Sali’s, wife’s Social Security numbers
BOISE, ID – Idaho Republican Party Chairman Norm Semanko called on Idaho Democrats to apologize for distributing Congressman Bill Sali’s personal information to thousands of Idahoans earlier this week. The Idaho Democrat Party sent a campaign mail piece that included the Social Security numbers for both Congressman and Terry Sali, potentially exposing them to fraud and identity theft.
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has worked tirelessly to educate Idahoans about the risk of identity theft and how individuals can protect themselves and their families from it. Anyone with questions about the seriousness of identity theft or the impact it has on victims is urged to call the Attorney General’s Office at (208) 334-2400.
Idaho Democrats, including Walt Minnick, on whose behalf the mailer was sent, have refused to denounce the mailing or the disclosure of personal information. When questioned about including the private information in the mailer, Idaho Democrat Party Executive Director, Jim Hansen, replied to the Spokesman Review, “Frankly, I didn’t think about it.”
“I would like to think that the Idaho Democrats inadvertently included Congressman Sali’s personal information out of carelessness and incompetence, not spite,” said state party Chairman Norm Semanko. “Regardless, this mailer shows a thoughtless and reckless disregard for Bill and Terry Sali’s privacy. This irresponsible act goes well beyond the boundaries of a decent and spirited political campaign, and the Idaho Republican Party condemns such actions. This kind of win-at-all-costs campaigning might pass in Barack Obama’s Chicago machine, but not here in Idaho. Walt Minnick and Idaho Democrats owe Congressman Sali’s family, and Idaho voters, an apology.”
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