House Panel Clears Dannemeyer in Mail Dispute

A House of Representatives commission has dismissed a complaint accusing U.S. Rep. William E. Dannemeyer (R-Fullerton) of abusing his congressional mailing privileges.

“We knew we hadn’t done anything wrong, but it’s nice to have a bipartisan committee agree with you--and unanimously at that,” Dannemeyer aide Dwayne Crum said Wednesday.

Last month, David Vest, Dannemeyer’s Democratic opponent in the 39th District congressional race, complained to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards about four articles in Dannemeyer newsletters that dealt with state and personal issues--not congressional issues--and so allegedly violated House franking laws. The newsletters were sent to all 130,000 residents of the district at taxpayer expense.

Vest complained that one article on the deadly AIDS virus was an effort to garner political support for Proposition 64, the anti-AIDS initiative on the November ballot in California. Vest also complained about a newsletter article opposing the confirmation of Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird on election day. And he argued that articles on God and Soviet atheism were “purely personal” issues and not related to congressional business.

In a telegram to Dannemeyer’s office Tuesday, Rep. Morris K. Udall (D-Ariz.), chairman of the commission, said the complaint was dismissed “on the grounds that there is no substantial reason to believe that a violation (of the franking privilege) has or is about to occur.”

Vest said he had no further legal avenue for complaining about Dannemeyer’s mailings. “It’s legal, but it’s not ethical,” he said. “And it certainly is a campaign issue.” Vest said he would like to see a change in House rules on mailings in the next Congress.