Ted Cruz Gets a Bit Desperate and Sends Out Donation Letter that Appears to be a Official County Sum

Senator Ted Cruz sent out hundreds of thousands of donation letters last week disguised as a County Summons. They say “SUMMONS ENCLOSED- OPEN IMMEDIATELY,” and the return address is “official county summons.”

Authorities in Texas say it probably doesn't violate campaign laws, but is does demonstrate a whiff of desperation in the Cruz campaign which is locked in a tight Senate race with Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke. Recent polling has them in a virtual tie.

Both candidates have raised 23 million dollars thus far but, unlike Cruz, O’Rourke does not accept donations from political action committees or corporations. Cruz's "summons" is an attempt to tap into small contributions from individual donors. This may not be the most effective way to motivate them, however. At best, it seems a bit dishonest.

Newsweek: "While the letter inside the envelope is a donation form for the Cruz campaign, there is some fear that certain voters may be confused by the mailer and think that they are required by law to pay a fee."

“Received this for my 88-year-old grandma,” wrote Sean Owen of Austin on Twitter. “Says it's a summons from Travis County, but is actually asking for money for Ted Cruz. Did your campaign authorize this? Is this even legal? Shame on you.”

Photo Credit: San Antonio Express-News

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