JACKSON - Today Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) called on his opponent, ex-Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), to stop using campaign robocalls for the remainder of the 2010 election season. In recent weeks, Mr. Walberg’s campaign has used automated robocalls to communicate with voters across the 7th district and defend his support for privatizing Social Security.

“This election is about kitchen table economics, but the last thing Michigan families want are more annoying robocalls during dinnertime,” said Schauer. “My hope is that Mr. Walberg will join me and agree not to use these obnoxious tactics for the rest of the campaign.”

Last week, there were multiple reports of robocalls from Tim Walberg’s campaign, which included a message defending the former Congressman’s record on Social Security. Walberg has previously said, “I would definitely support the privatization of the so-called Social Security system,” and, “There ought to be a date certain, when no longer does anybody have to put into Social Security.” [iCaucus.org, 6/25/10]

Tim Walberg has defended the use of robocalls in the past. In 2008, after Schauer issued a similar challenge, Walberg said, “he believes automated phone calls serve the public interest.” [Jackson Citizen Patriot, 8/29/08]

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