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Community Corner

Congressman Vern Buchanan may use polling to sway opinion?

Is your congressman using polling to sway opinion, or obtain accurate unfiltered results from constituents?

On July 21, 2013 I received one of Congressmen Buchanan "InstPoll" emails, which included this question and response options.
InstaPoll Question:
"The U.S. Justice Department is considering whether to bring civil rights charges against George Zimmerman, who was acquitted of murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. Do you think the government should charge Zimmerman with a federal hate crime?"
  O Yes
  O No
  O Undecided

Why use the incendiary hate crime statement?  A person with your experience and responsibilities should know a wrongful death civil suit is much more likely, similar to the charges brought against OJ Simpson. 

Of course if a person/party wanted to sway public opinion, they would certainly use the hate crime statement.

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This brings me to my next question.  I recently requested a copy of all InstaPolls conducted by your office, and the results produced.  My specific request included two years of all polling (Questions & Results, only), my request was denied.

Why was my request denied?

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Is there classified information in your polling?

Do you not believe this information should be unbiased, open and easy to access by the public?

Do you use polling results for a historical reference?

Eagerly awaiting your response.

Gary Price, 16th District Constituent 

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