DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Detroit-area Congressman Shri Thanedar is under fire for spending $789,000 on TV ads and $40,000 on radio ads this month alone—nearly half of his annual $1.9 million office budget. Thanedar, a Democrat, claims these ads are meant to inform constituents about his office’s services, not to boost his reelection bid. 

Notably, the spending spree comes right before a blackout period starting June 7, when lawmakers must cease unsolicited mass communications ahead of the August 6 primary election, raising concerns about its timing and intent.

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Adam Hollier, who finished second to Thanedar in the 2022 Democratic primary for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, is running against him again in 2024. Hollier has sharply criticized Thanedar’s ad spending, calling it “an unprecedented and unethical use of our hard-earned money.” He has urged the House Ethics Committee to investigate the expenditures and for Thanedar to refund taxpayers.

The controversy centers around the franking privilege, an old practice allowing members of Congress to send mail to constituents without postage. Established in 1775 to facilitate communication between lawmakers and the public, the franking privilege has evolved to include modern forms of mass communication like TV ads, billboards, and social media. While meant for official business, critics say it gives incumbents an unfair advantage by letting them use taxpayer money for what often looks like campaign promotion.

Thanedar is a notable user of this expanded franking privilege. In 2023, he spent $553,000 on printing, advertising, and mail—nearly ten times the average expenditure by House members. Despite this, Thanedar defends his spending, emphasizing that it helps constituents navigate federal services, resulting in 1,600 resolved cases.

Yet, the high expenditure raises questions about his office’s priorities and effectiveness. Former staffers have complained about being overwhelmed by the volume of constituent cases generated by the ads, leading to staffing challenges. Still, Thanedar maintains that his office is well-staffed and efficient. 

As the August primary approaches, the focus on Thanedar’s advertising expenditures and their ethical implications is likely to continue.