US Senate Candidate (D-AZ) Dougherty denounces use of campaign Robocalls

John Dougherty pledges not to use automated campaign phone solicitation

PHOENIX (June 30) -- John Dougherty, Arizona Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, is speaking out against “robocalls.” The automated phone calls that use computerized auto-dialers to deliver pre-recorded marketing messages are widely considered a nuisance.

Dougherty is the first candidate in Arizona to publicly pledge not to use the technology, according to the National Political Do Not Call Registry, a group that backs ending political robocalls.

Dougherty supports a bill sponsored by California senator Dianne Feinstein that would limit the use of robocalls for political purposes.  By pledging not to use the automated calling system, Dougherty ensures Arizona voters will not be pestered by recorded voice messages soliciting support for his campaign.

“Voters deserve the right to research the issues on their own time and not be harassed at home via recorded message by me or my supporters,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty encourages voters opposed to the practice to register with the National Political Do Not Call Registry at http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org.

The site’s founder and CEO, Shaun Dakin, started the registry to help citizens protect themselves against “invasive, automated calls from politicians asking for their vote.

“I compliment John Dougherty for making the pledge that it is time for these calls to stop,” Dakin said.

Dougherty acknowledges how important reaching each prospective voter is, and wants the process to remain personal.  “I will not be relegated to the cheaper, easier method of automated call systems,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty’s opposition contrasts with opponents who embrace the service.

Democratic Primary Senate candidate Cathy Eden recently started using robocalls. Republican Senator John McCain used them extensively in the 2008 Presidential race.

For more information on the National Political Do Not Contact Registry, please visit www.StopPoliticalCalls.org.