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Today's Poll!Senate backs new limits on ‘robocalls’
Friday, February 24, 2012
Missourians on the state’s do-not-call list could see fewer automated calls under legislation passed Thursday in the state Senate.
The measure, backed by senators in a 32-0 vote, generally would forbid automated calls unless a person has consented to receiving them, but still would allow the calls, known as “robocalls” to be made on behalf of political campaigns or candidates. Groups that make political robocalls would have to register with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Sponsoring Sen. Scott Rupp said automated political calls can’t be banned because that would interfere with a candidate’s First Amendment right to free speech. Under his legislation, those calls would have to include a statement saying who paid for the calls, similar to the statement at the end of political television ads.
Rupp, R-Wentzville, said that type of statement is important because some campaigns can use robocalls to deceive voters rather than promote a candidate. He said his he’s received complaints in the past about robocalls made in support of his candidacy that he did not actually endorse. And he said some campaigns will make robocalls in support of their rival at inconvenient times — such as during dinner hour or the middle of the night — in hopes of ginning up voter anger directed at the rival candidate.
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Comments
wyriontair 1 year, 3 months ago
They should have made all robo calls "FORBIDDEN" most of all POLITICAL robo calls. If a candidate wants to get their message out they should have to have a PERSON on the other end of the line.
lovemykids 1 year, 3 months ago
You, Mr. Politician, are infringing on my right to enjoy peace and quiet in my home. Your right to free speach only extends so far. It stops the moment others feel their rights have been infringed and they fight you to get their rights back. I am tired of politicians thinking that they are above the law. "This country was founded on the very idea of No man, not even a king, is above the law" (props to my dad for teaching me this because school never did). This no longer seems to be the case in America. Examples include both sides. Our most honest and true nature of our country is this: When a majority feel like the government has screw-ed us to the point that we can't take anymore, we fight back. We win. We start over. Watch carefully the rights that you strip from the people. I will vote every election, no matter how insignificant it may seem to others, and I will make an INFORMED decision based on what you have said vs. what you have done. I am your worst nightmare sir. I am an informed, un-affiliated voter. I do not subscibe to either side. You have to win my vote by actually doing something good for your constituents.
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