The Newark Advocate has a story out today on the abuse of taxpayer money to fund incumbent mailing campaigns. The takeaway seems to be that at least four Democrats are scared out of their wits. Oh, and they won’t talk to anyone about it. Yeah:

It’s called franking – mass mailings or communications at taxpayer expense. U.S. Rep. John Boccieri, D-Alliance, has spent $321,863 since the beginning of 2009, behind only Reps. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, and Zack Space, D-Dover, who both spent around $400,000. Rep. Steve Driehaus, D-Cincinnati, spent $309,861. These four members all are in danger of losing their seats, according to Washington political analyst Charlie Cook.
This money comes from the members’ office funds – so every dollar spent on a mailing is one that cannot be spent on salaries or travel.
“These mailings are a way to inform constituents of our actions in Congress and to promote the services a member’s office can provide them,” Boccieri said.
Spokesman Brad Bauman hung up on a reporter when asked about Kilroy’s expenses.