What would you do / how would you feel if you tried to email a candidate & he/she blew you off?

Question

I tried to email Barak Obaba & Hillary Clinton, as presidential candidates, about my stance on the immigration issue.

Obama wouldn't even receive my email, as my address is not in his senate district.

I got a form email back from Clinton saying that due to the large volume of emails from her senate district constituents, she couldn't reply to mine (again, my address is not in her district).

I didn't really need a reply from either one. . . but to be told that my views don't matter because I don't live in Illinois or New York is irksome.

So, the question is, as a registered Democrat, what's a girl to do?

I have emailed my representatives as well.

I just wanted Clinton & Obama to know that their senatorial votes on a particular issue would affect how I'd be voting for president.

As I said, I did not expect an answer. I just did not expect to be totally blown off.

Answer 1

That is the way it goes and I wish you good Luck.

Answer 2

While I can understand that they have more email than they can possibly answer, they should definitely have someone responsible for making sure they get some kind of answer.

If you're concerned about their individual stance on the issue, you should check out their web sites (most candidates have their stances spelled out pretty well). You can also email the campaign. If enough people who feel the way that you do email their campaign offices with their views, the candidate will eventually get the message.

Another thing to think about is: If you have differing opinions from the "big ticket" candidates on the issues, try looking at the lesser known candidates. I thought it was a sham at the debate when the top 3 candidates got more questions and more time than the rest. Especially before the primaries, look at the most capable rather than the "most electable".

Answer 3

Mr. Obama is currently a Senator from Illinois and as is custom Senators will only receive mail from constituents. If you don't live in Illinois forget it. Every one of them is that way. As it is most get more mail than they can handle. They have staff people looking at that stuff. Some of it is quite looney. The same applies to Senator Clinton or anyone else in the Congress. Try sending emails to any Senator or House Member who doesn't represent where you live and you will get the same thing.

Answer 4

They aren't your representatives in their current seats. It is kind of funny that you would email their senate address. Their campaign address would be more appropriate.

Second, it would take a very large army of staffers to answer every email that they receive. It would be unreasonable to expect more than a reply from their staff thanking you for your opinion. You can only get personal responses from reps in the house of representatives, since they would receive far less communication from their constituents.

I kind of fancy the idea of turning the armed forces into a reply writing group for our representatives. It would be a far better use of them than what they are currently doing. Although I respectfully suppose many would disagree with me.

Answer 5

The response you received from congress persons that are NOT "your" representative is typical.
It is all about the "money" and they have neither the time or money to respond to those who can't vote or contribute to them.
Sad, but typical for all of them. So far I've not seen any exceptions.
GET PISSED if you own representatives don't respond.
I sent a letter on the same subject to Hastert, Obama and Durbin, MY representatives.
Hastert immediately responded with a form letter. Promised a more formal reply later.
Neither Durbin nor Obama have responded yet.

Answer 6

Did you write through their senate website, or their presidential website? I think those things are just auto - set to do what they did. As a senator, they are responsible for reperesenting their state alone. Your views - outside their people - should not affect their vote. I think a responsible senator would only vote based on their district's thoughts.

Answer 7

Why are you trying to email them anyways...your local representatives affect your life 5 times more than any presidential candidate ever will.

Answer 8

its absurd to think that a Presidential candidate could possibly answer all emails

republican or democrat

make sure you email YOUR congressman though
don't expect an answer but do voice your opinion

Answer 9

And you are 'really' surprised? You don't matter to them at all. Its not 'thinking' people that are important, its the 'sheep' that elect them