Is W. Campaigning On Your Dime?

From Argmax:

$20 Million Wasted for PR

The first round of IRS rebate checks to middle and upper income families with dependent children have been mailed. In addition, a second mailing by the IRS was conducted, at a cost of $20 million, letting people know a check would be on the way.

This second mailing (see text below) is completely unnecessary and wastes valuable resources at a time when deficits are already exploding.

Text of the letter:
"We are pleased to inform you that the United States Congress has passed and President George W. Bush has signed into law the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003," the letters read. "Within two weeks of receiving this notice, you will receive a check."

In addition to Bush's larger campaign war chest and friends in the media (Fox News, the Wasthington Times, etc.), let's not forget he also enjoys the many advantages of incumbency, such as being able to launch what amounts to the a tax payer financed direct mail advertisement or campaign stunt.