Let’s say you’re a Democrat in the Indiana House of Representatives with a desire to run for Congress in the 7th Congressional District.  Respect for Julia Carson’s current circumstances prevents you from campaigning in any public way, so, other than putting an old Carson campaign sign in your yard, what can you do?

Well, you could remind your current constituents (most of whom live in the 7th) what a good job you’re doing now.  You could send out a four-page, full color flyer promoting your property tax plan. 

That’s what David Orentlicher did. 

Of course, Orentlicher may be just doing his job, but when was the last time you got a pre-session mailing from a state lawmaker that didn’t include a survey?