We have seen some lame fundraising pitches over the years, but we never thought we'd see one that topped Liddy Dole's fake NRSC "survey." OK, maybe that one wasn't so much "lame" as "blatantly dishonest." But, Rudy is certainly in the running for his incredibly lame "Team Rudy" card.

Here's Rudy Giuliani's latest fundraising missive featuring the "first edition Team Rudy member card," which supporters are asked to "activate" with a contribution. This appears to be little more than a gimmick, since the accompanying letter does not indicate cardholders get any special benefits or even discounts at participating locations.

"In this campaign, I know I will be tested," Giuliani "writes." "I respect the competitive nature of campaigns (I am, after all, from New York). The attacks will come from the professional partisans. I believe in looking past the rhetoric and instead focusing on the future. Please let me know right away if you accept the enclosed member card and agree to join the Team Rudy Committee. I need your help to win. Thank you for your consideration, and may God continue to bless America."

Membership apparently has no privileges as this card won't get you a discount down at the Golden Coral or even two for one at Carowinds. The card indicates that your contribution that "activates" your membership in "Team Rudy" is only for 2007. Presumably you'll have "activate" your membership again next year. I guess you'll get a new card, but it's doubtful that you'll get anything else, not even a tote bag or even a super secret decoder ring.

originally published at: http://www.thealbanyproject.com/