Wis. lawmaker wants to end political robocalls
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Remember all those annoying robocalls during election season? So does one Green Bay lawmaker, who wants the calls permanently banned.
Democratic state Sen. Dave Hansen said he received eight or nine robocalls per day during the last election, and many other people made similar complaints to him, according to a Green Bay Press-Gazette report
“They’re a real nuisance,” Hansen said. “I don’t think they work anymore. Robocalls are a waste of time.”
Robocalls are recorded solicitations, generally political, that are placed through a computer that dials a bank of phone numbers. Political robocalls aren’t restricted under state and national Do Not Call registries the way telemarketing calls are. So even if you request that your name be removed from a political call list, campaigns aren’t required to comply.
It’s not clear that a ban would even work, said Michael Kraft, political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. There’s also the question of getting the parties to agree to tougher restrictions.
“Both parties engage in robocalls,” Kraft said. “Nobody likes to get unsolicited phone calls from people they don’t know. But I’m not sure if you could eliminate robocalls, that it would benefit one party or the other.”
Kraft also noted that attempts to stifle robocalls could invite the allegation of limiting free speech. Hansen said he wasn’t concerned about that just yet, and that he’d be content to let a court address any challenge.
Dec 2, 2012 at 8:23 p.m.
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where was this proposal in October? I will believe it in 2016 ....not. it will be worse only difference will be that by then they will have holographic robo callers that follow you around you wont even need to answer the phone, you will hear a beep and then presto its Rachel (She works for a politician now) and she WONT LEAVE
Dec 2, 2012 at 4:57 p.m.
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Sounds like the best idea since sliced bread, go for it!!!
Dec 2, 2012 at 2:52 p.m.
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janesvillecomments, they did decide to leave quickly once they seen the grip of Mr. Kimber in my IWB holster. :)
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:48 a.m.
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ABSOLUTELY!!!
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:26 a.m.
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Finally, an article posters on both sides on here agree on .... Is there still hope after all or is it a sign the Mayans were right?
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:21 a.m.
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Yes, end ALL robocalls. I, also, still get calls from Card Services. Sick of it. When my caller I.D. says "Toll Free", or "Private", or any "800" number, I press talk on my phone and then immediately press off just to stop the ringing.
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:08 a.m.
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Just don't pick up.
Dec 2, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.
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If you are not invited into my home do not come in.
Dec 2, 2012 at 8:46 a.m.
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About dam time I am tired of the constant calls.
Dec 2, 2012 at 8:42 a.m.
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While your at it add in making it illegal for them to lie in their campaigns too!
Dec 2, 2012 at 7:36 a.m.
Dec 2, 2012 at 6:40 a.m.
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Awesome idea! Also, when I have signs in my yard supporting a candidate and someone STILL comes to my door from the same political party, and my dog goes through the window and breaks down my front door I would like to know who to send the repair bill to.
Dec 2, 2012 at 6:28 a.m.
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About time. What an annoyance.
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:59 a.m.
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i have a better idea;we need to publish the home phone numbers of all the politicians that call us, then, everyone that is annoyed call them 10 times a day for a month! this is a group effort now soo start dialing...
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:22 a.m.
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They can have all the free speech they want on tv, radio, billboards, and public parks. On my PAY phone line, I don't want any robocalls.
The law ought to read they can only contact phone numbers that have opted IN for the robocalls, and the opt-in must come from the phone number requesting the calls.
kangaroojack - there already is a law to handle door-to-door canvassers, it's called "The Castle Doctrine". Obviously, you were in fear for your life when they assaulted your front door and you let them have it with both barrels. ☺
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:04 a.m.
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If I ask to be on the no call list it should include all poitical parties, best idea I have heard
Dec 2, 2012 at 12:42 a.m.
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Free speech my a$$. What about OUR RIGHTS to PRIVACY? And also ban the door to door canvasers also. Apparently they cant read "NO SOLICITORS" on the door. A pair of them got lippy with me when I told them to leave.
Dec 1, 2012 at 11:29 p.m.
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Agreed indeed !!! and Rachel changed her name and number, so, somebody musta got through that obnoxious site !!!
Dec 1, 2012 at 11:15 p.m.
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No argument here. Ban them now!
Dec 1, 2012 at 11:14 p.m.
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Best idea ever!!!!
Dec 1, 2012 at 10:06 p.m.
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Yes! Stop them all!
Dec 1, 2012 at 9:58 p.m.
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Packrat: Agree 100%.
Dec 1, 2012 at 9:38 p.m.
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And while they're at it, maybe they can do something about "Rachel" from Card Services!
Dec 1, 2012 at 9:37 p.m.
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YES!!!!!!!!! It's about time!
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