With the November mid-term elections just around the corner most of you are no doubt weary ofthe seemingly endless barrage of campaign ads on TV, radio, social media and elsewhere. Theconstant in your face approach of politicians and their backers is nothing new. Over the yearscandidates and political parties have even turned to paper money (or notes made to appear asmoney), in order to sway the opinion of the voting public.

This practice goes back at least to the mid-1800s and continues today. William J. Curry employeda rather crudely executed $100 "bill" in his 1950 campaign for Ohio's 10thCongressional District seat. The note promoted Curry's platform of establishing a $100 permonth pension for persons over 60 years of age. Curry lost the election to long term CongressmanThomas A. Jenkins.

A depression era campaign note by the Washington Taxpayer's Council promoted candidatesrunning for office in Seattle by drawing on the popularity of then President Franklin D. Rooseveltto attract voters. Roosevelt is pictured on their note, which touts tax reductions for the citizensof Seattle. The back lists candidates for office that citizens are encouraged to vote for.

Not all political notes endorse candidates for office. Some are used for political satire andattack politicians or policies. President Richard Nixon was a popular target of satire notes thatattacked his Cold War policies and highlighted inflation which plagued the nation at the time.

Satire notes are still around today and make fun of candidates from all parties. Campaignadvertising notes are not seen with any regularity today, as candidates have turned to moreadvanced (and annoying) methods to get their messages out to the masses. There's just under amonth to go until election day and no doubt the ads will be flying for just a bit more.

I'm Brad Ciociola and I approve this message. No public funds were used for the writing ofthis blog.

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