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Senator wants to restrict "robo-calls"
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The practice of using automated political phone calls to sway voters could be put on hold if Georgia Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) has his way.
The lawmaker, whose district includes much of Liberty County, announced Monday he plans to introduce legislation to restrict "robo-calls," an inexpensive method used to spread a candidate's message or attack opponents. The proposal would require a live person get permission from the person being called in order to proceed with the automated call.
Johnson said the public is becoming increasingly upset with the automated phone calls, which much like telemarketer calls, often disrupt dinners and evenings.
The senator said he received several robo-calls himself from the National Rifle Association after a state Senate vote on gun legislation.
Most recently, residents in the metro-Atlanta-area received automated calls urging them to call Georgia U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon and supporter of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, and tell him to back Barack Obama.
It is unlikely the bill will pass in advance of Tuesday's presidential primary, but Johnson said he hopes it sends a message heading into the November election that the practice is unacceptable.
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