Okay, we’re already hearing from TPM Readers who’ve called their senators and reps about the April Iraq/Terrorism NIE.

The biggest bamboozle so far seems to be from the office of Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA), which is telling constituents that the report has already been released, which hogwash of course. So her office seems to have decided to just lie to constituents.

Sens. DeWine, Warner and Allen all gives no comments.

Sen. Specter’s office says he’s probably against releasing the NIE to the public. But no straight answer.

But the offices of Sen. Santorum (R) and Rep. Gerlach (R) of Pennsylvania both helpfully say they’ll come up with an answer in a few weeks — which probably means after the election.

The only members of the House or the Senate so far who seem to be giving callers the time of day are the office of Sen. Voinovich (R), which is making helpful sounds but suggesting readers contact the White House directly. Sen. Nelson (D) of Florida’s office is saying he’ll have a statement on the issue out shortly.

(ed.note: If you don’t know what we’re talking about, see this post from earlier this morning.)

Rep. Biggert (R) in Illinois: no comment.

TPM Reader TC tries the White House …

So, on the advice of Senator Voinovich’s office I phoned the White House comment line.

I commented that on the advice of my state Senator I was phoning to request that the April National Intelligence Estimate be released to the public.

The operator: “You mean the one leaked to the Post and New York Times this weekend?”

I commented that I had learned of the reports existence over the weekend and I thought that voters have the right to the information before fall elections.

The operator: “They do have the information.”

Me: “No, it’s not a public report yet.”

The (now frustrated) operator: “They have the information because the Times and Post reported it. Once those papers get a hold of it they just do whatever they want with it.”

Wanna play too? See this post.

Okay, a quick update on the NIE calls. Basically, very few members of Congress are even willing to take a position yet — Republicans or Democrats. Some of this is just a matter of decisions not trickling down to the folks at the phones. But it is also an example of the pretty regrettable fact that most members’ offices just aren’t in the habit or used to giving straight answers on back questions to the folks who put them in office. And it shows that a lot more pressure is necessary, on everyone.

A lot of folks who’ve called their Republican reps or senators are getting the brush or getting told lies that it’s already out or a bunch of other mumbojumbo. If you can’t get a straight answer you can also call your representatives campaign, if they’re running this year.

So far, Santorum and Allen seem to be stiffing constituents pretty consistently. Keep at it and we’ll share what you find out with the rest of your fellow readers.

GOP-backed Green senate candidate tossed off PA ballot because too many petition signatures were bogus.

Lieberman mischaracterizes Lamont’s Iraq position in big security speech.

Rep. Ron Kind on releasing the NIE: too early for us to have a position.

That’s what they told TPM Reader RF.

The Republicans are pretty much all giving no comments on whether to release the April NIE.

But they’re not the only ones.

Sen. Clinton (D): No comment.
Sen. Schumer (D): No comment.
Rep. Velazquez (D): No comment.

That’s what TPM Reader DB and others were told when they called.

Join us at this week’s TPMCafe BookClub, where we discuss Reed Hundt’s new book In China’s Shadow.

TPM Reader CM called Rep. Pelosi’s (D) office on the April NIE question: No position yet.

Late Update: Cal Sens. Feinstein (D) and Boxer (D) seem to be asking for more time to come up with a position.

Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH) sends House aide sock puppet to bamboozle progressive blog.