DES MOINES, Iowa - If someone offered you "a tour of the U.S. Capitol," would you expect to get a guided tour of the building where Congress does its business? Or would you expect a tour of the city where the U.S. government resides?

That's a key distinction at issue as Rep. Tom Tancredo's presidential campaign defends itself from anonymous charges alleging that it violated House of Representatives ethics rules with a July 14 letter to supporters.

An anonymous e-mail writer has been trying to get Iowa news outlets to investigate the letter sent by Tancredo's senior adviser, Bay Buchanan, to Tancredo supporters, encouraging them to recruit their friends to attend the Iowa Republican Party's nonbinding but closely watched Ames Straw Poll on Aug. 11.

In the July 14 letter, Buchanan outlined various incentives for people who help build Tancredo's "Army Against Amnesty" that night.

The top producers, those who bring at least 25 voters, according to Buchanan's letter, are to get an "autographed book, T-shirt, and an all-expenses paid trip to D.C. to meet Tom for dinner and get a tour of the U.S. Capitol!"

House ethics rules state: "The House buildings, and House rooms and offices - including district offices - are supported with official funds and hence are considered official resources. Accordingly, as a general rule, they may not be used for the conduct of campaign or political activities."

In an interview, Buchanan confirmed that her letter offered a "tour of the U.S. Capitol," but she said that merely referred to a tour of the capital city . . . including various public museums.

sprengelmeyerm@SHNS.com or 515-244-2396