The American Spectator is asking its subscribers to pony up some $26,000 in donations to help it offset increased printing costs.

A letter sent out to some 60,000 e-mail subscribers last week states that the money is needed to “fill the $26,000 shortfall created by the perverse incentives of the liberal agenda. Our paper costs are rising for NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE.”

But it does not really explain how liberal policies are increasing paper costs. An American Spectator development director confirmed to Media Matters that the donation request was genuine, but also could not explain the link to liberal policies.

The entire letter is below:

April 28, 2010

Dear Spectator reader,

Thank you so much to those of you who have already supported our mission in response to my recent urgent appeal. We only need 200 donors to reach our goal.

But we're not quite there yet! Please help us fill the $26,000 shortfall created by the perverse incentives of the liberal agenda. Our paper costs are rising for NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE.

You can help by joining the new E Pluribus Unum Society today. For a recurring monthly $10 donation, you'll receive a complimentary copy of The American Spectator magazine and have more of your tax-deductiblemoney go toward the American Spectator Foundation's cause of promoting conservative principles and journalism.

The E Pluribus Unum Society is our exclusive club for monthly donors. And get this - monthly donors CUT DOWN PAPER COSTS. We will mail you less paper and your charitable dollars will go farther!

Join the E Pluribus Unum Society Today!

Thank you again for your loyal readership and support.