Apple's Rejection of iPhone App Showing Political Caricatures Rankles Creator







A conservative filmmaker in Hollywood thought he had developed a worthwhile iPhone app: a telephone directory listing every U.S. senator and congressman, with caricatures of the legislators drawn by an artist.

But Apple apparently didn't see the value, and the computer behemoth said a cartoon drawing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was part of the reason why.

The filmmaker, Ray Griggs, told FoxNews.com that his small firm, RG Entertainment, received a rejection letter from Apple this week calling the caricatures "objectionable." He added that he has received several e-mails suggesting that Apple stock owned by Pelosi's husband may have played a factor in the decision.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill, when questioned about the application, said "this is the first I’ve heard of this." He declined to comment further.

Apple didn't return repeated phone calls and e-mails seeking comment for this story. RG has developed other apps for the iPhone that Apple has accepted.

The directory's caricatures feature the drawings of every member of Congress — Republicans, Democrats and independents alike — by freelance artist Tom Richmond, who has drawn for Mad Magazine. The heads of the politicians bobble on the iPhone screen.

The app was developed for young voters who want instant online and telephone access to their senators and congressmen.

"Everyone’s talking about the health care bill and calling their congressman, but sometimes it’s hard to find their numbers,â€