It’s almost like they’re admitting Obamacare is one of the most unpopular pieces of legislation in history.

(Roll Call) — In the latest battle in the Congressional franking wars, Democrats have been vetoing use of the word “Obamacare” in taxpayer-financed mass mailings, saying it violates rules against using the franking privilege for “personal, partisan or political reasons.”

Their objections are irking Republicans as the calendar advances toward the 2012 elections.

“It’s telling that Democrats are fearful of taking ownership of the president’s signature piece of legislation,” a GOP House aide said. “The White House and Congressional Democrats exhausted all of their political capital and a Congressional majority to move the bill across the finish line and into law. You would think given how much it cost them, that they would embrace the end result and proudly attach the president’s name to it at every opportunity.”

“You know, if it was popular they’d be all about calling it Obamacare,” another Republican source added.

At issue is the ability to send provocative communications using Congressional funds. The franking commission reviews official mail, email and social media for overtly political or inflammatory content.

Salley Wood, a spokeswoman for the Republicans on the House Administration Committee, said the parties “don’t always agree” on how the franking rules apply but that Obamacare is an instance where Republicans have conceded ground to expedite the process.