<p>I'm probably going to apply ED at Princeton (I did a stats post awhile ago, scrounge around in my profile). My father has a very minor position in NYC politics. A fairly major political honcho, who is a Princeton alum, said to my father that he'd be happy to write me a recommendation. I have never met the man; I could presumably talk to him on the phone or something and try to be impressive, but it's not like I've interned with him. Could this possibly be a leg up at Princeton or will they ignore the whole thing?</p>
<p>In general, it is NOT a good idea to send a recommendation from someone who clearly does not know you well. Adcoms pick up on this easily and are not impressed by this kind of reference because the recommender cannot quote anecdotes about you to support your admission. If you wish to submit a supplemental recommendation, make it from someone who knows you well and can contribute to the college's understanding of you!</p>