| | Staying on Offense!
| | | | Dear jay, Lasting change requires dedication--it means staying on offense.
I have spent much of the past few weeks reflecting on the 06 race, staying connected with supporters, and looking forward to the future.
Already, there are hopeful signs of the change in direction that we fought for. The new Congress has rolled up its sleeves, and is putting results ahead of partisanship---especially on issues like Energy Independence, Stem Cell Research, Ethics Reform, raising the Minimum Wage, making college more affordable, lowering drug prices for seniors, and standing up to the administrations bungled Iraq war policy.
Despite a recent PR offensive designed to convince us otherwise, it is disappointing to note that on each of these key issues Rep. Doolittle has stood for the status quo instead of solutions.
Many have asked if I'm planning to run again. In 2006, I learned how much money and manpower it takes to put together a winning campaign, and how having those resources in place as early as possible is crucial for anyone seeking to take on an entrenched and well-funded incumbent like Doolittle.
Thats why Ive recently re-formed my campaign committee--to see if enough support exists to warrant another candidacy, and why I am asking you to consider making a contribution to Charlie Brown for Congress today.
Click Here to Contribute Now!
*Note the Federal Contribution Limits have been raised to $2,300. Ultimately, I know that strong early fundraising will show the media, activists and national party folks that 2006 was no fluke---getting them involved earlier and more substantially than before. Most importantly, it will help put more boots on the ground early to build on the tremendous grassroots organization weve already created. Remember, the margin in November was just 9,000 votes---down from 75,000 four years earlier.
Click Here to Contribute Now! On Iraq, flood control, Immigration, the financial crisis facing rural schools, climate change, veterans aftercare, and so many other issues, the stakes have never been higher. We cannot afford to be complacent. We must stay on offense and be willing to lead the way.
Click Here to Help Lead the Way!
In Iraq for example, the re-packaged stay the course escalation recently proposed by President Bush and supported by Doolittle does nothing to address the core political problems that are fueling sectarian violence. Having dedicated my life to defending this country, I know that putting more brave young Americans in the crosshairs of an increasingly bloody civil war is not a plan for victory. Thats why I have joined the Iraq Study group, a bi-partisan majority of Congress, many of our top military commanders, veterans, and Americans of all stripes in calling on the President to support a real change of course in Iraq: a diplomatic surge that promotes political reconciliation and involves direct talks with regional stakeholders, a phased re-deployment of U.S. forces that puts Iraqis in charge of their own internal security, and a renewed focus on defeating the real enemy---Al Qaeda.
While I consider the possibility of another candidacy, know that I will continue to speak out for real change, real solutions, and real accountability from Washington.
Accordingly, on Saturday (Feb. 3rd), I will be participating in my first live blog chat since the election at Firedoglake.com at 11 a.m. PST. I hope you will take the time to log on and join us if you can.
Finally, I am asking all of you to continue strengthening the voice for accountable, ethical representation district-wide by educating and recruiting new activists, participating in town hall meetings and local government hearings, registering new voters, and staying actively involved in civic affairs---both inside and outside of politics.
Together, weve proven that each of us has the capacity to be an agent of change. Our work is not at an end, but a new beginning, and the stakes have never been higher.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Keep Fighting,
Charlie
P.S. Please forward this message to five friends! | | | | | IN THE NEWS: "Doolittle Campaign says it owes $137,000 to his Wife," SacBee, David Whitney, February 2, 2007. "Editorial: Forget an Auburn Dam," Sacramento Bee, February 1, 2007. "Global Warming: Views are World's Apart on the Science," SacBee, David Whitney, January 28, 2007. "Responses Differ on State of the Union," The Union, Jill Bauerle, January 25, 2007. "Special Report: Doolittle wants Wife to Keep PAC Money," Associated Press, Erica Werner, January 24, 2007 "Doolittle's Wife Curtails Fundraising Role," SacBee, David Whitney, January 13, 2007. "WSJ: New Indictment Expected in Hill Scandals," TPMuckraker, Justin Rood, January 22, 2007. | | | | |
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