Subject: A Different View
Dear Jeff,
When I received your campaign mailing a week ago, I immediately sent you $100 and said I would be happy to work with you in some capacity.
Your compelling story and clear passion made me think you have the story and the drive to give Kolbe a serious challenge.
Now that Kolbe is out, I have changed my mind. I think a more seasoned, more well known candidate could nearly assure us a victory, while you, strong as you appear, are unknown and untested.
I don't know what the next weeks will bring, but I hope you will consider the possibility of moving out of the US House race and looking at a state level position. We have many open slots that need strong candidates, and your strengths would make you an incredibly viable candidate. If I'm right that the money and the campaign talent will be sucked up by others in the US Rep race, you'll be fighting an uphill battle there, while if you find yourself a state level office to run for, you will find many experienced, energetic people like myself who will be eager to support you with money, time and energy.
Thank you for your early support. It was obviously a vote of confidence for this campaign.
I believe that there are a few things you are missing in your change of mind. This effort we are undertaking is not about me. This is a campaign that is about you, our nation, and the common good.
Unlike the newcomers to this race, I have over 20 years experience in the federal government, including four years in Washington. Over 2,100 men and women have died in the quagmire of Iraq; this is a campaign for them. Nearly 16,000 severely wounded have returned from Iraq; I know, because my wife and I spent time with some of them at Walter Reed while our son was there, and this campaign is for them. I have had the misfortune of dealing with a catastrophic illness in my family and am immensely grateful for an affordable health care plan provided for federal government workers. With out it, my son may have lost his life. I can talk first hand about the effects of affordable health care plans.
Corporate influence has corrupted our economic system, increasing the poverty rate, decreasing the middle class, and increasing tax breaks for the top one percent, thereby making the middle class work increasingly harder for less; this campaign is for them. In the last five years we have increased our oil consumption by 20%, driving energy cost through the roof. Energy companies have had record profits, bigger than any other industry ever. The shrinking middle class is being pinched and losing ground faster than ever; this campaign is about them.
You said that I would give Rep. Kolbe a good race, and we believed that Kolbe may have given us a run for our money. You obviously felt this energy. I don't know why you think our odds have decreased now that Kolbe has retreated. I am certain that he was aware of our campaign. His support was waning while ours was growing and continues to grow.
Our party will produce newcomers in this race that are seasoned in local politics, but lack true conviction. The Republicans will produce another candidate. There will be no other candidate that can get the swing vote like we will. I am the only veteran in the race and it most likely will remain that way. Our district has nearly 20% military retirees and one of the highest veteran populations in the country. Who do you think they will support, someone who has spent a career in service for his country and has literally put his life on the line for that calling, who has a son, father, wife, father-in-law, and every uncle and aunt that has done the same, or someone who has not performed this patriotic duty?
Who do you think the working people will support when they see that I put myself through school as a carpenter, ranch hand, and gas station attendant because my blue collar father couldn't afford to pay my way through school like my privileged opponents?
Why do you think I started this campaign?
I took on this endeavor not for personal gain or glory, but for true change. I plan to continue my campaign because the hundreds, possibly thousands, of supporters I have gained trust our vision to promote new progressive change for the common good of this country and our world. It's unfortunate that we have lost your support to opportunists who lack passion, which most voters will see when compared to our movement. Thank you for your concern, advice, and monetary support. It will be put to good use.
Respectfully,
Jeff