There’s a reason they call candidates like me "challengers." It’s a challenge to knock off an incumbent as entrenched as Jim Inhofe. It’s a challenge to be a progressive Democrat running in a state like Oklahoma, which, in many people’s minds, is solid red. It’s a challenge to run a grassroots campaign, fighting for everyday people, when our opponent is well-financed by moneyed special interests.
It’s a challenge we’re meeting. It’s a fight that’s worth fighting. And it’s a race that we will win in November.
But today’s a critical day for me as a challenger. More than any other day of the campaign, you can have the greatest impact on this race TODAY.
Our challenge: 100 by midnight
Today’s the last day of the quarter, and every candidate is pushing for last-minute contributions to make a strong showing on their next FEC report.
So why me? Why now?
Jim Inhofe and his cronies have tipped their hand, showing that they know a formidable challenger when they see one. Though his campaign war chest is one of the weakest among incumbent Republicans this year, Inhofe has dipped into his millions already to go on TV, telling Oklahomans about his stubbornness.
Our challenge: 100 by midnight
His cronies are even beginning to take cheap shots at me. The Oklahoman – the state’s largest paper, and traditionally a conservative stalwart – tried desperately to attack me over the weekend, and left us all scratching our heads. They tried to call me out for a fundraiser this evening at a nice home in the Oklahoma City area, but we all wonder why they don’t attack Jim Inhofe for expensive fundraisers he’s held at posh homes – such as one a few months ago with Steve Forbes. They were trying so hard to attack me, but somehow ended up paying me compliments – calling me "young, energetic, attractive, smart — and obviously ambitious."
It seems that this year, the same-old same-old isn’t selling like is usually does. Oklahomans are ready for a change – the poll that Daily Kos commissioned shows Inhofe’s definite re-elect at a dismal 39%. The response I’ve received around the state has been tremendously positive, and we’re building momentum.
Our challenge: 100 by midnight
But today may be the most critical day of fundraising for my campaign. We’ll be setting our budget based on what we’ve raised through today. This will determine when we can go on TV to respond to my opponent, how big our direct mail outreach can be, and how many yard signs and bumper stickers we can order.
So here's our challenge for you: 100 donors by midnight tonight. We're well on our way, and we're hoping that the Kos community will help put us over the top of our goal.
If you have considered making a donation to my campaign, today is the day. This is the race. We can make a tremendous difference for our nation, and I’m going to need your help to make sure we’re victorious in November.
Our challenge: 100 by midnight
Sincerely,
Andrew Rice
UPDATE from the campaign: Thanks for your tremendous support! We're doing so well that we're increasing our goal - can you help us reach 125 by midnight?
UPDATE #2: You are amazing - we've blown past our second goal! We're moving the bar one more time - can you help us reach 150 donors by our deadline?