Hi. I'm Elaine Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State and I'm running for U.S. Senate.
Rarely am I caught off guard by the oddball shenanigans of Washington. But I was flabbergasted yesterday when Senate Republicans - led by my opponent: Senator Richard Burr - tried to shut down the federal government because of "sour grapes" over the passage of health reform.
It got so bad, that Burr even put politics before national security by trying to shut down the Armed Services Committee. They were supposed to hear testimony from U.S. Armed Service Generals -- some, had traveled from as far as Korea. So not only is it completely irresponsible, it's also a waste of taxpayer dollars and the time of those brave men and woman.
I've lost political battles before -- and won plenty more -- but I've never seen people act like this.
Actually, that's not true.
Senator Burr's actions are very reminiscent of toddlers who desperately want the attention of their parents. It's worked well for kids, but for Burr it's immature, it's childish, and it's not the work of a leader. Richard Burr's time is up in the United States Senate. Rather than try to fix the enormous mess left behind on his watch, he's chosen instead to become a wedge in the rarely moving machine that is Washington.
Republicans have a decision to make. They can lead or leave. They start working with Democrats or they can get out of the way. When it comes to Richard Burr, North Carolinians and Americans across the country need to take action to teach him a lesson.
I'd love to tell you that Richard Burr would listen to your phone calls, emails, and letters - but he won't. He hasn't in 6 long years, and he isn't going to start now. The only way to restore leadership for North Carolina is to elect a new Senator.
I'm ready to take this fight to Richard Burr - and I'm ready to take the fight to Washington.
But I need your help. We're trying to raise $30,000 online from 800 donors by midnight on March 31st. We've already raised $21,300 from 557 donors which shattered the goal we set on Monday of $20,000 from 500 donors -- I know we can do it, but I need your help!
Let's get this done. And restore leadership to Washington.
Thanks.
P.S. I can't stay to take your questions like I have in the past, but tonight I will join Blue America and Crooks and Liars to discuss the issues. I hope you'll join us later at 6:30 P.M. tonight! Thanks.