Earlier I mentioned a contribution plea letter I received from Jim Jeffords, with the first paragraph.
JamesB3 specifically asked for the full text of the letter to be posted, and I don't post often, so here goes...(see extended)
Note: all emphasis is his, not mine.
"Today, I stand firm in my conviction that my decision to leave the Republican Party to become an Independent in 2001 was the right course to take. Since then the divide between my core beliefs and those of the Republican Party has grown even larger.
With the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives controlled by Republicans trying to advance an increasingly conservative agenda, it has become more and more difficult to make progress.
On the issues most important to us all--a woman's right to reproductive choice; the ongoing battle to guarantee fair and equal treatment for all men and women, regardless of their sexual orinetation; increased funding for special education; affordable health care for all Americans; a fair and progressive tax system; and the creation of new jobs--our efforts must be aimed at preventing the President from taking away the things we've worked long and hard to accomplish.
This is expecially critical now that it looks as if George Bush may have the opportunity to appoint 2 or even 3 new members of the Supreme Court!! There are only 2 ways to prevent that--defeating George Bush and taking back the Senate.
The Bush Administration's desire to appoint far-right conservative federal judges who oppose abortion rights is of great concern. nce an extremist is sworn-in, they remain unchecked for life.
The President talks about compassion and job growth, but his programs produced the longest period of job loss since the Great Depression. His tax cuts gave nearly $100,000 to every millionaire and nothing to millions of families who earn less than $26,000 a year! And now we're faced with historic deficits--over $480 billion in 2004 and more than $500 billion in 2005.
President Bush's priorities disturb me greatly. Without a clear threat, he led our nation into war. I voted against giving the President the authority to go to war against Iraq and urged him to take his fight for Iraqi disarmament to the UN Security council. Only now, when our best and bravest men and women are still losing their lives every day (over 700 American soldiers killed; 100 in April of this year alone!) is he belatedly seeking international cooperation to establish a peacekeeping force.
And the President's ties to big drug and insurance companies continue to impede our progress to reduce health care costs, provide for our most vulnerable citizens, and extend health coverage to all Americans.
The quality of our education system is perennially one of my greatest concerns, but some Republicans want to cut shrinking education funding even more. To improve schools, the federal government must step up and guarantee that education is fully funded. Conservatives in Congress are cynically using Bush's tax cuts and enormous deficit--which Republicans themselves created--to argue for deeper cuts in education. It's a disgrace--and an effort which cannot be allowed to succeed.
This year I am devoting my efforts to helping the Democrats take back the Senate and to electing Senator Kerry.
Republicans hold a 51-49 edge in the Senate and there are 11 competitive seats--six held by Democrats and five by Republicans. The good news is that according to recent polls Democrats hold a significant lead (7% or more) in 3 seats currently held by Republicans (Illinois, Colorado and South Carolina) and a slight lead in 2 others. On the other hand, only one Democratic incumbant is currently trailing (Wisconsin) and Democrats have small leads in 4 other races including South Dakota where Majority* Leader Tom Daschle is in the fight of his life. If the elections were held today there would be a Democratic majority tomorrow!
*(aside: this is not a typo on my part)
"This year will prove crucial in determining the future of our country. Make no mistake about it, together we can defeat George Bush and we can take back the Senate! There is no doubt that the powers that be within the Republican Party would like to see an Independent voice like mine silenced. I am committed to standing strong against this challenge and to getting re-elected. This is not a task I can take on without help. I need your support to keep fighting for what is so important to us all. I ask for you to help me now. Please send $35, $50, $75, $100, $250--or whatever you are comfortable contributing.
I am confident I can continue to serve the people of Vermont and all Americans as an Independent voice in a Democratic United States Senate.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely
(signed)
Jim Jeffords
P.S. I recently received the support of Howard Dean... "Jim puts the interests of his country above party, and those are the kind of people we need in Washington. I will endorse Jim Jeffords."
P.P.S: With a contribution of $100 or more you will receive an autographed copy of My Declaration of Independence, the story of my historic switch in 2001. Please visit my website at www.jim-jeffords.com to email me directly or make your online contribution today.