Benny "has raised almost $96,000 for the race ... much of it in contributions greater than $100 from business groups and ... individuals who gave to Allen ... and have a history of supporting the GOP." (Roll Call, 5/10/2007).
Lambert ... is a formidable opponent with deep pockets ... [who] has lent his campaign $100,000 -- with more to follow -- and so far has a sizable fundraising advantage over McEachin...(Washington Post, May 20, 2007)
The netroots have played a huge role in our campaign, and I wanted to provide you with a quick update and a request for help. As you can see above, our biggest challenge is Benny Lambert's ability to dump hundreds of thousands of his own dollars into the campaign.
Earlier this week, Donald met with members of the press to propose legislation to help protect students from unethical and predatory lending practices. Donald's proposal will prohibit for-profit corporations like Sallie Mae from establishing exclusive lending arrangements with schools in the Commonwealth, prohibit these for-profit companies from giving gifts and other enticements to school officials in an effort to curry favor, and create a non-profit alternative to these companies.
This proposal puts Donald squarely on the opposite side of Benny Lambert. Benny has made millions of dollars on the backs of our students as a member of Sallie Mae's Board of Directors and has a history of financially supporting conservative Republicans who stand opposed to Democratic efforts to reduce the interest rates on these student loans.
To help Benny stand in the way of progress, Karl Rove and George Allen are asking their Republican and Corporate allies to bankroll Benny's campaign. And, Benny "loaned" his campaign $100,000 in March. We need your help to fight back against these outside influences attempting to manipulate a Democratic Party primary!
Help Donald put our students first.
Our campaign has also received several important endorsements in recent days. First, is Dr. W. Ferguson Reid, the first African American elected to the Virginia Legislature in the 20th Century.
What a stunning and insulting picture that was of Benny Lambert exiting the limousine with George Bush and Karl Rove in his grinning endorsement of George Allen ... Donald [McEachin]'s public service record has been one of responsiveness ... I urge you to vote for Donald McEachin in the June Democratic Primary.
Dr. William Ferguson Reid, Henrico County
Just last week, Donald received the endorsement of the Richmond Crusade for Voters. Combined with previous endorsements from the Virginia Education Association, the League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, Senator Jim Webb, Leslie Byrne, Raising Kaine, Richmond City Council President Bill Pantele, City Councilmen Marty Jewell and Chris Hilbert, and the chairs of the Richmond City and Henrico County Democratic Committees Jim Nachman and Tim Mitchell, our campaign is in a strong position for June 12.
But we need your help to get our message out.
Thank you for everything you have done to help get this campaign to where it is. There's only 22 days left and we need to make every one count!
Daniel Gray,
Campaign Manager