Greetings,
I wanted to follow up on my last diary here and ask for your support in my fight to reform our health care system, end the war in Iraq, achieve energy independence and turn this district blue. Our primary is just one week away (August 5th) and we've built a strong organization to win this seat in November and make our case to voters of the Ninth District.
Stories like this are the reason I want to change our country:
It found that veterans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide in 2005 than non-vets. (Veterans committed suicide at the rate of between 18.7 to 20.8 per 100,000, compared to other Americans, who did so at the rate of 8.9 per 100,000.)
One age group stood out. Veterans aged 20 through 24, those who have served during the war on terror. They had the highest suicide rate among all veterans, estimated between two and four times higher than civilians the same age. (The suicide rate for non-veterans is 8.3 per 100,000, while the rate for veterans was found to be between 22.9 and 31.9 per 100,000.)
I am the only one running with a Veterans Health Care plan which I stand by even as my opponents attack my message of change and reform. Returning veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and the mental health strain on them is enormous. I want to use my health care background to go to Congress and fight for my plan.
I don't have decades of service in the legislature but I do have a desire for change and the ability to win this seat. I'm not running for this office because I want to be a politician for the rest of my life but because I believe I have a moral duty to help. That's why I gave up my state house seat to run for Congress against the incumbent last year and it's why I am the best Democrat to win in November. I have the courage to do what's right.
But courage alone isn't going to win this race in a slightly Republican district. It's going to take money and grassroots efforts on the ground. The picture below is from the 4th of July parade and festivities in Hannibal, Missouri. Pictured are my family, friends, campaign volunteers - the people who give me the encouragement I need to keep going every day. I know reading one of these diaries it's hard to imagine what's really happening on the ground, so I encourage you to click on the picture and see what we've been doing.
We had a very strong fundraising quarter (out raising all my Democratic opponents combined) and were actually the top US House race in the country on ActBlue recently. My over 1500 donations are from people who believe in me and know what I'll fight for if elected.
Baker Leads House Candidates Nationwide in ActBlue Fundraising
Baker Fundraising Outpaces Rest of Field
Finally, take a look at my latest commercial, which is playing all over the Ninth District. It features my endorsement from the Columbia Daily Tribune, which is the biggest newspaper in our district. And please consider a donation to my campaign. My Democratic opponent has recently put $100,000 of his own money into the race and two of my Republican opponents have also put forward several hundred thousand dollars of their own money.
Thank you,
Judy Baker
Judy Baker for Congress
Donate to turn MO-9 Blue!