In the interests of keeping an eye on dangerous people, I am on Paul Ryan's fundraising email list. I heard from him this morning.
Great news – last week we asked supporters like you to step up and help us reach our goal of 5,000 donations. So far the response has been incredible, but we’ve still got some work to do. Currently, we are 3,221 donations away from our goal.
By my math, this 'incredible response' of a 36% return is incredibly bad. You don't win elections with these kinds of numbers. Perhaps the GOP doesn't merely have a messaging problem but a math problem as well.
Paul goes on to take me to task. He mentions the ID number he has labeled me with and notes that--according to their records on me--I have not forked over any cash. He promises me a free Team Ryan lapel pin which will identify me as a 'team player'--further labeling me.
Displaying some irritation, Ryan goes on to tell me that--with donors such me--I cannot expect him and other GOP candidates to forward the Conservative Message. (Never mind the actual details of that message because we are too afraid to mention issues after what happened to our Fearless Minority Leader.) Never fear though as it has something to do with Obama.
Ryan gave me the distinct impression that if I didn't pony up at least five dollars right now (drastically discounted from his usual requests for at least one hundred dollars), my ID number will be expunged and I will no longer hear from him.
I'm looking forward to that.