I just got an email from my Congressman, Rick Larsen (D-WA). It contained this:
We desperately need a change in leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure Congress takes meaningful steps to close the wage gap and expand opportunity for women. YOU have the power to help us. Join us in our fight --
followed by links for contributing anywhere from $5 to $100 to his campaign.
Now, Larsen is a reliable supporter of the Democratic leadership, but I am often disappointed by his unwillingness to speak out strongly or take a political risk about, well, anything. Basically, he keeps his head down and votes the party line. "Inspiring" isn't a word I'd use to describe him. (Somewhat humorously, his no doubt thoroughly poll-tested slogan is "Solving Local Problems with Common Sense and Hard Work". Miss anything there, Rick?)
Here's my reply to his solicitation:
Dear Rep. Larsen:
This is hilarious. Are you seriously offering the proposition that if I give you money, there could be a “change in leadership” in the House? What planet do you live on?
Claiming that supporting his reelection could lead to Democratic control of the House is at best naive, and at worst misleading. His seat is safely Democratic. It's sad that this dumb (and untrue) message was the best he could come up with.