Eric Massa is running in one of the poorest districts in the nation. And he has vowed not to take any Corporate PAC money. So most of his money has come in $5, $10 and $20 contributions. Finally, after beating his opponent in fundraising for four straight quarters, Eric has reached the elusive, and monumental, million dollar mark.
I love this quote from the press release:
"I am heartened by the groundswell of support that comes in the form of $5, $10, and $20 contributions from individuals who feel that they have not been represented in Washington. This is a grassroots campaign, and the majority of my contributions are from individuals. I take no money whatsoever from corporate PACs.
And he continues:
I do, however, intend to press the fight for an intelligent, experienced approach to Iraq, fairness in taxes, fair trade and jobs, and access to quality health care for all Americans. In less than three weeks, voters will be sending another message to Washington: it's time for change, and it's time for a higher standard of leadership in Congress."
Eric says these same things all the time. Here is another Massa mantra:
"We now have a government of, by, and for lobbyists, corporations, and millionaires," he says. "I'm running to change that."
That last quote goes a long way toward explaining why Eric reaching the million dollar mark is a big victory for people-powered politics. We are competing with big money on a field that they are accustomed to winning hands down. To beat them we don't have to match them dollar for dollar but we do have to raise enough to at least get our message out.
And that is what Eric has done. He has taken a superior people-powered message and managed to challenge Randy Kuhl who, although he hasn't raised as much this time, still had a lot leftover from Corporate PAC money donated for the 2004 race.
We have 19 days to go. We have won some major battles but we have to keep working until November 7. Pause with me for a minute to celebrate the fact that a people-powered politician like Eric has reached the million dollar mark.
Then get back to work!