Hi everyone. A quick request for tolerance / forgiveness, as this is in some ways a repost of a diary I posted quite late on Monday.
Since I last posted under State Rep Jeremy Kalin with updates on the 35W bridge, I've been pretty busy, getting married, working to uncover several financial and competency issues at the top of Minnesota Dept of Transportation (MnDOT), and working on some economic development projects in my district.
But that's not why I am writing today.
Since I represent district 17B in the State House, I ask that you consider donating $17 to help me keep my seat next year. I've spent many thousands of dollars from my campaign fund, beyond allotted public funds, already this year on constituent surveys, legislative reports, and other legislative duties.
I hope you help me keep helping my constituents, Minnesota, and our great country. Let me make the case on the flip...
In 2006, I defeated a Republican incumbent - in what was previously thought of as a solidly GOP district. I won by just 204 votes out of almost 20,000, (50.4% of the vote!) thanks to our excellent database, targeting, and marketing plan. It was a true grassroots, shoe-leather campaign. I knocked on 10,023 doors myself this time - after another 12,177 in 2004. But we also won because we had the resources to do the mail, literature, lawn signs, etc... That's why I am asking for help.
If you can, please give $17 to help me keep my seat next year.
I campaigned with a lot of energy. As a legislator, I've tried to keep it up. A local newspaper even described me as a high energy lawmaker. (one of my favorite compliments.)
Today was one of my greatest honors as a legislator. I personally presented a House Resolution honoring 3 of my EMS paramedics who responded firsthand to the bridge collapse - even though our headquarters is 50 miles from the bridge.
My first legislative session was a blast. And I've written about it here on dKos.
+ In March, when we took up the major, comprehensive Transportation Funding Bill - to invest billions in Minnesota's roads, bridges and transit - I liveblogged from the House Floor in this diary: From State Rep Jeremy Kalin (MN-17B).
+ I wrote about Minnesota's Big Energy Win, including the Energy Conservation article that I chief-authored. As a first-termer, I found myself carrying one of the cornerstone pieces of legislation. The Energy Efficiency Standard turned out to be the strongest in the country, and somehow we got it through the State Senate 64-1. This month, I'll be giving the keynote addresses to a Canadian-American conference on Green Building, and to an international association of architecture deans and chairs. There's a lot more work to do here...
+ When I took the Food Stamp Challenge for a week, I blogged about it repeatedly, including $3/day: Food Stamp Challenge Days 4 and 5". I am working with our local food shelf to engage my entire legislative district in a similar challenge next spring and summer - to raise awareness, as well as money for our local food shelf and social service providers.
+ I've written here about one of my signature bills that we need to get back to the Governor's desk after he vetoed a larger bill last year: The Military Voting Bill. Fewer than 20% of Minnesota's active duty servicemembers who tried to vote in 2006 succeeded in having that vote get counted. Read more about it in Fighting for Democracy but Barred From Participating?".
+ And when the 35W bridge collapsed suddenly - and even though it was just days before our wedding - I wrote several updates on the situation, including 35W Bridge Update #2 - from a MN House member.
Now, I need your help. And I'm not too proud to ask.
I need to raise five-figures worth of campaign funds to end the year looking strong, and to pay some outstanding bills for legislative reports, surveys, some more lawn signs, and a few other campaign expenses.
Please, if you can, give up $17 to keep my seat, district 17B in the MN House or heck - give the legal limit of $100. Whatever you can give, it'll help me serve my constituents, and be ready for next years' reelection fight. And it will be a fight.
If you want to see what I might be up against next year... well, just check these guys out. They're a blast. Wrong. Not True. But still, a blast.
Thanks for your support. I do really appreciate it. And if I'm going to continue to stand up for people, for investing in our infrastructure and the next generation, I'm going to need your help to make it happen.
All my best, and many thanks,
Jeremy