Senator Obama,
I am writing you today in an effort to dissuade you from voting to support the Iraq Funding Bill that will soon come to a vote in the Senate. More importantly, I am writing in an effort to convince you to filibuster this offensive piece of legislation.
As a candidate for the Democratic preidential nomination, I am sure you understand America's growing need for moral leadership. I am also sure that you are aware of the immoral crimes that have been perpetrated against the Iraqi people in our name.
It is in this vein that I implore you to do everything within your power as a United States Senator to prevent the passage of this bill. I implore you to demonstrate the kind of moral leadership that this country will need to find its way forward in the years to come. Today, I beg you to behave as a President should.
I imagine that you will be able to find allies to help you in the Senate, should you decide to filibuster this spending bill. Together, you can help put a stop to the ongoing madness in Iraq. Together, you can tell President Bush that if he will not accept a phased withdrawal from Iraq, he will be forced to accept an immediate withdrawal instead.
I have yet to decide which Democratic candidate I will support in the upcoming election cycle. I can assure you, however, that I will never vote for any candidate that votes yea to this spending bill, in this cycle or any future cycle. I can also assure you that, should you decide to lead this party with the courage and strength that it deserves in this regard, you will enjoy nothing less than my full-throated support in whatever endeavors you choose to undertake in the future.
Cordially,
John Hestand
Illinois 11th