Issues That Matter
by David on 12.30.2009
I want to talk plainly with you about Jennifer Brunner's Senate race: there is a path to a win, and it requires serious grassroots support.
In order for us to win, we must show Ohioans from every walk of life that our campaign for the United States Senate is about the issues at the center of their lives--like good, living-wage jobs, health care for all of us, affordable child care, good education, respect for the environment and human rights. We have to talk about the things that will make our families happier and healthier and allow more of us to participate in meaningful ways in shaping our future.
We've seen the influence of irresponsible and greedy corporate interests and their Washington power brokers in the financial meltdown and more recently in the health care debate--and it's hurting our country. People have stopped believing in the proposition that government can be a force for good because too few in Washington are talking about things that really matter. Lobbyists, corporate interests, and political consultants have created a self-perpetuating system in which elected officials are so beholden to those who fund their campaigns that they can no longer see what's really important. So many people have become disillusioned--with government, with the media, even with people genuinely trying to make a difference, that they have turned off and tuned out.
They thought they could believe in 2008, but the power brokers keep pushing--and they're wearing us all down--almost.
The great thing about the American spirit is that it is indefatigable--it doesn't give up--that's what made us great, what created the American dream. And none of us wants to give that up. There's still hope that maybe someone, and then maybe some more, will come along who understand that government can be a force for good, if only our leaders have the courage to work for it. Jennifer Brunner is that kind of leader because she understands what public service really means, and that's why I work for her.
I work for Jennifer Brunner because she is a leader, not a follower. She's a fighter, not a poll-tested politician. When it came time to speak up for the rights of all Ohioans to marry, she spoke up early and forcefully. She made national news when she asserted that she would oppose any health care reform package that would restrict a woman's freedom of choice. And Jennifer came out with strong and clear arguments against the latest surge in Afghanistan declaring that it was time to bring our troops home.
Jennifer is a candidate who knows that issues matter. Because she never forgets that politics is about people and what they care about. She cares deeply about her state and loves the people who live here. I grew up in Cleveland and my wife, Louise, and I plan to raise our son here. We know Jennifer has the kind of vision and leadership to make Ohio what it can and should be for my family and yours--for our children and for future generations.
But Jennifer and her husband, Rick, and Louise and I are also realistic. We know it will take a whole lot of time, effort, and money from a whole lot of Ohioans to move forward on our dreams for our state. We need your help to get 500 donors by December 31st to be prepared for a May primary that will pit the new against the old. We face a reporting deadline for the year that looms close and forces us to once again ask for your financial help.
Jennifer has already shown Ohioans in last year's presidential election what can happen with good leadership. In her speech to the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation when she accepted a Profile in Courage Award, as she puts it, "on behalf of my state," she said, "from difficult work often filled with emotionally charged controversy and strife, can emerge honor and dignity in the attempt to move forward the human causes of fairness, equality and respect." Now, let's give her a chance to show young people that they can have a real shot at public service with a campaign success that is about issues at the center of people's lives, not big money that works to corrupt decision makers.
Jennifer's courageous stands on issues that matter have resonated with people in Ohio. We have the momentum. We have thousands of volunteers around the state. And we're showing that the people of Ohio can be more powerful than the Washington insiders. Let's win this election one vote at a time by talking about the things that really matter. We can do this.
Sincerely,
David Dettman
Campaign Manager
Jennifer Brunner for US Senate
P.S. Click here to rush $5 or more to Jennifer's Senate campaign. After making your contribution to Jennifer's campaign, please forward this email to friends and associates whom you know support progressive causes and candidates.. -DDD