Al Franken's Important Request

[Infinite Hope]

Dear Friend,

It's the end of the fundraising quarter, and political analysts are watching closely to see how much money candidates can raise by March 31st. That's why people like me are going to be flooding your inbox this week with a plea for those last few dollars that could push them over their quarterly goal.

Great system we have here, huh?

I'll be honest: I need your help just as much as anyone else. And I'm hoping that you'll choose to support my campaign (or, if you've already made a contribution, consider doubling your commitment) because that early support will show the chattering class (not to mention my opponent) that I'm serious.

But I'm also asking for your money because, frankly, we could use it. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.

Click here to contribute! - https://secure.alfranken.com/page/contribute

$25 buys us a phone for a month. Every phone we can buy goes into our phone bank, and it means we can get one more volunteer in our office calling Minnesotans to let them know about our campaign and our events.

Speaking of volunteers...

$50 buys us pizza for a volunteer shift. We already have dozens of folks, young and old, who give up giant chunks of their free time to come in and stuff envelopes, make phone calls, open mail - they are the fuel for our campaign, and they need fuel themselves.

Speaking of fuel...

$100 buys us enough gas to drive up to the Iron Range, over to Duluth, and back to campaign headquarters. It does not include snacks for the trip. We've traveled all over the state, from Nashwauk to Fulda, and although we usually take my Ford Escape hybrid (which gets GREAT mileage), my staff and I are putting in a lot of miles.

Speaking of overworking my staff...

$250 buys us a BlackBerry for a staffer. It's not just a fancy piece of technology that I don't really understand how to use. It's a mobile communication device that allows our field staff to work from a union hall in Rochester or a railroad depot in Dilworth. We use this technology so that we can have a truly mobile campaign, which allows us to talk to more Minnesotans.

Speaking of talking to Minnesotans...

$500 buys us a mailing to 1,000 Minnesotans. It's one of the most effective ways to spread the word about our campaign and my agenda for our country - universal health care, an end to George W. Bush's war in Iraq, and a real investment in technology to harness the potential of stem cell research and alternative energy sources.

Speaking of technology...

$1000 buys us a computer and some software for our office. Our staff, interns, and volunteers use these to build events, research issues, organize our supporters, and generally make the campaign go while I'm out talking to Minnesotans on the campaign trail. Even when I'm in Mankato or Detroit Lakes, our office here in Minneapolis is always bustling.

And speaking of our office...

$2300 pays our rent for a month. Or, I suppose, buys us a whole lot of phones and pizza.

Campaigns cost a lot of money, even before we start talking about TV commercials and get-out-the-vote drives. That's why I need your help.

Click here to contribute! - https://secure.alfranken.com/page/contribute

And, as you know, I'm going to be up against a well-financed and well-organized opponent. I need to show him and the people watching our race that I have the support I need to win. That's why I need your help TODAY.

I'm sure you're being swamped with requests for your time, attention, and especially money, even though the next election isn't for another 589 days. But our campaign is already underway, and if you share our goal of a fairer, stronger America and our confidence that we can get there by working hard for our beliefs, then I'd really appreciate your support at this crucial time.

And, I promise, I won't ask you for money again. (For at least a couple days.)

Thank you for your support!

Yours truly,

Al Franken

[NYCGirl]

1. That's the best fundraising letter I've ever read! I miss Al on the radio so much.

But he's going to be a hella senator!

[greendog]

2. I just sent him a little note.

Dear Al,

I saw your recent fund raising letter posted on Democratic Underground. I happen to be looking for good Democrats to support. In the previous election I sent several $50.00 contributions to the Tester campaign. We ended up winning that race by a very narrow margin.

The one thing that convinced me to support Jon Tester was his distaste for these awful free trade agreements. I'm a working person and I can tell you from personal experience that "work" in American doesn't pay very much since the Republicans and DLC/ Clinton Democrats sold us out to K-Street.

After a quick internet search I discovered that you've actually said that you would've voted for NAFTA and GATT. I also checked your campaign websites "issues" page and see no mention of this important issue.

I'm sure you noticed that most of our new Senators campaigned (successfully) against free trade. I'm also sure you're aware that Senator Wellstone was a vocal opponent of free trade.

Until you can find it in your heart to support working Americans by opposing these job killing and wage depressing agreements I'm not going to be able to offer any financial support to your campaign.

I'm sure you understand.

Best wishes and good luck,

**** ******

[ProudDad]

3. K&R and I donated

Thanks!!!

I love this guy. He's way too right-wing for me but I love him anyway. He's got a good heart and a clever mind and probably knows more about policy than most of the 100 clowns who already occupy the Senate.

It's WORTH donating just to see the little video that plays after you do!!!

[Infinite Hope]

4. Self-kick n/t

[a kennedy]

5. I miss him terribly on AAR.......and I DO NOT listen to that Ed Schultz

I'll be giving to Al. :patriot:

[Infinite Hope]

6. Well, we've been doing well for Mr. Franken so let's pull out a few more donations. n/t