We're THIS CLOSE to taking 18TH Congressional from Tim Murphy!!! PLEASE RESPOND!

[MrMickeysMom]

I'd like to share this message from the Steve O'Donnell campaign:

I wanted to write today to tell you a bit about what I have been doing, and to ask for your help. I have been working as the Finance Director for United States Congressional candidate Steve O'Donnell (PA-18).

Steve O'Donnell has a real chance to beat Republican Tim Murphy in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District. But if he doesn't raise more money fast, he won't be able to get his message out and we'll lose a chance to win what should be a Democratic seat.

Murphy's approval rating is under 50% -- a dangerous level for an incumbent. As of last spring, there were 60,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in the district; it is estimated that since then thousands more Democrats have joined the rolls. The majority of residents of the 18th District say that their personal situation has gotten worse in recent years, and there is a strong anti-Republican sentiment. An abysmal 19% of expected voters say they will definitely vote for Murphy.

Steve O'Donnell is a local businessman and a tireless campaigner. He is pro-choice, supports single payer health care, and calls for a responsible redeployment from Iraq. Steve has received the endorsement of the United Steelworkers, one of the region's most active and influential labor organizations. Polling shows that if voters receive even a minimal amount of information about Steve, the race becomes a statistical tie.

Murphy may be vulnerable for other reasons. Pittsburgh television station KDKA has reported that he is being investigated by the FBI for using Congressional staff and resources to run his campaign. This would also be a direct violation of House ethics rules. The day after the KDKA piece aired, Murphy fired the staffer who made the allegations, prompting a second television story.

Two weeks ago, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington released a report which named Murphy as one of "the 20 most corrupt members of Congress," joining such members of Congress as Alaska's Ted Stevens and Louisiana's William Jefferson.

Despite these troubles, Murphy currently has a strong fundraising advantage – he has raised almost $1.2 million. But much of that comes from "tainted" organizations -- Republican leadership PACs, electric utility companies, and pharmaceutical companies. Murphy's money includes checks from Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, and Halliburton.

This race was put on the DCCC's "Races to Watch" list this week. This will help strengthen the perception that the race is winnable; it will increase media coverage and accelerates fundraising.

Your help can make a real difference. What Steve needs now is an additional $250,000 in order to get his message out. This is a realistic goal if everyone pitches in. Every little bit helps, and I'm asking you to donate an amount of money that is comfortable for you. Please don't wait until the last minute – every dollar given now attracts more money and helps get Steve on the air. Let's not miss the opportunity to win this important seat!

Dan Connolly,
Finance Director
The Committee to Elect Steve O'Donnell
www.electodonnell.com
Campaign Phone: [phone]
Cell Phone: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]


To donate, link here:

http://www.actblue.com/page/steveodonnell