Friends,

Democracy is supposed to be about the people.  That's what our campaign is about.  In fact, we have received over 400 endorsements from individuals since our launch.  

But friends, our opponents think Democracy is an auction.  They are bidding to buy a seat in Congress.  In fact, three of my opponents have written checks to their own campaign.  One candidate started the bidding by putting up $88,500 of his own money, but another soon out-bid him by tossing $133,000 down on the table. And now, this week, yet another Republican candidate has casually contributed $500,000 -- half of a million dollars -- to his own campaign.  

That is wrong.  

So, what do our opponents intend to do with their money?  They intend to go negative.  In our latest opponent's very first statement - he referred to our supporters as special interests.  

Folks, I am proud that, as of our first quarter report, 94% of our contributions have come from individuals.  Individuals like my childhood piano teacher, my friend with whom I served on the Communities in Schools board, and my college roommate.

I am thankful to receive contributions from people like you, because that guarantees that my campaign is a People-Powered Campaign, a campaign with the broad-based support and priorities of our community at large. 

Folks, I've checked my couch cushions and under the seats in my car, but all I've found is $0.77 and an old french fry.  I can't win this election alone.

I don't believe in buying a congressional seat and in all honesty, with two little girls and a mortgage, I couldn't even if I did believe in it.  But, sadly, campaigns cost money, and that's why I need my friends and fellow community members.  

I need your help. Our opponents have donated nearly three-quarters-of-a-million dollars to their own campaigns.  Between Citizens United and self-funders like this, we need all hands on deck.  We need to catch up -- and fast -- or we risk letting actual special interest groups buy a congressional seat. 

Let's send them a message that the people are not a special interest and that our democracy will not and must not be auctioned to the highest bidder.

Please donate to my campaign today. I am counting on your support.  

Best,

Derek