 In 1972, there was a Doonesberry cartoon where Mike was working on the McGovern race. A volunteer walked into the office and asked if he could do something to help. Mike said that one of the things they were trying to do was raise money for campaign literature, buttons, television commercials and whatnot. The young potential volunteer said that he was a student and didn't really have any money but...perhaps he could sell his car. Mike said, "No, that's okay." I also don't think you should sell your car to make a contribution to my campaign. After all, you need your car to get to work. If you wanted to mortgage your house, though.... Grassroots support: The end of this reporting period is this Wednesday, September 27th. We are trying to raise just another $2,900 before the period ends. We are doing well with our fundraising, especially considering that I am the only candidate in the race who doesn't take special interest PAC money. Even modest contributions of $50 or $25 will go a long way to helping us reach our goal. Visit www.kengordon.com to contribute. Special interest funding of campaigns leads to bad or nonexistent policy. Pharmaceutical companies are able to prevent policies that would reduce the cost of drugs to seniors. Oil companies prevent the development of clean, renewable energy. Health insurance companies spend more time and effort figuring out ways to deny claims then to pay them. My opponent takes special interest money. One contribution was for $7,500 which is 7.5 times larger than my largest contribution. I am out-raising him with small contributions. As of Sept. 13, according to the Rocky Mountain News, I have received 2,338 contributions, and most of those donations (1468) have been $100 or less. My opponent has received 965 contributions, and 362 have been $100 or less. I know that many of you who read my emails don't think of yourselves as "political donors," but you are empowered by the Internet to change politics in a revolutionary way. We can overwhelm the influence of a few big donors with a flood of small contributions from regular people. If someone can win a statewide office without taking this special interest money, it will send a message. Other candidates who want to do the right thing will be encouraged. Candidates who are considering taking special interest money will think twice if they see that the voters will hold them accountable for their actions. No one will remember unless I win. We know that candidates can win taking special interest PAC money. Can a candidate win refusing to take it? Can a candidate who refuses to take special interest PAC money get support from people who want someone who will represent them? That is what this campaign is about. I know many of you have contributed and it is very appreciated. If you can give again, even if in only a small amount, it will help to change the way that politics is funded in this state. If you know someone else who could make a modest contribution forward this email to them. In fact, if you don't mind, just forward to everyone. If I can raise another $2,900 before the period ends, we will be on track to put an ad on television. Click here to contribute. Or you can mail a contribution to "Ken Gordon for Secretary of State", PO BOX 370706, Denver, CO 80237. Thanks for everything. Ken |
