John Edwards for President-Update on One America Votes

Update on One America Votes

Aug 3, 2006

Dear Friend,

Thank you for participating in "One America Votes" to help decide which Congressional races should be my top priorities for fundraising help. The response of our online community was overwhelming - more than 20,000 people have already voted, and competition for the two top spots is intense. As you know, I will headline fundraisers for the two House candidates who get the most votes. The deadline for voting is tomorrow - there's still time to get friends and family to vote with you.

Veteran political observer Charlie Cook just issued an analysis showing that all the polling numbers point to "an electoral rout" for Democrats. The political climate has grown extremely hostile to Republicans, and Democrats are energized to volunteer for campaigns and turn out at the polls. But an electoral rout won't happen on its own. We have to make it happen. That's why getting your friends and family to participate with you in One America Votes is important.

I've already raised $6.65 million for Democrats and have attended fundraisers for strong congressional candidates in more than a dozen states this election cycle. I'm committed to helping as many candidates as possible before November, and want to hear from the people who are important to you.

Please let your friends and family know that voting in One America Votes takes only a moment, but could make a big difference to a Democrat fighting in a tight race. Ask them to select candidates they believe will work hard to build One America that works for everyone.

Ask a friend to vote.

When Democrats win back one or both houses of Congress, we'll put the brakes on George Bush's extreme right-wing agenda. We'll get about the business of building One America -- One America that is committed to ending poverty, lifting more families into the middle class, and giving everyone who works hard something to show for it. We'll begin to rebuild our reputation in the world and lay the groundwork to lead on the great challenges before us: whether it's preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ending the genocide in Darfur, or fighting extreme poverty and diseases that ravage societies.

Expert observers are betting on Democrats this fall. But it takes money to win -- to get our message out, turn out voters and beat back the GOP attack machine. Democrats always have to work twice as hard because we rely on small donations from millions of people at the grassroots -- not small numbers of elite contributors like Republicans.

I'm ready to do my part - and more. I want to help as many Democrats as possible before November and invite your input on which races should be my top priorities. Please encourage your friends and family to make their choices before tomorrow.

Ask a friend to vote.

I learn so much from you, the members of our online community. Every contact - through email, blogs or podcasts - gives me fresh insight into the struggles and hopes of American families.

I thank you for taking time to be part of our community, and for asking your friends and family to help with One America Votes.

Your Friend,

John