It's offfical. Christie Vilsack is running.

[progressoid]

Just got this email...

Dear xxxxx,

I wanted to send a quick note to let you know that today I launched my candidacy to represent Iowa’s new 4th Congressional District.

I’ve decided to run for Congress, because I want to bring our Iowan values of civility, responsibility, and respect to Washington.

I’m not entering this campaign to run against someone. I’m running for something. I stand behind the idea that we can still work with one another on behalf of the common good of all Iowans.

I will work with Democrats, Republicans, and all folks in between to help create new jobs and opportunities for Iowa workers, establish financial and medical security for Iowa seniors, and give our children the skills they need to compete in the global economy. We can't preserve Iowa's tight-knit communities if our children and grandchildren don't have the economic opportunity to raise their own families here.

This summer, I set out on a listening tour of the 39 counties that make up Iowa’s new 4th Congressional District. From farmers, to teachers, to small business owners, what I heard from people from all walks of life was consistent – Iowans want problem solvers, not partisan fighters.

Please take a moment to watch my announcement video – if you share my belief that we can do more to create economic opportunity for all Iowans, I hope you’ll consider supporting our campaign. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we’re going to need your help.

http://youtu.be/YLo7GqhQFEM

Log on to our new Website to see how you can get involved in the campaign. In the months ahead, I’ll be laying out my vision on how to create new jobs, expand opportunity for our rural communities, and give our children the chance to succeed.

https://vilsackforcongress.ngphost.com/

Participate in the conversation and let me know what issues you care about most by reaching out to me on Facebook and Twitter. I want to hear from you.

Please join us as we start this new chapter for Iowa. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.



Sincerely,

Christie Vilsack

Also, the fundraising went very well. Maybe she's got a shot at winning this thing.

From a previous email...

Dear xxxxx,

Supporters like you who invested early and generously in this campaign are amazing. Thanks for having faith in my candidacy and in our campaign community.

Now here is the latest update. Are you ready?

Together, we raised $424,339.

I still remember when the first dollars came in. And then more. And still more. Put together, all those dollars added up. Wow, they added up.

We raised $424,339 in just eighty-six days. I am amazed. Thank you. That $424,339 could not have happened without you.

Thank you,

Christie

PS: When you are done giving yourself a big pat on the back check out some of the great news coverage our contributions have gotten. Way to go!

Vilsack will have financial resources like no other King opponent
(Sioux City Journal 7/14/2011)
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/blogs/politically_speaking/article_ec67d8a1-aac0-5d11-a07b-f66b64a9e174.html

Democrat Christie Vilsack raises $424,000 for possible Congressional run
Iowa Politics Insider (Des Moines Registrar 7/14/2011)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/07/14/democrat-christie-vilsack-raises-424000-for-possible-congressional-run/

Vilsack Does $424K
(Politico 7/14/11)
http://www.politico.com/blogs/davidcatanese/0711/Vilsack_does_424K_Miller__Costa_underwhelm.html

[Slippery_Hammer]

1. Hallelujah

Finally we have a credible chance to get rid of King. I'll be donating. :toast:

[progressoid]

2. offfical?

I shouldn't post on 3 hours sleep. :eyes:

[Lil Missy]

3. Thanks! I'm on that mailing list too!

:hi:

[kdtroxel]

4. Another Monsanto Pinhead

Another Monsanto Representative for congress. Tom Vilsack was a former Monsanto lobbyist, former Governor of Iowa, now head of the FDA after a feint at the 2008 presidency.

Six Reasons Why Obama Appointing Monsanto's Buddy, Former Iowa Governor Vilsack, for USDA Head Would be a Terrible Idea
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_15573.cfm

[Bluzmann57]

5. Well the thing is...

Christie Vilsack, at her worst, is still miles better than King on his best day. King is an embarassment to Iowa and the whole USA and really needs to be taken down. If it takes Christie Vilsack, then so be it.

[Hardrada]

6. Some of these political contests are like Freddy versus Jason.

Horrifying whoever wins.

[progressoid]

7. Sad but true.

I get that feeling a LOT when I vote.

[47of74]

8. I'd rather have a "Monsanto Pinhead" than an asshole like Steve King

[Critters2]

9. FDA? Was Vilsack head of the FDA? nt