Would ya'll put your drinks down and help a fellow DUer with a letter???

[bugslsu9]

Dear Mr. XXX,

My name is XXX XXX, and I am considering running against Congressman XXX in 2006. The reason for this letter is to ask for your help. You may ask; why should I help? Well, the choice is obviously yours, but from one alumni to another, I would like to make certain that Congressman XXX does not return to Congress in 2007, and I am the one to beat him.

The people of my district are an extremely moderate group of people. They enjoy the simple things in life, but are increasingly unable to afford them. They have seen countless jobs lost, a crumbling infrastructure, and, like everyone, increased fuel and healthcare costs. Do I believe that as a lone member of the House I can fix these things? No, and I would be lying if I said otherwise. But, they need someone who will fight for them every step of the way. Helping them get affordable healthcare, with national healthcare coverage the goal; increased funding for job placement and retraining; investment in renewable fuel sources; and improving the basic infrastructure of my state. Congressman XXX has been nothing but a yes man for President Bush, going against the interests of average Wisconsinites, and they deserve to be better represented.

Once again, I ask for any help you can provide, whether it is financial, tactical or any other advice you are willing to offer. You do not have to, to be honest, if I was you, I am not so sure that I would, but I ask because the people of my district deserve better. Your response will help in determining whether it is feasible to run.


Please let me know if there is anything I should change, add or delete.

I am counting on the fantastic people here to help!

[cally]

1. One suggestion

You will get a much better response if you post this Monday morning. Friday nights in the Lounge are not the best place to get serious editorial response. Good luck in your campaign.

[bugslsu9]

2. I don't have that luxury

It needs to go out tomorrow, at the latest Monday, and my boss cannot know I am sending it

edit: spelling

[jmowreader]

3. Alumni is plural

You're either an alumnus (if you're a man) or an alumna (if you're a woman).

I'd say "alum" because that seems to cover both possibilities.

[bugslsu9]

4. Thank you

This is why I love DU

Other than that was the letter good?

[jmowreader]

8. Yeah, looked good to me.

[crispini]

5. I would add some bullet points

with your qualifications for public office.
- community service
- legal background
- organizations you belong to
- prior offices held
- undergraduate degree if applicable
- management skills
- other life skills that make you a good potential officeholder
- written any books?
- papers?
- corporate experience
- activist experience
etc etc etc.

I totally look at these things when I am deciding who to support. A mini-resume ... very important to me. I'm not supporting someone who I don't think would be good in the job, regardless of party affiliation, and I personally need a warm fuzzy that the person is not just a joke candidate.

I'd also take out the line "You do not have to, to be honest, if I was you, I am not so sure that I would, but I ask because the people of my district deserve better" -- waaaaay too self-deprecating. You need to project assurance and self confidence and really sell the reader of your letter on why you would be great in washington. otherwise your letter's destined for the round file....

[bugslsu9]

7. Thank you for your advice

You are probably right about the self-depricating stuff, but given the audience, I think it actually fits. I have met the person, and seen him speak on a nuber of occassions, and that is his personality.

As for the bullet points, while I like the idea, I do not want the letter to be more than a page. If I add those, it will be over a page, and I am trying to keep it short, and only wet his appetite and make him want to knwo why I am the most qualified. Does that make sense?

[crispini]

9. oh, it's a letter to someone you KNOW

sorry, didn't realize that, I was thinking it was a mass mailing.

Um.... if you still like the idea... why not add the bullet points on a second page, not as part of the letter, or something, so it won't be so long? :shrug:

good luck! :hi:

[bugslsu9]

10. Met, Not Know personally

I met him at a function, hence the re-introduction of myself. However, I have seen him speak a number of times, and that is his personality

Thank you for your help, and i do need all the luck I can get

Edit to add: It is to a very specific person

[mcscajun]

6. "Extremely moderate" is almost an oxymoron.

the one negates the other.

[bugslsu9]

11. Egregious personal kick

:kick:

[warrens]

12. I would suggest emphasizing sweat equity

You need boots on the ground as much as money, and I would emphasize that. I'd drop the negative part about "if I were you." And I would be more specific about what you plan to do in Congress; national health care is a pretty big issue for a freshman congressman. Reinstating healthcare for kids who were cut out by the past couple of budgets would be a more manageable goal for a first term.

And I'd step up the Bush-bashing. The bushbots ain't going to vote for you no matter what, so don't make the mistake of being too nice. A nicely phrased rant about the evils of the Bushies and their cronies led by Tom Delay (you can never bash him too much; even Republicans hate the guy, but they like his money).

Make it clear that you share your voters' values in a lot more than just the generalities of healthcare and jobs.