Most everyone here has heard of Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, right?
You know, the Senator who had it right on Iraq from Day 1. He's the President pro tempore of the United States Senate, noted orator, and a tireless protector of the constitution. He's that guy who's known for carrying a pocket constitution.
What you probably didn't know is, one of his key staff members -- an aide of 21 years -- recently resigned. Because of this resignation, Sen. Byrd is asking for our help.
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd sent out this appeal via email last night:
Dear Friend,
I believe more strongly than ever that Americans intend to go to the polls this year and vote for candidates who are determined to bring real change to America.
Working families are looking for leaders who will fight for their hopes and dreams.
Those families have had the rug pulled out from under them. Tax cuts for the wealthy have weakened our social safety nets, leaving children and senior citizens to twist in the wind.
That is why I am writing to you today and asking you to make a contribution to the Anne Barth for Congress campaign.
You may not know Anne Barth personally yet, but she represents the best of West Virginia's time-honored values. She is a United Methodist minister's daughter, a working mother with two children in college, and she has lived and worked in West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District nearly all her life. She and her husband Nick are both dear friends of mine. Until recently Anne was my West Virginia State Director. Now Anne is running for Congress.
Anne Barth is an extraordinary public servant. She has worked with me for 21 years to help build roads and bridges in the 2nd District, improve veterans care and benefits, shore up Medicare and Medicaid, protect Social Security from privatization and bring economic opportunity to the region. She knows first-hand how to get results for the people of West Virginia.
That is why I am writing to you today and asking you to make a contribution to the Anne Barth for Congress campaign.
This is a pivotal moment in our history together. We have an opportunity to end a decade of policies that have stroked the wealthy and strapped the worker. Working Americans need Anne Barth in Congress, and I need her in Washington to help me continue to fight to protect our Constitution, and to expand economic opportunity for all West Virginians.
Anne Barth has new ideas to bring hope and opportunity to the 2nd District. She believes that more can be done to bring prosperity to the region. Anne understands the need for change, but she also understands West Virginia's traditional values and virtues. I am proud of her. Won't you help me help Anne by making a contribution today to Anne Barth for Congress.
That is why I am writing to you today and asking you to make a contribution to the Anne Barth for Congress campaign.
Your friend,
U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd
Anne Barth is a great candidate who will make a fabulous Congresswoman. The incumbent, ineffective Bush-Republican Shelley Moore Capito, came to office with Bush, she should leave with him.
The entire W.Va. Democratic delegation is united for Anne Barth. In addition to Sen. Byrd, Sen. Rockefeller, Rep. Rahall and Rep. Mollohan are all strongly supporting Anne Barth's candidacy.
For an even strong W.Va. delegation
With your help, we can make this picture a reality as West Virginia's delegation to the next United States Congress!
Sen. Rockefeller, Rep. Mollohan, Rep. Rahall (back row), Anne Barth and Sen. Byrd (front row) at recent fund-raiser held for Anne Barth for Congress in Charleston, W.Va.
The DCCC has been focused on WV-02 since very early this cycle and recently announced it as a Red to Blue district. At the local W.Va. blogs, we are very focused on unseating ineffective Bush-Republican Shelley Moore Capito are very supportive of Anne Barth. Each day since Barth entered the race we've had a diary up about her as often as not. :-)
I've been to multiple local Barth campaign events -- that she's already had multiple events in this part of the district is by itself noteworthy -- and Anne Barth comes across very well in person. (Carnacki wrote about a surprise appearance Barth made at an anti-war rally in "I want to end this war.") She's also done a really impressive job of mobilizing volunteer support during her short campaign -- she's got friends all over the district falling over themselves to help this campaign.
Help turn WV-02 from Red to Blue
In short, WV-02 is a winnable race with an excellent candidate. It's always difficult to unseat an incumbent but with enough support to get the Democratic message out Barth will be able to do it.
There are three days left until the critical end of the first quarter fund-raising deadline. Also, money given early to a campaign is even more valuable than money given later in the campaign. Please give what you can to help turn West Virginia's 2nd District from Red to Blue.
Anne Barth for Congress :: Volunteer :: Donate
Written by Clem G. of West Virginia Blue, a resident of WV-02 and local netroots volunteer activist.