In the Republican presidential debate this week, there were lots of conspiracy theories, cultural dog whistles, subtle (or not so subtle) attacks on our democracy, claims about a "climate hoax," and bragging about cutting pensions and attacking unions.

It was ugly.

But here's a breath of fresh air. Just below are actual quotes made by Democrats on the ballot in competitive races this cycle -- about protecting and expanding Social Security, about taxing corporations so they pay their fair share, about fighting corporate consolidation, taking on Big Pharma, and more.

If you'd rather hear things like this the next few years, consider donating to help them win their elections:

• Senator Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), up for re-election in 2024: "Working families shouldn’t have to worry about politicians in Washington breaking the promise of Social Security and putting it on the chopping block. Social Security is a promise that must be kept."
• Senator Jon Tester (Montana), up for re-election in 2024: Corporate "consolidation is one of the greatest threats to rural America. Less competition means higher prices and fewer choices…As the Senate’s only working farmer, I’ll take on anyone to make sure that Montana’s family farmers and ranchers get a fair chance to compete in the marketplace."
• Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio), up for re-election in 2024: "Social Security and Medicare are two of the most popular programs in the country -- together they represent a solemn commitment to the American people. While Republicans continue trying to roll back and undermine seniors’ retirement security, I am fighting to protect and strengthen these programs to ensure a dignified retirement for all hard-working Americans."
• Congressman Ruben Gallego (Arizona), running to replace Sen. Kyrsten Sinema in 2014: "We’re pushing Congress to pass my Junk Fee Prevention Act so all companies provide consumers upfront pricing [on] concert tickets, flights, and hotel reservations cost --no surprises…This price gouging impacts millions of Americans each year. It’s unfair and corporate abuse."
• Congresswoman Angie Craig (Minnesota), who won a Trump district by 2 points: "Look at who already has run ads against me: Pharma. Why? Because they know that I’m going to fight and stand up for my constituents…They are trying to make an argument that somehow if Pharma is made to negotiate prices, no other drug will ever be created. And, quite frankly, I just call bullshit on that every single time because I think that’s what my constituents expect me to do."
• Congressman Chris Deluzio (Pennsylvania), who won a swing district with 53% in 2022: "Freedom to me means the right to have a good job, to form and join a union, to have an economy that rewards work, not wealth."
• Congressman Steven Horsford (Nevada), who won a swing district with 52% in 2022: "Republicans want to force Nevadans to work longer for massive giveaways to wealthy corporations. I will work to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, not weaken it."
• Congressman Matt Cartwright (Pennsylvania), who won a swing district with 51% in 2022: "There’s no reason other than greed that a corporation should pay fewer taxes than you. I’m proud to have supported legislation that will make corporations pay their fair share."
• Senate candidate Lucas Kunce (Missouri), running to replace Josh Hawley in 2024: "If you or I got caught taking money out of people’s wallets without telling them, we’d get locked up. It shouldn’t be any different for the crooks running Wall Street banks. In the U.S. Senate, I'll fight to make it happen."
• Robert Trujillo, Candidate for School Board in NM, running for a flippable seat: "I'll always stand with our educators and working people. I want to combat the destructive and fictitious culture war issues that dominate our national politics and school board, and focus on the issues my communities care about."
• Heather Benavidez, Candidate for School Board in NM, running for an open seat: "As the first in my family to attend college, I understand the importance and value of education. I'll work with my colleagues to create a budget that funds programs for our at-risk students and create feasible policies that ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff."
• Randy Riffle, Candidate for School Board in VA, running against a Moms for Liberty-aligned Republican: "My goal is to be an advocate for the next generation of teachers, parents, and students. I will actively oppose any efforts to divert public school funding toward charter or private schooling. I will work tirelessly to fight for adequate funding for our public schools, advocating for increased resources, updated infrastructure, and modern educational tools."
• Shantell Rock, Candidate for School Board in VA, challenging an incumbent in a vulnerable district: "I believe we need a school board member that reflects the diverse set of lived experiences in our district. A person willing to fight for marginalized students and families. A person willing to stand up and fight against the norm."
• Erika Ogedegbe, Candidate for School Board in VA, running a tough re-election campaign: "I believe in the power of great public schools, not just for individual students but for the strength of our entire community. I will continue to work with others in the community to support creating safe and welcoming schools for our children."

Click here to donate at least $1 to each of them.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.

-- The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (@BoldProgressive)

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