John,
During the August recess, I met with Vermonters across the state to discuss flood recovery and how my team and I can help. Meanwhile, Republicans in Washington are preparing to shut down the government and launch an impeachment inquiry essentially to get on the news. It can be disheartening, and during times like these, I like to reflect on why I decided to run for office in the first place.
I wrote a letter to myself in 2014 as I was preparing my very first campaign for State Senate. I remember being filled with the worries that come with any new challenge, and I wrote this as a way to remind myself why I was choosing to run.
Why am I going to run?
To improve people’s lives. To bring jobs, economic prosperity, and hope for the future to my community. To push people to be their best selves.
To get people more engaged. To make lasting positive change. To change minds, to tweak beliefs about what is possible, to elevate the discussion. To bring more compassion and understanding.
To change the way we engage with ideas. To push people to look beyond easy answers. To make the political arena safe for nuance. To help us find the overlap. To move away from demonizing each other. To build coalitions.
To teach about give and take. To fulfill a calling. To use my gifts and talents to serve others. To enjoy the challenge of a very difficult job.
Nine years later, every word of this letter still rings true. From first running for State Senate to now representing Vermonters in our nation’s capital, my motivation has always been the same.
In Washington I can see how one could get distracted by all of the noise, the conflict, the posturing and the squabbles. But this letter still outlines why I am here, and why I am spending time away from beloved Vermont and my family: To improve the lives of Vermonters.
Thank you for keeping me grounded, John. Your support is critical to achieving progress for Vermonters. If you believe in this movement, will you make a contribution today to my re-election campaign?
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Thank you very much,
Becca
