Happy game day, football fans!

Today, for the 116th time, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans will battle it out on the gridiron.

You already know that I'm pulling for my Wolverines. But I thought it might be fun to bring the spirit of competition into our campaign.

We want to see which school’s fans can raise the most money before the end of the day – whichever team wins, we'll give you a special shoutout in our next email!

Fundraising aside, I also want to put on my teacher/mom hat and point out that there's a lesson to be learned from this rivalry:

For generations, Michiganders have been able to root against their rivals without letting things get too personal.

We can oppose each other on game day (and you better believe I'm gonna celebrate every Michigan touchdown) without hating each other – and once the game is over, the adult thing to do is put our rivalry aside and get back to working together.

I know that a lot of people treat politics like it's football – but the truth is, our nation desperately needs people who are willing to look past their team affiliation and build bridges, rather than put up walls, to people with opposing views.

So, even though I'm a Wolverine through and through, I'm a Michigander, and I'll be fighting to help everyone, no matter which team you root for.

Tuebor, and GO BLUE!

Callie

Callie Barr
Candidate for Congress, Michigan's First District