Look, folks, I know you get a lot of emails asking for donations – ours included.

But your grassroots support has a material impact on this race, and I’d like to share a few concrete examples with you today.

Your support is evidence that we’re not an easy target.

IL-06 isn’t on every pundit and pollster’s radar, but this is by no means a “safe” blue seat.

In fact, Cook Political Report rates IL-06 the 182nd most Democratic district in the nation – hardly a lock for Democrats.

This is exactly the type of district that Republicans will target, expecting us to be distracted and complacent.

A strong, robust, energetic grassroots movement – made up of supporters like you – proves them wrong. That’s how we’ll keep IL-06 blue and take back the House majority.

I have personal beef with the fossil fuel industry, gun manufacturers, and their rich, powerful allies. Your support helps counter their influence.

As a proud climate hawk, unapologetic critic of gun manufacturers and the fossil fuel industry, and outspoken opponent of the far right, there are a lot of folks who want to see me defeated.

I’m not easily intimidated. But going toe-to-toe with the right-wing money machine is a daunting task that will require a lot of resources.

Your contributions help minimize Republicans’ high-dollar fundraising advantage.

Over the past two decades, the GOP has gutted campaign finance regulations to ensure they could accept unlimited help from super PACs, wealthy megadonors, and special interest groups.

But that advantage shrinks dramatically when small-dollar, grassroots contributions are factored in. Those contributions of $10, $20, or even $100 at a time are the fuel in our tank, keeping us moving forward.

Whew – long story short, your support is key to building a prosperous and promising future for all of us. So please, can I count on you to pitch in $5 to make that dream become a reality?

– Sean Casten