I've seen people wonder from time-to-time why I ask for contributions even if I'm in a race many people think I'm going to win.

Fair question — let me try to answer it.

In 2012, my first race for Senate, we had to defeat a candidate who spent $50 million, much of it in negative attack ads.

National Republicans would love a rich candidate to run against me, one who would do the same.

I need to be ready for that.

Then there's the NRA. You know they would just LOVE nothing more than to replace me in the Senate. If they even sniff a chance of that happening, we'll need considerable resources to fight back.

And then there's what I can do with the resources. Because the stronger we are as a campaign and I am as a Senator, the more effective I can be advocating for the values we share: ending the epidemic of gun violence in this country, and a progressive vision for America's role in the world to name just two.

What you may not know is that emails like this are where we get most of our donations. And that means from time-to-time, I have to ask.

I hope I've made a compelling case because today is one of those days:

Can I count on you to use this link to contribute $5, $10 or whatever you can afford today directly to my re-election campaign for United States Senate? It will all add up when everyone is chipping in.

If you've stored your info with ActBlue, we'll process your contribution instantly.

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Every best wish,

Chris Murphy