Friend, this isn't the email I wanted to write, but I really have no other choice.

Recent polls show me neck and neck with my wealthy GOP opponents, and now, one of them just spent $2 million on a TV ad buy to flood the airwaves and defeat me. The reality is, I'm in serious danger of falling behind just as the election year starts.

That's why I set a goal to raise $100,000 before our end-of-quarter deadline to fight back, and I'm counting on you to help me get there. So please, will you rush $5 right now – split between me and Jeanne – to help me reach my goal before midnight, fight back against the GOP, and win in Ohio?

Look, this race is going to be my toughest one yet: Mitch McConnell personally named me a top target, and my self-funding GOP opponents will stop at nothing to flip this seat and the Senate red.

And while I don't have a personal fortune to dip into, I have something much more powerful: this grassroots team. My campaign relies on folks like you chipping in $5 or $25 at a time – and when we come together, I know we can beat the GOP's millions and win this race.

I know you care about keeping this seat blue and defending our razor-thin Senate majority, so I'm personally asking: Will you rush $5 or more – split between me and Jeanne – right now to help me hit my goal and win in Ohio?

Thanks for chipping in,