John --

In these challenging times, the spirit of democracy and the fate of freedom are being tested on the front lines in Ukraine. As Vladimir Putin's unjust war rages on, the Ukrainian people continue to embody courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It's inspiring!

Now, more than ever, Ukraine needs our unwavering support. Yet, critical aid is being obstructed by extreme Republicans, jeopardizing not just Ukraine's fight for freedom, but the very values we hold dear. It's an emergency.

Now it's time for US to take a stand. Country First has identified the Republican members of Congress who are staunch supporters of Ukraine and who we believe can be moved to action. We only need a few of them to do the right thing, make history, and change the world for the better.

So please call their offices, and leave a respectful message with a member of staff or via voicemail -- and then add your name to our petition demanding that the Speaker allow an up-or-down vote on Ukraine aid.

It's well past time we come together, beyond party lines, to support a cause that is fundamental to our shared principles: Freedom!  Help us spread the word far and wide; together we can do this.

Country First,

Adam

PS: Check out the Movement Memo below, put together for you each week by Country First members!

INTRODUCING REGION TEAMS! RSVP FOR YOUR REGION'S GATHERING!

February 5 at 8pm ET: Northeast Region Team Gathering

February 7 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT: Southern Region Team Gathering

February 13 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT: Central Region Team Gathering

February 15 at 8pm MT / 7pm PT: Western Region Team Gathering

February 23-25: Principles First Summit in Washington, DC

February 28 at 8pm ET: LIVE Virtual Campfire with Congressman Adam Kinzinger

Each week, Country First will highlight a key member who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected]. 

MEET COUNTRY FIRST INTERN MADISON HANNAH GOODSTEIN

Where are you from? I am from Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

What has been your focus at Country First? My focus at Country First has been all about learning. Since starting as an intern at Country First, I have learned a lot about grassroots organizing, making new programs, and most importantly how to compromise on important issues. 

What was your motivation for joining and how did you hear about us? I heard about Country First when Andrew Regalado came and spoke to my policy studies class at Syracuse University last semester. He explained what Country First as a movement was all about and from the moment he started explaining, I knew I wanted to be a part of helping lead this extremely important movement. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to help people in any way I could. This was my motivation for joining Country First because simply the movement is all about helping people. 

What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations? My hope for America is that our government is less focused on party affiliation and more focused on helping all citizens. If the government and country starts putting the people at the forefront, and not their parties, we as a country will be better off. Our government was created to help the average American and that is what we need to get back to in the coming years and generations. 

Do you think we can right the ship? I think we can right the ship if we all work together to try and make the change we want to see in this country. If we all do not come together and compromise there is a chance we can see our government move in the right direction. Let's all come together and put the Country First to have a better future. 

Thank you, Hannah, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy!

INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING

Kansas Reflector: Kansans rankled, excited about bill requiring elections adhere to state’s plurality precedent Registered Republican Nichola Simpson offered an argument Thursday aimed at convincing the Kansas Legislature to deflect an attempt to amplify the illegality of cities, counties or the state initiating any form of ranked-choice voting in elections for public office. “I agree that our electoral system in Kansas should represent the majority of Kansans, and that is why I believe banning ranked-choice voting is not the best option at this time,” Simpson said. “RCV leads to stronger candidates and prevents spoiler candidates from tossing the election to Democrats.”

The Week: Will the impact of AI on elections this year show up at the polls?
Artificial intelligence appears to be embedding itself into numerous aspects of life, and one area where this is almost certainly going to be the case is in the upcoming presidential election. "Recent advancements in AI-generated content are revolutionizing the landscape of election campaigns," the Brookings Institution reported, noting that the United States has entered "an era marked by extensive digital content creation and dissemination."

ELECTION MISINFORMATION

Reno Gazette Journal: Election 2024: No, Nevada's Dominion voting machines cannot be hacked with a ballpoint pen

The concern stems from a Georgia trial where a professor hacked a Dominion machine in court. However, Dominion machines in Nevada are different from those in the Georgia case with different software. The Nevada Secretary of State’s office says none of the issues in the Georgia case could happen there.

GERRYMANDERING

Chicago Sun-Times: In Illinois politics, remaps keep the powerful in power

In private mapmaking sessions, Illinois’ all-powerful Democratic majority in 2021 used the state’s estimated population loss to swell Democratic districts — adding one Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and forcing two Republicans out of their districts. And while the dust settles on the last remap, there are already advocates plotting the 2030 map and pushing for reform.

ELECTION 2024

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Fate of Georgia’s Dominion voting machines rests with federal judge

A 17-day trial questioning the security of Georgia’s Dominion voting machines ended Thursday with claims that tampering would cause chaos countered by assurances that this year’s presidential election will be safe. The case over whether voting touchscreens are vulnerable is now in the hands of U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg, who didn’t immediately rule on whether the election equipment creates an unconstitutional danger to voting rights.

CALL & SIGN in support of Ukraine!

WATCH the Replay of our first 2024 Live Campfire, with Rep. Adam Kinzinger!

DONATE to support the fight for democracy!

VOLUNTEER today! We only have one requirement: Be a reasonable person of goodwill looking to find common ground with others who want to address our challenges in a healthy, productive way.

JOIN your Region's February Team Gathering... Northeast and Southern were a big hit, and we've still got Central and Western to go!

Northeast Region | Southern Region | Central Region | Western Region