I’m going to be a little more direct than usual.

Yes, this is a fundraising email. I’m sending you this message because Kansas Republicans in the legislature are traveling to the White House this month to take direct marching orders from Donald Trump.

Listen, this is an uphill battle, there’s no doubt about it. But I refuse to give Trump the satisfaction of throwing my hands in the air and giving up — and I hope you won’t either. Can I count on you to pitch in $25 and help us gather every resource we need to keep pushing back against this gerrymander before it’s too late?

Do you remember the expressions “checks and balances” and “separation of powers” from high school? I sure do.

In simple terms, these phrases mean no single part of government should have overwhelming power over the others. Federal, state, and local governments should all be working independently of each other, doing what’s right for their constituents.

But Kansas GOP leadership disagrees. Instead, they’re more than happy to hand over more and more control of our state’s priorities directly to Donald Trump — with devastating consequences.

If Donald Trump gets his way, there will be no more competitive Congressional elections in Kansas. No more dissent in our state’s delegation. Not a single person with the courage to tell Trump no.

Yes, given everything we’re up against, this is a chilling moment for Kansas and our democracy as a whole. But that doesn’t mean we should run scared. It means the opposite.

I’m ready to work. I’m ready to fight. I’m ready to win. And if you’re with me, I could really use your support more than ever. Even a few dollars goes a long way toward showing Republican leadership just how strong and willing we are to fight back.

With gratitude,

Sharice