Friend, a few weeks ago, I reached out to ask how your priorities are shaping up as we head into the November election—here’s what you said.

Here in Kentucky, 83% of folks said that ensuring the safety and fairness of our elections is a concern this November. I’m right there with you—none of us should have to choose between our health and our right to vote. It’s frustrating that our secretary of state opposes making voting by mail universal in this election. We’re going to keep fighting to expand safe access to the ballot for everyone.

In a close second, 82% of you named health care as a concern—again, no surprise, since Mitch has repeatedly tried to rip away health care access. The emerging challenges and flashpoints of 2020 are also on your minds: 72% of you named local economic recovery from COVID as a priority, and 63% of you listed addressing police brutality against the Black community as one of the main concerns driving your vote.

For those who took time to send an extra note, I appreciate it. Here are two of my favorite comments:

There are too many issues to easily name. What we need is leadership that recognizes and cares about the issues and does something to resolve them as much as possible. Our real crisis is a crisis of leadership within the Senate and the White House. Our democracy, our lives, our health, and our economy are all at stake.
—Lexington

Restoring respect for our country, Congress, and our values. I want my children to emulate the character of our leaders.
—Elizabethtown

And fittingly enough, this note came in from Independence, Kentucky: “A politician’s political life should not depend on supporting party line at all costs.” (Someone needs to get this memo to Mitch.)

Your voices are coming through loud and clear. Kentucky deserves leaders who actually listen to their citizens and put them first, no matter what.

Hearing from you was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake in this election. This underdog team can take on and defeat Mitch McConnell, but it’s going to take each of us continuing to do our part. If you can, chip in today, and let’s give this everything we’ve got.

Thank you for sharing,
Amy