Friends, a few nights ago I debated with my Republican opponents and one thing was abundantly clear to me: They're not serious about moving Louisiana forward.

It's not enough to say that you're going to cut taxes in order to create jobs. It's not enough to say that you can do everything better because you're a "conservative outsider." Improving the lives of hardworking Louisianans requires a balance of grit and pragmatism – traits my opponents lack.

I'm proud of what my administration has done for Louisiana, like getting a raise for Louisiana's hardworking teachers and fighting to expand Medicaid for 450,000 people. That's why I won't shy away from my opponents attacks, whether they're misleading or totally fabricated. I truly believe that Louisiana is on the right path forward, and we can't turn back now. But the fact is, we need resources to get our message out, especially with so many of my opponents' attacks flooding the airwaves. Will you chip in right now to help us out?

The folks on my finance team set a goal to raise $10,000 by midnight to help us supply our grassroots volunteers with the resources they need to mobilize voters. Early voting started today, and we have just one week to turn out as many supporters as we can. With seven days to go, we're all worried that we'll come up short. 

Please, friends, if you think this state is on the right path, will you donate $5 to my campaign for reelection? Anything you can give would mean so much to me.

Thanks again for your generosity.

– John Bel