John,

Traditionally, politics has been the rich man’s game. Why? Because to successfully launch a campaign, you need to have access to a Rolodex of wealthy friends ready to pitch in thousands of dollars in the first few weeks of announcing you are running. Corporate Democrat Jim Cooper has been playing this game for a while now.

Over nearly 40 years in office, more than 75% of his campaign donations have come from corporate PACs. He’s one of the wealthiest members of Congress. Simply put, he’s too conservative, tied to corporate interests, and out-of-touch. Odessa Kelly, a community activist and Justice Democrat, is challenging Cooper to represent Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District.

Odessa doesn’t have a decades-old campaign account filled with corporate PAC money — she’s a first-time candidate not taking a cent of corporate PAC money. She’s relying on grassroots support to power her campaign to unseat Cooper. Chip in whatever you can right now directly to Odessa’s campaign to get her off to a strong start!

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Not only is Rep. Cooper one of the wealthiest members of the U.S. House, but he’s also one of the most conservative Democrats. As recently as 2019, Cooper voted for Republican measures like the “Balanced Budget Amendment,” which would’ve cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. This deep blue district in Nashville should have a representative in Congress pushing for Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, not trying to cut our existing social safety net.

Odessa Kelly is the progressive we need in TN-05. As co-founder of Stand Up Nashville, Odessa has fought and won progress on economic and racial justice for the people of Tennessee. Now, she’s ready to bring that fight to Congress.

Odessa needs your support today to go up against the corporate PAC money flowing into Cooper’s campaign. Chip in whatever you can directly to Odessa’s campaign today!

In solidarity,

Justice Democrats

Do not worry if you cannot afford to make a contribution — we understand that this is a difficult time. If you’re struggling, you can find a food bank here. We appreciate everything you do to keep our movement strong. Please stay informed and follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and your state public health department.