Friends,

Growing up in a small town in Ohio, no one had to tell me that neighbors should take care of neighbors.

I saw it in action every single day. I watched my grandmother bring folks soup when they were sick, and my grandfather go door to door collecting donations whenever someone was having a hard time. Church festivals, Little League games, union meetings -- our community felt like one big family.

That’s the way it should be in this country. That’s the kind of spirit that makes this country truly great.

But right now, we have too many leaders who don’t believe in looking out for each other. We have too many leaders willing to bow down to special interests and giant corporations while places like my hometown are left behind.

I’m running for Senate because it’s time for a Washington that puts the needs of workers and families first. If you’re with me, I’m asking you to chip in.

In today’s economy, American workers are competing with people around the world for jobs. So in my mind, there’s nothing more patriotic than investing in our people.

I’m not talking about handouts. I’m talking about being given a fair shot.

We can invest in our small businesses. We can create millions of good-paying, green jobs. We can build things here again.

My kids and your kids deserve an America where they’re able to succeed -- will you chip in $10, $25, $50, or whatever you can to help us build the grassroots momentum we need to make it happen?

-- Tim Ryan