Today is the day. Actually, it started several days ago. If you are like me, you are being bombarded with email requests from politicians.

I hate them. Not the people running for office, many of whom are close friends, but the inflammatory, and at times outrageous requests for money.

Our consultants and staff tell us that these work – and maybe they do – but I refuse to do them. Some are actually corrosive to our political system and do more to turn people off versus having them pay attention.

I'm going to continue to do what consultants tell me is political malpractice. Instead of trying to anger or frighten you, I'm going to tell you what I do with the contributions that you are generous enough to give.

I am fortunate to represent a district that is considered pretty safe for a Democrat. That is why I use my political time and organization to help other candidates throughout Oregon and the United States.

Not everyone has time to vet all 435 congressional districts, but my staff and I do. We look for candidates who share our values as well as those needing financial assistance, organizing ideas, and policy development.

Your contributions help us do some of that organizing and policy development. Mostly, however, I give the money that I receive directly to candidates who need help the most.

I tend not to give contributions to candidates who are already well funded. In fact, I specifically look for ones where a little bit of assistance can make a dramatic impact. For example, you may have seen the recent request to help Maria Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington's Third Congressional District. She is running a courageous campaign, on a shoestring budget, against a truly despicable candidate who does not belong in Congress. Our efforts gave her a boost that would not have been possible without your help.

I also use your contributions to organize and help on the ground in my district. This month we will be advertising to support some of our state and local candidates in East Multnomah County, Clackamas County and Hood River County.

Your contributions make all of this possible.

Over the next six weeks through Election Day, I will be sending some policy ideas as well as recommendations of candidates that I am supporting in Oregon and around the country.

It's crunch time and next week my team and I will finalize our contributions and campaign plans. So if you find value in the work I do and the approach that I take when it comes to helping other candidates, I would sincerely appreciate your consideration in making a contribution.

Thank you for all you do to support me, and to help Oregon and our country.

Onward,

Earl