Friend: Tuesday, I went head-to-head with Marco Rubio on the debate stage – where I countered his lies and fear tactics with real ideas on how to build a better future for Florida.

That's why this update from my finance director this morning was so surprising: Despite a surge in donations after the debate, things are slowing down and I'm still WAY behind on tonight's $250,000 goal.

If I don't make up this shortfall, I'm worried my team will have to make some tough decisions about our budget to mobilize voters and fight back against Rubio's relentless attack ads. 

I knew winning in Florida was never going to be easy – and if I'm going to have a shot, I have to keep pace. I don't like asking for money – but if we're going to retire Rubio and defend our Senate majority, I need grassroots Democrats like you to step up and help get me back on track to win with a $5 donation now.

Floridians have already started voting, and I'm being outspent in key areas of Florida, so I MUST keep our TV ads on the air to counter Marco Rubio's lies. TV ads cost me an arm and a leg, especially here in Florida, but they're essential if we want to flip this state blue.

If donations continue to dry up, I simply will not have enough resources to stay on the air. And with less than three weeks until Election Day, huge budget cuts will cost us this race and our opportunity to expand our Senate majority. I cannot miss tonight's goal, friend.

Every dollar I don't raise means fewer and fewer voters I can contact, so I have to ask: Will you please donate $5 to help me close my massive fundraising gap before tonight at midnight?

Thanks for stepping up when it matters most. I really appreciate your support.

– Val Demings