Hi JOHN,
Building a unity campaign means bringing together Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters who are ready to make a real change here in the First District. That’s why, when someone who disagrees with me on an issue reaches out, I make a point of responding, listening, and talking with them to learn more about their priorities. That’s how we build trust and restore decency in politics again.
I am going to tell you a story from the trail, but first, can I ask you to make a grassroots contribution to our campaign so we can hit our $15,000 weekend fundraising goal by midnight tonight? Any amount will help us in the final days of this race.
One evening, I got a private message from a voter, Robert from Hebron, who was extremely upset about campaign mail we had sent highlighting Andy Harris’ record of voting against veterans. He said he knew Harris and supported him and said he would push back on our lies and fight back against us.
He also said he wanted cops to be able to do their jobs and that we need more doctors at VA facilities. Here was our point of agreement.
I wrote back and explained my support for our military and police, that I come from a family of cops and veterans, and that I agreed that we don’t have enough providers to meet capacity — something I’ve been working on. I promised Robert that even if I didn’t earn his vote, I’d work hard for him after I won. I told him that I’d been helping veterans in our district who hadn’t gotten support from Andy Harris — even the guys wearing Trump hats because I don’t give a damn about political parties. I care about people.
Robert responded that he totally agreed with me and that for a very long time, he’d wanted to see a politician actually work to bring people together.
We talked more about our families — military service, being raised on farms, and our shared middle-class upbringing. And I never could have expected what he said next. Robert apologized for the harsh words he used when he first reached out to me and told me I had earned his vote.
I asked if he wanted a “Republicans for Mizeur” sign and he said he would be honored — and that he especially wanted to meet me. I happened to be headed to his area the next night so we made a plan for me to come to his house and drop it off. I got to meet his wife, see his prized plants and share some great conversations.
Robert and I are building a friendship. And it’s all because we were unwilling to throw each other away. I always say that bad politics has divided us but good politics and good people can bring us back together.
This is the kind of unity campaign we’re running, and I’m so proud of the movement we’ve built. If you’re with me, will you chip in $10 or any amount as we head into the final stretch?
With gratitude for your belief in making all of this possible,
Heather |
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