John,

I wanted to share a story with you from a few weeks back.

When I was completing my first week of freshman orientation, I noticed that new members ate meals together along party lines. Incoming Democrats and Republicans were only sitting with members of their own party.

So I walked up to a table of a couple of my new, more moderate Republican colleagues, sat down, and started chatting. I said to them, “If we can't have a muffin and a coffee together, then we're doomed.”

There was definitely some initial awkwardness at the table. But later in the week, many of the folks I had breakfast with sought me out to tell me they appreciated what I was trying to do. 

During my work in the Vermont legislature, I built a blueprint for collaboration and connection that allowed me to deliver meaningful legislation alongside people whose political leanings are very different from my own – without sacrificing my core values.

I strongly believe that you have to be willing to meet people where they’re at – starting with keeping the conversation focused on shared values. There is always a way to reach out to people and find a shared connection.

I don’t expect the culture in Washington to change overnight. But I’m excited to get to work and see what difference I can make – and I’m proud to have you with me on this journey. If you support the new approach to politics I’ll be bringing to Washington with me this January, then please: Pitch in $5 or more before tonight’s deadline to help us finish the year strong. Together, we’re going to do big things in 2023.

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