Remembering Paul Wellstone

Yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of the tragic loss of Senator Wellstone and others during the 2002 campaign. I am struck by the outpouring of tribute for him from many places, but not surprised. I met the Senator briefly and unexpectedly once while on a visit to Washington DC with a couple of medical colleagues. As frequently occurs in July and August, storms through the Midwest delayed our departure and we were stuck waiting for a few extra hours at Reagan National Airport. My friend John has a pass to the Northwest Lounge which allowed us to be his guests. As we checked in I noticed someone on the pay telephone just inside the entrance who looked familiar. I looked at him longer than I might have otherwise and he kept smiling while he continued his conversation and waved at me as if he knew me. It was clear that he knew I recognized him. I waved back and moved on to take a seat. It was a few minutes later that I became aware that this was our Senator. Others were in the lounge too – Tom Daschle among them. We eventually boarded the plane and I noticed how congenial the Senator from Minnesota was to everyone on this flight to MSP – he walked through a portion of the plane and shook hands and talked to many people. About a year ago, I spoke with one of his academic colleagues about him and the tragedy. He told me stories of his early campaigns - a man full of energy and determination. I may not have agreed with many of the Senator's positions but that isn't really what I remember about him – nor is it the most important. I remember that he appeared to have no preconceived notions about individuals when he met them and that he greeted strangers and constituents warmly.

Third Quarter Fundraising for Brian Davis for Congress

Below is a letter that was sent out via email to First District Republican Party members last week.

From: BrianDavisforCongress.com
Subject: Davis Top Fundraiser in 3rd Quarter
Reply: brian@briandavisforcongress.com


Dear Friends:

This past Monday, October 15th, was the third quarter fundraising filing deadline, and I am very pleased with the support we’ve received. During the third quarter - July 1 to September 30 – our campaign reported $81,228 in total receipts. Contributions from individuals totaled $55,035 - the most of any Republican candidate in the race. Better yet, we still have over $74,000 in the campaign’s coffers.

You may view the Federal Election Commission (FEC) report here. Also, please take a moment to review the articles in the Owatonna People’s Press.

I am proud of the support we have received to date. To have done so well is a big boost to our campaign. Many Republicans are looking for a candidate who is not a professional politician. Instead, voters want someone who brings private sector ideas and solutions to the challenges facing government.

But, Congressman Walz and the Democrats are mounting a formidable challenge for us as we approach the November 2008 elections. In fact, Mr. Walz’s campaign currently sits on $711,323. It is crucial that the Republican nominee in this race has the ability to raise the funds necessary to compete and be successful. Only one more Quarterly FEC report will be available to assess a campaign’s viability between now and the First District Convention on March 29, 2008.

Voters are looking for a candidate who will stand up for what he believes without wavering, and will work hard to earn their votes. Donors and Republican activists are responding to our campaign’s willingness to challenge Congressman Walz and the left-wing establishment in America. During the last two weeks our campaign launched radio and newspaper ads across the length of the First District calling on Congressman Tim Walz to return the donations he received during 2006 from the liberal special interest group MoveOn.org and to refuse any future contributions. Advertising and getting our message out to voters is possible only with the necessary funding. With your help, we can keep our momentum going. Please visit here to make a secure online donation to our campaign today!

If you support my ideas and candidacy and want to join my campaign, you can sign up by visiting here. If you have other thoughts please email me at brian@briandavisforcongress.com.

Sincerely,

Brian Davis
Republican Candidate
Minnesota – 01

P.S. In the recent Owatonna People’s Press article, Senator Day acknowledged our campaign’s recent surge in momentum. We look forward to debating the issues with him and the other candidates in the coming weeks and months in preparation for our ultimate goal: Republican victory in November 2008!

Paid for by Brian Davis for Congress

Brian Davis for Congress P.O. Box 1081 Rochester MN 55903

Also posted by DAV..