Last Night: A Message from Gwen Mason
Dear Friends,
If you were unable to attend last night’s debate, sponsored by the AARP, I encourage you to watch highlights provided by Roanoke’s News Channel 10 below:
(Or click here if your browser does not support the video)
Last night I took a firm stance for finding solutions to our infrastructure crisis. I believe that leading responsibly demands that we are honest about the scale of the problems we face, and realistic in the solutions we propose. As an experienced leader, I am committed to doing what is necessary to keep our Commonwealth the best state in the nation to do business, and fighting to make our roads safer for everyone. Last night I stood up for solutions; I hope you will stand with me.
Last week, we launched our first commercial. Please take a look below, and share with friends and family:
(Or click here if your browser does not support the video)
Tonight, at midnight, we will close out another filing period. In a recent radio interview, my opponent stated his confidence in counteracting your support and outraising our campaign. “Ive learned a lot of things, and I can assure you our fundraising is going quite well! Its a perfect plan for us to let the Democrats get a head start before we come screaming home,” he said.
We have come too far and worked too hard to get beat at the finish line! Can you please help us keep our ad on TV by contributing $150, $75, or $25 before midnight?
Sincerely,
Sheer Hypocrisy
Yesterday, Bill Bolling joined Bob McDonnell to announce their “budget plan.” Bolling has skipped every meeting of the bipartisan committee that makes revenue projections and pulled a rare parliamentary maneuver to block Governor Kaine’s budget.
What hypocrisy.
Our campaign is fighting Bill Bolling’s hypocrisy every step of the way, and we need your help. He has a financial advantage in this campaign, and he’s going to use it to attack our success and cover up his no show, no leadership record as Lt. Governor.
Virginia is the reigning “Best Managed State” in America. We’ve been named best state for business SEVEN TIMES during the Kaine Administration alone. We’re the best state for a child’s lifetime success. Now Bolling, who has fought the Warner/Kaine policies that put us on top (when he bothered to shown up at all), wants us to believe that he has suddenly started caring enough to join the process.
I am extremely proud of the record we’ve put together in Virginia these last seven and a half years. In good times and bad, we’ve stuck to our principles and that’s made us #1. I am not going to let Bill Bolling get away with impugning that record by sniping at us from the sidelines. He’s had every opportunity to contribute and he has failed.
Please join our campaign in defending our indisputable record of success with a contribution today.
With the financial reporting deadline tomorrow and so many decisions to make as we enter the last full month of this campaign, your help today is crucial. I am so thankful for the support you’ve given so far, and I know you’ll be there with us to see this fight through.
Thank you,
Jody
Paid for and authorized by Virginians for Wagner.
Read moreHomegrown Business Owners Endorse Pratt
Local business owners from across the region have joined together to create a Homegrown Business Owners for Pratt steering committee to support Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates.
The group is made up of owners of local independently-owned businesses. These business leaders share a commitment to our communities’ economies by creating jobs here and are supporting Carole because of her expertise in job creation.
Homegrown Business Owners for Pratt steering committee member Katy Kirk said, “As a new small business owner, I have an increasing appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into operating the businesses that every community depends on for local goods and services. Carole is one of the hardest working people I know and with her invaluable personal business experience in a private dental practice, I know she will take an important small business perspective with her to Richmond.”
“I admire the spirit of optimism and entrepreneurship these local business men and women bring to our communities and I am honored to have their support,” said Carole Pratt. “I know that we will succeed here in Southwest Virginia during these difficult economic times because of the self-reliance and drive of our hard-working men and women. Homegrown businesses are the backbone of our economy and as delegate it will be my top priority to help them thrive.”
“As a former family business owner, Carole has a firsthand appreciation for the challenges of running a local business and she believes that our representatives in the General Assembly should be doing everything possible to ensure our local businesses have the tools to succeed,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Unfortunately, it seems that the incumbent does not share these priorities. Taxes on employers will increase by $78 per worker beginning in January as a direct result of the incumbent voting in lock step with her party bosses to reject $125 million in stimulus funds. Supporting local business should not be a partisan issue.”
The steering committee includes:
Angie Alderman
C.B. Andrews, Jr.
Garry Ayers
Eddie Hale
Tracey Harriman
Bobby Jackson
Martha Jackson
Chuck Johnson
Clinton Kegley
Robin Kegley
Luther Kirk
Katy Kirk
Donald E. Neal
Janice Osborne
Bill Smith
Dr. Randy Vaughn
Mark Zammit
Susan Zammit
Carole’s on TV – check our her new spot!
BLUEGRASS ROOTS BULLETIN
Edition 2
Dear Bluegrass Roots Supporter,
We’ve had a fantastic few weeks! Not only did we launch our new tv ad, we were recently upgraded to the most competitive incumbent challenge in the state, out raised our opponent for the third consecutive filing period, issued a debate challenge, spent a day touring the district with Congressman Boucher and began our fall internship program.
You’re Invited:
This Saturday, October 3rd, Carole will be at the Lord’s Acre Sale in Pearisburg, Pembroke Heritage Days, Art on the Lawn in Pearisburg, Pulaski Fest, and the New River Art 2009 reception at the Pulaski Fine Arts Center. Contact us at team@prattfordelegate.com for additional information!
Carole Needs Your Help:
Election Day is approaching and Carole needs your help to get our message to voters. Please give a few hours of your time to knock on doors, participate in our Friend to Friend postcard program, or call your neighbors.
Sign-up today to ensure victory on Nov. 3rd!
Tossup
A national website, Swing State Project, has ranked our campaign the most likely in Virginia to beat an incumbent. This national attention reflects the strength of our campaign. You helped make this race so competitive, and we look forward to your continued support over the final 34 days!
Debate Challenge
Carole recently invited the incumbent to a debate on the economy in each of the district’s five counties. The incumbent has since refused. In this difficult economic climate, Carole believes it is important to come to your neighborhoods for a detailed discussion on how to bring jobs to our communities. We are disappointed that the current delegate does not share this commitment.
Out Raising the Incumbent
Our campaign has continued to out raise the incumbent, reporting two times the number of contributors during the last financial filing period. More tellingly, Carole raised 90% of her money from voters, unlike her opponent who is largely financing herself through contributions from special interests and political action committees. Carole earned her support by knocking on doors and talking with voters and is proud to report that she has twice the number of grassroots donations.
Please help us to continue this strong statement of support. We know we ask a lot, but tonight at midnight is another financial deadline. We NEED your help to keep our ad on tv during these final few weeks. Please contribute $25 today to help Carole communicate with voters.
District Tour with Congressman Boucher
Carole was proud to be joined by Congressman Boucher for four events in Bluefield, Narrows, Ceres, and Wytheville on Saturday, September 12. Enthusiastic crowds turned out to show their support and the Congressman and Carole spent the day speaking with folks about the crucial need for more jobs. It was great to see so many of you at these stops.
Students Get Involved
We are fortunate to have over a dozen fantastic high school students from Pulaski County High School working with the campaign. These energetic young people have been making phone calls, staffing events and of course appearing as the stars of our television commercial!
Thanks for everything,
Carole Pratt for Delegate
Read moreAre You Ready?
September is drawing to a close. The November 3 election is rapidly approaching.
In the past months, we have knocked on over 5,000 doors and talked with thousands more voters. Every door, every handshake, every conversation has brought us to this moment.
On Tuesday, September 29, September is drawing to a close. The November 3 election is rapidly approaching.
In the past months, we have knocked on over 5,000 doors and talked with thousands more voters. Every door, every handshake, every conversation has brought us to this moment.
On Tuesday, September 29, at 7:00 p.m., I debate my opponent for the first time in a forum sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons. We all know what is at stake: a difficult economy, a generation of school children in need of solid educational opportunities, and a Virginia transportation infrastructure which threatens the future of our economic prosperity.
This Tuesday, please join me at the Tanglewood Holiday Inn and speak up with your presence. Now is the time for independent leaders with the courage to make responsible choices for the things that matter most to us: jobs, our schools, and our future in this beautiful Valley.
I need your help. Are you ready?
Please contact our office at 400-6638 with any questions, and please note: no campaign literature, signs, or paraphernalia are allowed inside the event. Your attendance is all support I need!
Thank you so much.
Sincerely,
Click on the link below to attend the Women of Courage and Truth Reception
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