Dear Representative Barca,
I was told that one reason you haven't decided to run for governor yet is because you are worried about being able to raise enough money for a campaign. Although money is normally a very big factor during elections, these are unusual times in the state of Wisconsin, and I believe this election will be unlike any we've ever seen. Yes, the candidate with more money will be able to run more tv ads, or have fancier literature, but, in my opinion, that isn't what's going to win this election. We need a candidate who has stood beside the people of Wisconsin in the past year. Someone who is not only experienced, but passionate, involved, and pissed off enough to make some serious changes. Someone who can get the people excited to get out and volunteer on their campaign.
Mr. Barca, YOU are this person. You have stood beside the people of Wisconsin on many occasions over the past year, but there are two instances that will always stick out in my mind. One time was when you stood up to Senator Fitzgerald and the other republicans who violated the opens meetings law on March 9th of last year. You were not afraid to raise your voice and let them know you would not stand for their lies and trickery, and then addressed the public and explained to them what had happened. Another time is when you moved your desk onto the Capitol law while we were locked out of our house, and then proceeded to take out your credit card and offer to pay for any damages that resulted from moving the furniture. You not only stood beside us in these tough times, but you went above and beyond your duties to stand UP for us, and we thank you for that.
If you're worried about the money, I suggest you instead look at the people around you that you have been standing up for. Because of your efforts, many of the most involved, creative, intelligent, and committed people that I have come to know in the past year are fully behind you. I hope you realize that you have an entire army of these people waiting for your command to start knocking on doors, making phone calls, and passing out lit for you. As Lori Compas said at her campaign announcement back in February, "This campaign has strengths that money can never buy." I believe the same thing would be true for you if you were to run for governor.
Please take this into consideration while deciding whether you're going to run or not, and I hope to be knocking on doors for you soon.
In Solidarity,
Jenna Pope