About to write my Senator (Lincoln) on Public Option. Looking for advice.

[optimal-tomato]

I've never written a congressperson before, so I thought you guys could help me be as effective as possible. I've been putting it off (figured it was hopeless) but since Firedog Lake is running ads on Lincoln, I thought I could throw my support behind them for what it's worth.

I've heard that hand-written notes get more attention from the staffers that go through the mail. If so, should I use lined paper or copy paper? Also, how long is too long? I want to get my point across as strongly as possible.

Thanks in advance, guys and gals.

[grahamhgreen]

1. People are dying for the public option - literally dying. (worked for me)

I would suggest using EXPENSIVE paper & envelope.

[napi21]

2. The other day a congress critter was on a cable show & said

security puts snail mail through so many tests "You're lucky if you get the STAMP!" AFAIK phone calls seem to do best, and emails next. Apparently it takes weeks for snail mail to get through if it ever does.

As to content, I would suggest referring to the Harvard study that shows 45,000 people die in the US because they can't afford to go to the Dr. and by the time they go to the ER it's too late. Also, if they are so against the public option, how do they explain the Post Office, ips & Fedex, all the public & private universities that survive quie well together, public & private elementary schools. The public ooption is the only way to create real competition, and it's an OPTION! If it doesn't do a good job it will fail! If the provate sector ins. cos can't compete, then they have no reason to stay in business!

[optimal-tomato]

4. I think that was McCaskill.

Yeah, I remember that. I might do all three, but I think I'll wait until after the ad runs in Little Rock next week, so as to demonstrate that lefty ads work to mobilize a sleeping base.

[bluestateguy]

3. Cite the most recent Research 2000 poll

Showing 55% of Arkansans supporting the public option.