I have sent the following to:

[irish.lambchop]

Senator Harry Reid 202-224-7327 (fax)

Representative Nancy Pelosi 202-225-8259 (fax) (even though she voted "no")

Representative Steny Hoyer 202-225-4300 (fax)

Representative Rahm Emanuel 202-225-5603 (fax)

Governor Howard Dean, Chairperson
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003


I pledge to send NO contributions to the DNC, DCCC, DLC, or Democratic Representatives that voted “Yes” to fund the Iraq war. When I receive your surveys about what is important to me and your requests for contributions, along with your pre-paid envelopes, I will note “Save lives by ending the funding of this illegal war” and return it in your pre-paid envelopes with NO contribution. We, The People, spoke last November – you did not listen – maybe we can get your attention via your wallets because nothing else seems to be working! I had started to write out the facts for you, but I’m pretty sure you’re aware of them all by now and I’m also pretty sure that you’re aware of the gross incompetence of this current administration. Well, you’ve just aligned yourself with them. I’ll keep this short as I know your time, and attention span, is limited.

[tyedyeto]

1. Excellent

:thumbsup:

[Glimmer of Hope]

2. What a great idea. I just received a DCCC survery and will be sure to add

my only little note w/o a contribution.

[AndyA]

3. I'm honored to give this its 5th Recommendation!

Great letter that gets the message across.

I had a call from the DSCC or DCCC last week, and told them no contributions from me until the Democrats in Congress start doing what we damn well want them to do.

I told them I would donate directly to the candidates of my choice, and it would not include any who voted to continue killing our troops for George Bush's war in Iraq based on lies.

I also told him to tell Nancy Pelosi she needed to put impeachment on the table, or many would be wondering WHY SHE ISN'T CONSIDERING THIS. Is she a partner to these crimes?

The guy calling was pretty much speechless.

[irish.lambchop]

4. Speechless pretty much describes the staffers I spoke with this

as well! They really don't know what to say when you tell them exactly what you think. I think the U.S. needs a Bastille Day - in a symbolic sort of way, of course!

[Martin Eden]

5. Gets right to the point.

recommended

[Neecy]

6. this really does matter and here's why

I just went to opensecrets.org and looked at Harry Reid's last race. Here was his funding breakdown in 2004:

PACs: $2,697,109 (30%)
Individuals: $6,054,822 (68%)
Candidate: $1,000 (0%)
Other: $154,915 (2%)


Congressional races aren't nearly as expensive as Senate races, so I'm focusing here on a few Senate Dems who voted Aye to see how much individual contributions matter vs. PAC money.

Durbin 2002

PACs: $1,763,582 (23%)
Individuals: $5,108,704 (67%)
Candidate: $0 -
Other: $736,045 (10%)

Murray 2004

PACs: $2,100,157 (16%)
Individuals: $10,498,726 (81%)
Candidate: $0 -
Other: $423,552 (3%)

Levin 2004

PACs: $845,729 (16%)
Individuals: $3,662,640 (69%)
Candidate: $0 -
Other: $768,115 (15%)

Feinstein 2006

PACs: $1,816,016 (15%)
Individuals: $9,448,940 (77%)
Candidate: $0 -
Other: $935,722 (8%)

Of course, if we stop contributing to individual candidates who are continuing this war they'll probably just turn to corporate money, but it's still a threat that holds some sway.