Attack Ads, Polls, and the D.C. Republican Crowd

"Letter to Editor"

10/31/2006

October 31, 2006

Dear Friend:

The University of Minnesota poll on Monday indicated that we are six-points ahead (45-39).  The St. Cloud State University poll this morning indicates that we are ten-points ahead (49-39).  The Pioneer Press “Mason Dixon” poll this morning indicates that we have a two-point lead (44-42).  Our own internal poll, out of the field last night, indicates that we have a six-point lead (48-42).

While these polls seem like good news, the reality is that Karl Rove and his Washington cohorts have now put both feet in this race.  Today, a group of D.C. Republicans based in Alexandria, Virginia took out $500,000 in television commercials (this is an extremely heavy buy) which are chuck full of lies and distortions.  While we could sue this group for violations of the Fair Campaign Practices Act, it is not likely that such a lawsuit could stop the commercials within the next six days.

The only recourse I have is to respond to this heavily financed attack, hopefully with positive ads.  To do this, I need money, and I need it quickly so I can buy the television time.

It would be a shame for the Republicans to buy this election.  The campaign finance reports filed this week show that Tim Pawlenty raised 50% (one million dollars!) more than me, and that he will be spending this money in the final week.  While yesterday he ran a positive ad, this evening he is back in the mud, probably looking at the poll results and listening to his Washington handlers.

If you can spare any money, now is the time to make one more contribution.  My contribution limit is $1,000.  We can win, but only if I can counter the mud slinging.

Thank you again for all of your help.  Please help me one more time!

Sincerely,

Mike Hatch


A GROUP OF D.C. REPUBLICANS JUST BOUGHT
$500,000.00
IN TV ADS TO ATTACK ME.

I NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP MORE THAN EVER!

ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT!!!