A Message from Niki Tsongas

I’m excited and grateful
for this unique opportunity to talk directly with ActBlue’s community
about why I used ActBlue’s online tools in my campaign and how online
activism is making the difference in our country and in my high stakes
Special Election for Congress in the Massachusetts Fifth.

Our campaign joined up with
ActBlue on day one, not just because it is a great solution, but because
the concept of community is changing so rapidly.  People are organizing
in so many new and powerful ways. Community is no longer simply those
who we live near, work with, or interact with face to face, but now
is also those we share beliefs with half way across the country or all
the way around the world. 

ActBlue has empowered Democrats
and the progressive community to not only connect, but to take action.   
The impact has already been profound—on my race and others—and yet
I expect we have only seen the beginning of how much we can change the
direction of our nation.  And it is this type of change that is
at stake in my congressional race.  Specifically, change in Iraq.

George Bush and my Republican
opponent, Jim Ogonowski, both believe the Iraq war is heading in the
right direction. If they get their way, we’ll continue to face an open-ended,
indefinite, ongoing commitment of our troops.  I, like so many
of you, fundamentally disagree with this approach. 

We need a new direction in
Iraq, and I believe the best way to bring our servicemen and women home
quickly, safely, and responsibly is to set a timetable, forcing the
Iraqi government to take responsibility for their future.

Like so many Republicans
that keep our troops in danger, my Republican opponent is blurring the
language around the war and failing to pressure the president. 
This is  a deliberate strategy—one pointed out by Chris Bowers
over on OpenLeft and
Charley on the Massachusetts blog Blue Mass Group.

Republican Jim Ogonowski
may have learned this when he attended the National Republican Congressional
Committee’s training session in May where Karl Rove was prominently
featured. 

But I’m clear on my views
and not fooled by double speak, and my supporters and I are using the
advances in technology to create a visible community of people committed
to bringing the troops home.

Now I know many of you are
thinking that this race is an easy win for Democrats.  But let
me be clear, it is not.  The Fifth is and has been Massachusetts’
most independent district.  It has gone Republican in numerous
statewide elections, including for Mitt Romney in 2002. 

My race is the only special
election for Congress happening this month.  As such, it represents
a unique opportunity for all of us to come together and send a clear
message: we need to elect more Democrats and we want a timetable for
withdrawal for our troops and an end to this war.

I’ve encouraged all my supporters
to join me in setting up an ActBlue page to support my candidacy and
to call for an end the war.  Please join us.

ActBlue has been a powerful
tool for my race, and I expect it to be a powerful tool for the upcoming
2008 Elections as well.  Let’s send a message about our priorities
in this country.

Thank you for your consideration
and time.

Thank you to ActBlue.

Thank you or all you have
done and continue to do.

Warmest Regards,                  
Niki Tsongas                  
Democratic Nominee for Congress