Progressives probably find this to be quaint – Ann Marie Buerkle raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars this year by visiting every town in her district. She went out and talked to the people she would like to represent. Here’s her press release:
Syracuse, New York – Republican and Conservative candidate for U.S. Congress Ann Marie Buerkle has raised $245,000 overall in 2010. She raised $129,000 in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
“From the start, this campaign has been focused on restoring a voice to the frustrated residents of Upstate New York. They are concerned with the current direction of our country,” said Ann Marie. “I have visited with citizens from every town in the district, building grassroots support and organizing unprecedented energy,” she added.
“In addition to local support, our campaign has also been gaining national momentum,” noted Ann Marie. Buerkle received Sarah Palin’s endorsement on Monday July 12th, 2010.
“Dan Maffei is what is wrong with Washington,” said Ann Marie, “all he does is raise money and vote with Nancy Pelosi. Our district deserves more from its leaders.”
“Unlike my opponent, I have not relied on Washington special interests to raise money, but have harnessed grassroots support, 94% of our donations coming from individuals,” said Ann Marie.
Congressman Dan Maffei is holding another DC fundraiser this Thursday morning. “Most of the people in our district can’t afford these $2000-a-ticket type events,” said Ann Marie, “they are overburdened with oppressive taxation and regulations that plague Upstate New York’s economy.”
“Dan Maffei’s fundraising machine and lack of grassroots support continues to prove that he represents Washington and special interests, not the people in the 25th District,” added Buerkle.
Dan Maffei’s fundraising does come from special interests, and he has a huge war chest. If you’re so inclined, please consider making a donation to the Buerkle campaign, as I do believe it would be money well spent. Maffei hasn’t even started spending money yet in our district. When he does I expect a barrage of attack ads against Ann Marie.
As a side note – I came this close to meeting Ann Marie Buerkle in person this evening. If you’re a regular reader, you already know I have two young sons. I received an email saying that she would be at the Valley Field Days, which is only about 10 minutes or so from my house. It wasn’t hard to talk the kids into going there since they have rides. The problem – Wednesday is Mr. LC’s golf league, so it was just me and the boys. I had $30 in my pocket and promised they could go on a few rides. I paid $20 for ride tickets, which didn’t take long for the kids to use up. They asked to go on more rides, but I told them I only had enough money to buy us each a soda. (Yeah, every so often I allow the kids to have an Orange Crush or a Sprite – so sue me!)
The political festivities were winding down as we made our way over to the area with food and beverages. As I was ordering our cold drinks, the Buerkle campaign people, and Ann Marie Buerkle herself, walked past. The gentleman who was serving us reminded me of a World War II vet – which he very well may have been – and I thought it would be rude to run off and introduce myself in the middle of our very pleasant transaction. (He even refused a tip.)
Oh well, there’s always the next time. She’s been quite responsive, and I doubt if I were to request an in person meeting that she would refuse. But I know she’s even busier than I am, she has an election to win. With her campaign office right down the street, and her accommodating staff, I’m sure we’ll meet between now and November.
Tags: ann marie buerkle, donate, meet, Syracuse, Valley Field Days
Recent Comments