HE'S GETTING HOTTER!

Lucas, 
 
It may only be June, but the summer heat is already on in the Bronx, as my campaign for State Senate in the 32^nd Senatorial District  is RAMPING UP and getting HOTTER!

Last week, we started petitioning -- collecting the required number of signatures needed to secure my place on the ballot -- and it is going great. I couldn't be happier with the work we are accomplishing. We have volunteers out in the district every day, meeting voters and talking to people about my campaign to unseat Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr. We are hearing such encouraging words from everyone we meet -- the seniors playing bingo at the local senior center, the moms and dads taking their children to school, and the hard-working people getting off the subway at rush hour.

Please consider making a contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500, or even $1000 to my campaign today. (https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/24093)

If my opponent had his way, New York State government at this very moment would be shut down. Thousands of workers across the state and here in the Bronx would be jobless, and essential day-to-day services would be cut-off. While Rev. Diaz voted against a budget bill that would have kept our state government running, kept workers in their jobs, kept our schools open, and kept our roads and garbage collection functioning in this time of economic crisis, my promise to serve the people of the Bronx with only the highest integrity is resonating with voters. The differences between my opponent and I are clear:

I am a progressive Democrat who will work with, not against my fellow Democrats in the State Senate. This week, my opponent voted again with the Republicans, just like he did last summer when he helped stage a coup of the State Senate, essentially forcing Albany to shut down. He was the only Democrat to vote against the budget bill, which passed by a razor-thin margin, averting a government shutdown.

I strongly support marriage equality and Albany reform. Ruben Diaz, Sr. is the main obstacle to both. 

Refusing to vote for the budget bill, Diaz stated, "I'm telling the whole world . I am in an election year, you can kick me out, you can vote for my opponent, I'm not voting no more." But, he has vowed to continue his outspoken opposition to marriage equality, saying he "cannot accept the sin of homosexual marriage, it is a sin. The Bible condemns homosexuality and the Constitution of the State of New York, for which I am here to protect, also rejects it." 

Please consider making a contribution of $50, $100, $250, $500, or $1000 to my campaign today. (https:secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/24093)

I need your help today to put a stop to the belligerence and the outright bigotry. I need your help to win this race and defeat my opponent in the Democratic primary.

Your support in this crucial election will allow us to keep working hard for the people of the Bronx and New York State. Please consider a contribution to make this hopeful new era possible by clicking here now. (https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/24093)

To date, my campaign has been proudly endorsed by the following individuals and organizations: Democracy for New York City (DFNYC), Marriage Equality New York PAC (MENY PAC), Stonewall Democrats, the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, the NYC-LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and New York City Council Member Rosie Mendez. 

Together, with all our friends and supporters, we will be victorious on September 14^th, 2010.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Please consider forwarding this to your like-minded friends and colleagues.

All my best,

Charlie

P.S. If you would like to get involved in our grassroots campaign or have questions or comments about our campaign, please feel free to call me at our campaign headquarters at (718) 874-3644 or simply respond to this email.