Lucas --
Unbelievable!
The 1st quarter FEC numbers are out and you helped us raise an incredible $19.6 million in the first three months of 2011 -- outpacing our Republican counterparts by an astounding $1.5 million!
In the first big deadline of this election cycle, you showed the world that grassroots Democrats are as strong and united as we've ever been to fight against the Republicans' extreme agenda.
National media outlets are taking notice -- just check out some of these headlines:
USA TODAY: House Democrats raise $19.6M in first quarter, surpassing Republicans
The DCCC received the most online contributions in its history March 31, the final day of the first quarter. The second-best online fundraising day came April 8, which the DCCC calls "the day Republicans nearly shut down the government to pursue their radical social agenda." Those funds are not included in the first-quarter results.
NY TIMES: House Democrats Win First-Quarter Money Battle
The Congressional campaign committees for both parties have been racing to shore up their financial positions ahead of next year's election -- and so far, the Democrats seem to be off to a faster start.
POLITICO: DCCC posts fundraising haul
The Democratic Congressional Campaign committee took in an eyebrow-raising $19.6 million in the first three months of the year and cut its debt by more than half, giving them a leg up over their newly empowered GOP colleagues.
On behalf of the DCCC, I can't thank you enough for your record-breaking support. Your dollars allow us to hold Republicans accountable through aggressive Rapid Response and ad campaigns to expose Republicans' misplaced priorities.
The fight against the Republicans' extreme agenda doesn't stop here. With your continued support, we will stay on offense against the Republicans' radical right-wing agenda to support Big Oil, special interests, and the ultra wealthy over the middle class, families, and seniors.
You're making the difference. And for that I can't thank you enough.
Rep. Steve Israel
DCCC Chairman