[December 20, 2010] Three Reasons to Contribute before the end of 2010:
The legislative session is about to start, and because of the legislative budget cuts, I need to do something I have never done before, I will need to use some campaign funds to supplement the legislative budget so I can continue to respond to constituent comments and needs. Your contribution to Friends of Phil Barnhart may mean that a bill passes that would not otherwise, or than some serious constituent issue gets the attention it needs.
The campaign also needs funds to keep the state-wide campaign office open, recruit candidates for other House districts around the state, and otherwise start preparing for 2012. Early preperation is critical to our future success. When Jeff Merkley took over as Minority Leader in 2003, we did not have an ongoing campaign. He changed that and Democrats began winning. By 2007 we were in the majority and were able to start reversing decades of Republican mismanagement. We need to continue the efforts he began and I have been involved in ever since.
Finally, more than 14 out of 15 Oregonians have not yet used their Oregon Political Tax credit for 2010. You may be one of those. If you owe income taxes in Oregon you are entitled to give $50 as an individual or $100 filing jointly to a PAC like Friends of Phil Barnhart and subtract that $50 or $100 directly from your taxes due. If you make a contribution of up to that amount before January 1, Oregon will pay you back dollar for dollar when you file your income tax return next year. A small effort now can help fund our campaign efforts without costing you anything in the long run.
Your support has never been more important. Please contribute whatever you can afford: $250, $100, $50, $25?
Together we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Phil Barnhart
