T,tMMY B,tLDwIN

Dear Friend,

I still remember the words of the pundits

and old guard political insiders.

They said, "You're too progressive. You're a woman. And you're a lesbian."
When I heard comlnents like these, it would only strengthen my resohre to flght for my beliefs, no matter what the political consequences.

hardqn-

And when I shocked the so-called experts in 1998 by becoming the first openly gay person elected to Congress, it was a historic victory.
Now, I'm beginning another historic campaign.

And I need you to be a part of it.

That's why I'm reaching out to progressive Democrats nationwide and asking for your help - whether it's a contribution of $35, $50 or even $100 - to supportmy 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in Wisconsin.

I'm running for the Senate to continue the fight for middle have an armv of lobbvists to protect their interests.

class Americans who don't

I'm strongly committed to issues like greater economic opportunity for working families ... universal health care ... a woman's right to choose ... and equal rights and civil liberties for
eveay-rRemtef-oforrrso-cioty,-no-malrerwhartheirracE;TelEioll, gendor;'<rrsexriatorienrafioT.
When Wisconsin's governor attacked state workers and their job rights, I proudly marched shoulder-to-shoulder with these hard-working public servants. As you know, some Democrats are reluctant to take a stand on these issues because they fear the political fallout. On the other side of the aisle, our opponents never miss an opportunity to claim people like me are responsible for all of society's ills.

(over, please)

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But, I won't give in to the cautious voices that claim we should sidestep the tough issues to avoid giving our opponents a political advantage. This determination to do what's right and stand on principle has earned me the respect of voters of all political stripes. Public opinion polls show there's broad backing for my 2012 Senate candidacy.

I enjoy support from all spectrum, left, right and center.

areas of Wisconsin, and from people across the

political

That said, my eyes are wide open about what kind of campaign this will be. Backed by big spending special interests. my opponents will do everything in their power to convince voters that I'm out-of-step with Wisconsin families. You see, in Wisconsin's 2010 Senate election, interest groups friendly to the GOP outspent Democrats more than 18 to 1. These organizations - which can't stand the thought of someone like me in the Senate - are certain to attack my candidacy.

Like you, I believe we can't let our opponents and their smear campaigns distract from the real issues facing our country.
Across Wisconsin and all across America, the middle class is facing tough times.
Jobs are hard to find.

Many homes are worth less today than just a few years ago. Americans are wondering if they'll ever be able to save enough to retire.
Parents wonder

if their children will

have the same opportunities they had.

People across Wisconsin tell me story after story about how they, their families and their communities have been hurt by the economy.

They feel like no one cares.

Like no one is fighting for them.

That's why I'm running for Senate - to amplif,v and strengthen the voices of seniors" working families and the middle class - people who have been ignored by politicians more interested in protecting Big Oil and Wall Street. (next page, please)

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But to take our fight for the middle class to the U.S. Senate. I need your immediate and
generous financial support.

When I first decided to run for public office at the age of 24, it raised plenty of eyebrows. Back then, nobody thought somebody like me stood much of a chance.

But with help from people of conviction like you, I proved them wrong.

By sticking to my principles and beliefs, I was elected to the board of supervisors in Wisconsin's second largest county. I served on the Madison, Wisconsin city council. And voters rewarded me with three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
-WhcnTwas-etecTeato CongrSs inT998ll didffi waste any time in taking on the powers-that-be. When Wall Street and the big banks pressured Congress to throw out the long-standing protections that prevented risky financial practices. I was one of the few who warned of the consequences and voted no. When President Bush and most of offlcial Washington were rushing to war with Iraq, I refused to blow with the political winds and opposed military action.
Today, I believe we can help the middle class by getting out ofAfghanistan and using the savings to createjobs, strengthen education and invest in health care.

Taking a stand on issues like these often means that I'm at odds with the political establishment and powerful special interest groups. The truth is, that's familiar territory for me.

the @member-the*.epublicansand holding me up as the ultimate symbol of America's moral decline.

They use me as a lightning rod to rally their supporters.

ies on the far-right have

And they come after me with every kind of personal attack you can imagine. In fundraising letters and on internet message boards, my opponents pull no punches:
oppose your lifestyle, Representative Baldwin. It is unhealthy, unfulfilling and murderous to the male population among you and it is also well documented to be unhealthy and unfulfilling for women too."

"I

(over, please)

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'oTammy Baldwin

Radical, lesbian, socialist, anti-Constitutionalist!"

continue to pray that Representative Baldwin will abandon her selflsh, immoral ways."

"I

It's a sad commentary that slurs like these are part of the political debate. As a matter of principle, I won't remain silent in the face of this bigotry.
Each time that I'm targeted by one of our opponents ... whether it's a righrwing politician or a so-called "family values" organization ... it only strengthens my determination to campaign harder for the things that you and I believe in.
We believe in an America Where the middle class gets a fair shake, and where Wa1I Street and powerful corporations play by the same rules as the rest of us.

We believe in an America where retirement security and keeping our promise to senior citizens is an unshakable part of the social contract. We believe in an America where our children have access to the best public education,

from pre-school through college.

We believe in an America where moms and dads can get quality health care for their families, regardless of their employment status.

And we believe in an America where every citizen has the same civil rights. with
no exceptions.
To be an outspoken advocate for our values, I need help from Democrats like you who believe we need my progressive voice in the U.S. Senate.

Thank you so much for responding today with your contribution. I'11be watching closely for your reply, and I look forward to welcoming you as my newest supporter.

Sincerelv. /)

7-{5"!tn
Baldwin
P.S.

Start-up money is a big part of every new campaign. When you're running a statewide race for the U.S. Senate, it's doubly important. That's why I need Democrats like you to come through for me today. Please let me know that you're in my corner by making a generous contribution, and thank you.