I just got a phone call

Dark money floods SD19

I wasn't going to send a "fundraising" email today because you're all getting inundated as it is. 

But then, just a couple of hours ago, my phone rang. On the other end, a voice from our community, breathless with urgency after a disturbing call of their own.

"I just got off the phone with someone conducting a survey. They asked me my opinion about you and your opponent," the voice trembled.

As I listened, spoon frozen mid-air above the dog bowl, the realization chilled me more than the word 'survey' itself.

Months ago, I cautioned you about the dark money poised to flood our district in favor of my opponent. Today, the floodgates cracked open.

They continued: "All the questions painted your opponent in a positive light. Then they started to ask questions about you."

"And what did they say?" I pressed, heart sinking.

"Well, first off, the caller didn't say where your opponent was from but made sure to emphasize that you are a first-generation American and your family is from Nigeria. It sounded very racist. Then they said lies about your voting record."

I could only respond, "good thing you already know me."

"Yes. It felt like they wanted me to know that you are Black. They wouldn't say who was paying for this bullshit survey."

These biased surveys are funded by dark money, hidden funds aimed at influencing elections without transparency.

They seek to shape public opinion under the guise of neutrality, while secretly advancing the interests of anonymous donors. Dark money can sway voters under the radar, eroding fair political competition.

It's time to get to work. We are in a strong position, but we can’t let this go unanswered.

I am asking you to help us fund our response.

We will respond with a positive message via knocking doors and speaking with residents personally.

Together, let's stand against the darkness seeking to cloud our district's bright future.