Roberti: Menace Looms Over 5th District Race, So Send Money Now.

Candidates are throwing out all sorts of pitches at prospective donors in the frantic hours before the 2nd quarter fundraising period ends on Thursday. The differ in some ways but share one theme: Hurry!

Fifth District Democrat Dan Roberti writes,  “Republicans have named this seat one of their top pickup opportunities in 2012 and Karl Rove’s shadowy outside groups have already raised millions of dollars that can be used to help them take it back. We can’t leave any doubt that we will have the resources necessary to defend this seat and win next November, which is why I need your help today!We are only $8,000 away from meeting our grassroots fundraising goal; can you contribute before midnight on June 30th?If we want to take back the House in 2012, we need to ensure that Connecticut’s 5th District stays Democratic and I need your help to show that I am the candidate in the strongest position. June 30th is a critical deadline for our campaign and an important test of our campaign’s strength.Click here to rush $25, $100, $250 or the most you can give before June 30th.We have a big goal to reach and every dollar matters but I am confident that with your support we will continue to run a strong campaign.”

Republican Mike Clark, also competing in the 5th, avoids the menace and offers a message of cool competence.  Campaign email declares. “Mike Clark has shown outstanding initiative and achievement in each phase of his life.   He has served our nation as a highly decorated FBI Special Agent, enjoyed a successful career in private industry with one of Connecticut’s finest corporations, and has had the honor of being elected as the chief elected official in Farmington.  He has the experience, integrity and proven leadership skills to serve the citizens in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District as their representative in the U. S. House of Representatives.”

Democrat William Tong sounds as discouraged as the voters he’s been meeting.  Team Tong set a puny internet fundraising goal of $15,000 and they are only 2/3 of the way there.  Nevertheless, he says, “In May, I announced my candidacy for the U.S. Senate because we need to get our confidence back. For the first time in my life, people have been telling me that they don’t think they can do better for themselves, their families and their children. I am running because I know that they can. The field needs to be leveled, and more opportunities need to be created, but the American Dream is possible.” He won’t get to the Democratic state convention next spring, let alone the United States Senate, if such a modest fundraising number is his goal.  He wouldn’t be making that up, would he?