Friend,

Last night radical opponents of equality scored another victory in Maine. This defeat marks the second time in just over a year that right-wing extremists successfully took away the freedom to marry from states that had previously granted these liberties. These same extremists pledged to take away marriage equality in Iowa.

We cannot afford another setback! Help us make Iowa the firewall and reach our 100-contributor goal by 5 p.m. Friday.

With only weeks to go before the beginning of the 2010 legislative session, we are stretching our funds to the max. Our seven organizers have planned 17 public forums across the state to help us spread our message. Just like the presidential candidates who crisscross our state every four years, we know our success or failure depends on meeting face to face with Iowans in their own communities.

Against the backdrop of these forums is a crop of anti-gay gubernatorial candidates who vow to take away these freedoms. Bob Vander Plaats, a leading contender, is proposing an executive order that would bar the door to same-sex couples seeking to marry. He calls it the "Foundation Proclamation", a self-absorbed and demeaning reference to Abraham Lincoln's "Emancipation Proclamation" that freed slaves. Another candidate, Rod Roberts, is using his campaign to urge voters to oust the Iowa Supreme Court Justices who ruled in favor of marriage equality.

Help us answer their hateful stump speeches. Iowa, standing alone in the Heartland, can be the crucial firewall that defies anti-gay activists.

Your contribution today, however large or small, helps us reach our goal of 100 contributors. One thing is clear -- the opposition won't let up and neither will we.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Jenison
Executive Director

P.S. As the new year approaches, we are having to make tough choices about the size and scope of our campaign. Your contribution can help us achieve all our objectives and prepare us for the coming onslaught by extremist gubernatorial candidates. Please make a contribution today!