Dear Friend,

..> ..>"Devastating." That's the word used by Republican House member Ray LaHood, a member known for being one of the few Republicans who tells the truth, said in response to the mounting number of Republicans who are calling it quits.

So far, 29 Republicans have thrown in the towel -- the highest number in 50 years. We've got to fill the open seats fleeing Republicans are leaving vacant with tough, change-oriented Democrats.

To make sure open seats in Congress lead to big change for America, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched an all-out Open to Change Campaign. We are just $76,000 away from our goal of $300,000 before our February deadline. We need your urgent contribution to put us over the top and if you contribute today it will be matched by House Democrats.

Contribute to our Open to Change Campaign and your gift will be matched.

Frustrated Republicans are tripping over one another as they head for the exits. Who can blame them? If they face the voters again, they'll have to explain why they stood loyally behind Bush and Cheney through all the failed policies, misguided priorities, and outright incompetence.

Right now, the DCCC is actively recruiting candidates, training staff, organizing volunteers and conducting issues research in open seats that hold the promise of Democratic victory in November. With your help, our Open to Change Campaign can have a powerful impact.

Let's turn our energy into victory. Make a matched gift to the Open to Change Campaign.

2008 is shaping up as a contest between Republican despair and Democratic energy. With your help, our Open to Change Campaign can harness that energy, turning it into broad victories that strengthen the Democratic majority in the House.

We've got the Republicans on the run. Let's keep it that way.

On to victory,

Paul Begala

Dear Friend,

..> ..>I believe the 2008 elections can truly transform American politics -- but only if we have the courage to act. We have to think big again, taking on fundamental issues like poverty and challenging injustice at every turn. And we have to seize every opportunity to move beyond politics as usual.

Today, I'm writing to alert you to 29 such opportunities -- that's the stunning number of Republicans in the House of Representatives who have decided not to run for re-election in 2008.

They've stood in our way and now they're standing down. And we've got an incredible chance to replace them with strong Democratic leaders who will help end the war, achieve universal health care, challenge poverty, and reduce global warming.

Donate $30 or more to the 2008 Open to Change Campaign and your gift will be matched.

You and I know that we've got to put the White House in Democratic hands this year. But, we've also got to strengthen our hold on Congress -- breaking the ability that special interests still have to throw obstacles in the path of progress. Friend, your activism has helped put Democrats in a strong position. And in order to seize this historic opportunity, I'm asking you to step forward and stand together with our strong Democratic candidates so we can celebrate Democratic victories.

That's what the 2008 Open to Change Campaign is all about. The skilled, savvy and committed political organizers at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have developed a detailed plan. With our help, they can turn open seats into big changes.

Donate $30 or more to the 2008 Open to Change Campaign and your gift will be matched.

I've seen it firsthand. I know how eager the American people are to take our government back and lead our country in a new direction. As a DCCC supporter, you've long been in the forefront of this movement for change. And now you can help recruit, train, support and sustain strong Democratic candidates -- people who can win the seats that running for the hills Republicans have left open to change.

These kinds of open seat opportunities don't happen every day. Let's make the most of it.

Sincerely,

John Edwards