This is an unusual request but I'm making it on behalf of a friend who I strongly believe in.

Russ Patterson is running for the Democratic nomination in Florida's 60th legislative district.  The election isn't until next year of course but he needs your help now to take this seat from the Republicans.  A critical fundraising deadline looms in his race.

Russ is a retired career military man.  Since leaving the military he has focused most of his energy on liberal politics and endeavors.  He is a man of stellar character, strong liberal Democratic convictions and you can be sure he would never be coopted by the money and power of corporations or the wealthy.  In short, he is exactly the sort of person we need in public office these days.  I would say he is not unlike some of the other retired military people we've seen lately standing up as progressive Democrats and helping lead our country back to the path it needs to be on. 

He has a very good chance of winning this district for the Democrats for the first time particularly if he meets his fundraising goal in the next two days.  If he does that, the Democratic Party will pour significant resources into his district to help him win the election.

I would urge everyone at TPM to help Russ with a donation right away so that he meets that fundraising goal.  Any size donation will be a great help.  I donated $100 to his campaign already.  Please join me in helping Russ.

I know Russ Patterson well.  He is a fine man, hard worker, honest as the day is long and will be a strong advocate for all the causes and principles progressives hold dear.

His is a grass roots campaign and he needs the support of every progressive out there.  Russ is precisely the sort of Democrat we need to see more of in public office and though it isn't a big, sexy, federal race; this is one where your assistance will make a huge difference.  You can learn more about him by visiting his website at:

http://russforus.com/index.php?/main/home

You can donate directly to his campaign on the website or you can go directly to the donate page here:

https://www.russforus.com/main/donate

Thanks to all TPMers who answer this call for help!