In 2006 Gretchen Clearwater ran against Baron Hill because of his pro-war stance. He said "I was lied to" and "I can win" and beat Gretchen in the primary. Now many people who voted for him are looking for an alternative. In 2006 the Clearwater campaign raised $15,000, had 1/2 staff except for the last 2 months, and made 15% even though two minor candidates got about 4% each and even though we didn't get to much of the very large district. (37% in the county where most of the volunteers were active)

In 2008, if Gretchen runs, she will raise serious money, hire professional staff, and run to win. She'll decide in September. Hearing that there was financial support might help her make the move. Gretchen's positions: in 2006, she was anti-war, pro-peace, pro-civil liberties, pro-voting reform, pro-choice, pro-marriage (any two people should have the right to marry), pro-environment and pro-sanity. And, having grown up in Africa as a white American, she deeply recognizes the racism in this country.

She's lived her adult life right here in Southern Indiana, and she fits in; people like her regardless of their political point of view. Please help Gretchen Clearwater with early support. The Republicans targeted this district last time; they think they own it. We'd like to show them wrong.

This was an unsolicited contribution.

Shodo Spring former campaign manager, Clearwater for Congress

I hadn't read the "aggressive progressive" description before writing the above post. Gretchen qualifies.

We need more people like Gretchen.