Busby Raising Money Off Of Sheriff's Department Raid Against Fundraising Event
Democratic House candidate Francine Busby (CA-50) has now sent out a new fundraising e-mail for the final day of the second quarter, trying to make lemonade out of her fundraiser from this past weekend, which ended when the San Diego Sheriff's Department raided the event and after somebody -- believed to have been a heckler who had shouted anti-gay slurs at the assembled crowd -- called in a noise complaint against the Dem event.
"It's the 11th hour to show that you have the courage and the commitment to stand with me against the strong forces that are gathering against us," Busby writes.
The fundraiser ended with a homeowner being arrested, and multiple people being pepper-sprayed. The deputies went all out, too, going so far as to bring in a helicopter to deal with a crowd of middle-aged Dems raising money for a local candidate!
"So what am I going to do about this travesty? Fight harder. Fight for the truth. Fight to defend our civil rights. Fight to defend free speech and Democracy," Busby adds (emphasis in the original). "I am going to fight even harder to stop this hateful intimidation. I hope that I can count on you to fight this battle with me."
Full e-mail after the jump. Special thanks to TPM reader SG.
Dear Freinds, (sic)
It's one thing to have an outstanding fundraiser. It's another to have an outrageous fundraiser.
In case you haven't heard, a politically motivated phone call and an over-reaction by a deputy sheriff sent a violent message across San Diego County and the national news wires, that Francine Busby's campaign is drawing serious right-wing fire. The crank who spewed hateful, obscenities during my remarks is likely the same "neighbor" who called in the phony noise complaint during my fundraiser on Friday, June 30. Word is that he is boasting about his great work!
The evening ended with innocent people being injured by pepper-spray, handcuffed and traumatized. The hostess was forcefully arrested and spent the night in jail for asking a deputy why he needed her date of birth! Taxpayers should be outraged that a helicopter, at least 6 deputies, firefighters, paramedics, a canine unit were sent for an incident that was absolutely unnecessary and avoidable. In fact, the complaint was about noise that didn't exist at 9:30 PM, before any noise ordinance takes effect. Click here to read my account and click here to read the official statement released by fundraiser hosts, Shari Barman and Jane Stratton. It's the 11th hour to show that you have the courage and the commitment to stand with me against the strong forces that are gathering against us. It's also the 11th hour for you to join with over 650 supporters to help me reach my goal of raising $200,000 by tomorrow. Don't rely on others to do this. I need YOUR support to show that we have what it takes to fight and win. I am asking you to please go to www.busbyforcongress.com now, before Tuesday's deadline expires.
I would have asked you sooner, but this violent disruption distracted me from working to achieve this important campaign goal. I've been speaking out for truth and defending our civil rights on every TV station, radio, newspaper and blog that I could possibly reach.
So what am I going to do about this travesty? Fight harder. Fight for the truth. Fight to defend our civil rights. Fight to defend free speech and Democracy. I am going to fight even harder to stop this hateful intimidation. I hope that I can count on you to fight this battle with me. This incident was instigated by a caller who complained of my "Democratic Demonstration" according to Sheriff's deputies. Democrats, or anyone who believes in democracy, should be outraged and stand up for what is right.
Please make your online contribution today, or click here to download a contribution form to fax in. Call us to pick up your check... or bring it by (Call 760 632-9080). Your contribution will show that you aren't afraid to stand with me. I hope that this shot across the bow has strengthened your resolve as it has mine.
Tuesday is the last day to meet my goal of raising $200,000. Now...we are at the 11th hour. So please. If you have the courage and stamina to fight with me, please go to www.busbyforcongress.com right now and make a contribution before Tuesday's deadline - midnight!
Thank you for your continued support,
Francine
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Nice! Think I'll send her a few bucks myself!
June 30, 2009 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Busby's ActBlue page: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/22072
June 30, 2009 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I received the email this morning. (Was sent last night.)
I voted for Francine. I campaigned for her last time and during the special election. I've contributed to her campaign.
That said - I found it kind of tacky to use this incident for fundraising. But I guess you have to do what you have to do. If it helps get Bilbray out - then all is good. But my initial reaction was that it was tacky.
June 30, 2009 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah by all means it makes no sense to use an outrageous incident like this to raise money.
I guess she should just forget about it, and not take advantage of a situation where she now has fired up supporters looking to make a statement with their checkbooks.
I would be interested in what your idea of appropriate ways to handle fund raising would include?
June 30, 2009 1:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't say she shouldn't do it. I just expressed what my initial reaction was. I'm probably not the only person who supports her but felt that way. I'm sorry if my reaction offended you.
As I said - I've contributed to her campaign(s). I've worked on her campaign(s). And I've voted for her. I'll vote for her this time.
June 30, 2009 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your response did not offend me, it just struck me as the kind of thing that you see from some Democrats who seem to think losing honorably is better than winning honorably.
and that somehow turning an outrageous event into a way to harness support is just icky.
I will never understand that mindset, and can't for my life imagine such a rationale for deliberately hurting yourself when you actually turn something awful to your advantage.
June 30, 2009 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Words of wisdom:
"Every good politician is an opportunist."
June 30, 2009 2:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a different city, but somehow I'm reminded of how the police conducted themselves during the Republican convention last year. It seemed the county sheriff was behind much of that misbehavior too.
June 30, 2009 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink