Brian Beutler June 28, 2010, 10:57 AM

In a bid to keep pace with House Republicans, Democrats are sending supporters a fundraising letter from former Vice President Al Gore, who’s been under media scrutiny for several days after the National Enquirer brought to light an allegation, first raised last year, that Gore sexually assaulted a hotel masseuse in 2006.

“After eight years of the Bush-Cheney administration, America is now beset with major challenges: A massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, an economic downturn that has put good people out of work, and a crisis that I have dedicated my life to solving — global warming,” the DCCC letter reads. “And yet, Republicans are asking for another turn at the wheel.”

I’ve confirmed the authenticity of the letter, and am told that Gore signed off on it, making it in essence his first public statement since the allegations were disclosed. Of course, it’s common for both Democrats and Republicans to use surrogates in fundraising pitches, and Gore no doubt still enjoys a great deal of support among Democratic voters. And obviously Gore hasn’t been charged with, tried for, or convicted of anything. But it’s hard to deny that the recent news makes him a lightning rod.

You can read the entire email below the fold.

Friend —

We Can’t Go Back
After eight years of the Bush-Cheney administration, America is now beset with major challenges: A massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, an economic downturn that has put good people out of work, and a crisis that I have dedicated my life to solving — global warming.

And yet, Republicans are asking for another turn at the wheel.

House Republicans are actually campaigning on the promise to bring back the same failed policies and put in place some of the very same leaders that created this mess in the first place. And they are deadly serious.

The sobering truth is that the Republican Party has banked millions of dollars and they have the support of highly motivated members who will turn up at the polls in November. Our June 30th FEC deadline is just 48 hours away and Democrats are just $164,774 away from their goal to match the GOP’s unprecedented fundraising effort. House Democrats must have a strong showing.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

The stakes of the November election are so high that a group of committed Democrats has pledged to match your contribution 2-to-1 if you respond before Midnight Wednesday.

Simply put, a contribution in the DCCC is the best investment you can make right now in America’s future. And, we have no time to lose.

It’s clear to me the DCCC has the political experience and technical know-how to take on Republicans and win. Their record of winning 50 seats since taking back the House majority in 2006 shows they can win when they have the financial resources to compete.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

America’s future depends, more than you may realize, on the outcome of this midterm election. President Obama needs a strong Democratic Majority in the House to help move his agenda for America forward.

I hope I can count on your support. Please let me hear from you before Wednesday’s deadline.

Thank you,

Al Gore

Al Gore, DCCC, Democrats, Republicans