Sarah here, Citizen Action Manager at Working Assets. I'm currently writing to you from Vermillion, South Dakota -- where I just got done putting together the precinct packets that volunteers hoping to overturn this state's near-complete ban on abortion will use to walk turf in temperatures dipping down into the teens. It's after midnight now Thursday night, but I'm staying here at the campaign headquarters a little while longer because I feel it's important for you to know how things are going out here.

This campaign is in the final stretch now, and every dollar we get will be spent making sure our message is heard loud and clear.

Now, let me tell you about what I'm seeing here in South Dakota. This is one of the most impressive campaigns I've ever seen. Something tells me that when Governor Mike Rounds signed the most restrictive abortion ban in the nation, he had no idea that he was inspiring a movement. As with any campaign, there are people who dropped their lives in other parts of the country to live in Sioux Falls for four months. But, the local talent is what's driving this campaign. Yesterday in Sioux Falls, I met two young men -- South Dakota natives -- who recently returned from tours of duty in Iraq. Now they're fighting for the cause of women's health. And in Vermillion, I'm working with a woman who will graduate from the University of South Dakota late -- she's only taking 6 credits this semester so that she can work (more than full time) for the campaign.

This team is dedicated and talented and I think they can pull this off -- but a few things are making us nervous.

• Anti-abortion zealots -- including some with criminal records and a history of carrying guns -- have come to town and are targeting the local clinic as well as the Campaign for Healthy Families' headquarters. As a result, the campaign has had to hire security to try to ensure the safety of their staff and volunteers.
• The campaign finance reporting period that ended October 28th showed that the opposition has a fundraising edge of about $300,000 that they'll probably use to air television ads claiming the ban actually does contain exceptions for rape and incest victims -- which is an outright lie.
• The cost of buying television ads in Sioux Falls has skyrocketed since the start of the campaign season -- and we simply have to be on the air in the critical last days of this campaign to reach the voters who are still undecided.

This ban was specifically designed to be a Supreme Court challenge to Roe v. Wade. In fact, an anonymous right-wing donor has already pledged $1 million to finance the legal battle against Roe.

But, there is reason for optimism. The campaign is doing well. Polls show a majority of South Dakota voters disagree with the ban. And the campaign has mounted a massive grassroots effort. Despite the increased cost of media, this is still one of the most cost-effective places to make a difference in this year's election. I know it's the end of a long campaign season, and most of you have already done a lot. In fact, the Working Assets community was one of the biggest sources of funds for this campaign. You've already donated about $120,000 to this battle by contributing through your phone bill and online. We're approaching the end of this race. Please consider making a generous contribution to help the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families make a strong finish.

Please share this message with everyone you know -- friends, family, and colleagues -- who is interested in protecting reproductive rights and stopping the anti-choice zealots.

It is very cold here in South Dakota, but the spirit and dedication of the people involved in this campaign has warmed my heart. Thank you for helping to make a victory here possible.

Sincerely,

Sarah Clusen Buecher
Citizen Action Manager
Working Assets

P.S. -- If you'd like to view the campaign's latest TV ad, click here.