re: dinner with barack

Matthew --

Refusing money from PACs and Washington lobbyists makes this campaign different in one very important respect.

We are not beholden to anyone but you.

We've rejected the traditional Washington fundraising strategy -- including countless dinners hosted by lobbyists -- and put our trust in millions of Americans owning a piece of this campaign.

Senator Clinton and Senator McCain have a different approach.

Both have accepted millions from lobbyists and special interests, and both have relied on high dollar donors for the majority of their funding.

This campaign is different, and I'm looking forward to supporters like you joining me for a different kind of fundraising dinner.

If you make a donation in any amount between now and 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 31st, you could join me and three other supporters for an intimate dinner for five:

https://donate.barackobama.com/dinner

On Monday, at 11:44 am, Bonnie Lochetta of Rushville, Indiana made her first donation of $25.

I'm pleased to announce that Bonnie will be one of my dinner guests. Here's what she told us about herself:

"I come from an incredibly Republican county in a little tiny town.

I've always been the rebel in my family. I had a fantastic government teacher in high school who really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I haven't always voted Democratic, but I wanted to vote for someone who spoke to me personally.

Now my kids are doing well in school, but I'm praying for scholarships. I have no savings, and I don't know how I'm going to put them through college.

I have never contributed to a political candidate before, but I have started an organizing group in my very Republican county. My children are very active in their support, and I will do all I can to show my neighbors that together, YES WE CAN."

I'm looking forward to having dinner with Bonnie, but there are still three seats left at the table. Will you be in one of them?

If you make a donation by 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 31st, you could join us:

https://donate.barackobama.com/dinner

We'll pay for your trip and the meal -- all you need to bring is your story and your ideas about how to make this a better country for all Americans.

Small donations from ordinary Americans have set our campaign apart and allowed us to reject the influence of Washington lobbyists and special interest groups. Not only is your support the key to our success, it's essential to reclaiming a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people.

I hope you will make a donation now to participate in this opportunity. Continue to support this campaign and strengthen your role in our movement:

https://donate.barackobama.com/dinner

Together we can put an end to pay-for-influence politics.

We can turn the page in Washington, and it all begins with you.

Thank you for your support,

Barack