Friends,

We're off and running!

As I write, there are 234 days until the Democratic primary on Thursday, September 6, and then another 61 days until the general election on Tuesday, November 6. And we have a lot to accomplish.

Shortly we'll put more of our campaign infrastructure in place: The next generation of this website including our detailed "Issues" section. A busy schedule of events and activities. Connecting all of you who have already volunteered to volunteer so you can begin organizing in your communities. (Volunteer here.) And raising money in small contributions of no more than $99 per individual for the primary and then $99 for the general election. (Donate here.)

As promised, this will not be like any Congressional campaign you've been a part of in the past. Here's one small difference: You'll hear frequently and directly from the candidate (that's me) on this blog, my Facebook page, and via Twitter. I'll keep you informed about what we're doing and how we're doing it. Importantly, I'll share what I learn as I travel to every corner of the new First Congressional District -- from Springfield and Easthampton and Holyoke to Great Barrington and Pittsfield and North Adams -- listening to your concerns and ideas. I'm looking forward to a broad conversation with a wide variety of people (with a wide variety of views).

It won't be easy, but I plan to visit every city and town in the district. (Please consider hosting a house party so I can meet folks in your community.)

By the way, the announcement of my intention to run was broadcast live on WBCR-LP radio, the low-power, nonprofit, community radio station in Great Barrington. And I couldn't think of a better place to kick things off. As we'll discuss during the campaign, the future health of our communities depends in part on our ability to keep our talent and resources local.

I'm not a politician, and I've never run for office. No doubt I'll make mistakes along the way. And running a campaign without big money -- a choice that I believe is a necessary prerequisite to fighting for a fair and just America -- means many additional challenges for this effort. But with your help, we'll meet those challenges and forge ahead to champion priorities of the 99 percent.

Spread the word about our campaign launch here.

Thanks for being part of this. Lots more to come. Let's get to work!

Onward,
Bill