Obama e-mails for Brown

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., just sent out this e-mail about Rep. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from northern Ohio who is challenging Cedarville Republican Sen. Mike DeWine for the U.S. Senate:

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of visiting Ohio to campaign for Democratic candidates, including Sherrod Brown.

Ohio isn't just any other state. It is a bellwether of national politics. I made this trip, because I believe that we need to win in Ohio to change the direction of our country.

The day I arrived, the Cincinnati Enquirer declared, "Ohio's love for Bush fades: President's approval rating here hits its lowest point."

What I saw on the ground confirmed that statement. I met Ohioans ready for change. They are tired of the pay-to-play system that runs Washington today. People are demanding new leadership for their state and nation.

My first stop was an appearance with Rep. Sherrod Brown in Cincinnati.

Sherrod is the type of leader that Ohio needs in the U.S. Senate. He has the experience and vision to transform our government.

If we are going to have any hope to expand health care, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and loosen the grip of special interests, then we need to elect Sherrod to the U.S. Senate.

I traveled next to Columbus for the Ohio Democratic Party State Dinner. There I found thousands of Democratic activists, energized to win this election.

The grassroots have already propelled Sherrod ahead of DeWine in the polls. The latest Zogby/Wall Street Journal Poll has Sherrod leading by more than 12 points.

This is going to be a tight race no matter what we do. Karl Rove and the Republicans will pour tens of millions of dollars into this campaign. They will stop at nothing to win.

Sherrod won't take their attacks lying down. He will stand up and fight for Ohio families in this race, and in the U.S. Senate.

This Friday marks a critical milestone in Sherrod's campaign -- the end of the second quarter reporting period.

It is important that Sherrod closes out this period in strong financial shape.

His chances of beating Republican incumbent Mike DeWine will be far greater if he finishes the quarter better than expected.

Sherrod is a leader in Congress for fair trade and health care.

He's taken on the prescription drug companies and closed loopholes to help lower the cost of prescription drugs, and continues to lead the bipartisan coalition in Congress against job-killing trade agreements.

I am extremely excited about the prospect of working side-by-side with Sherrod in the U.S. Senate.

I need your help to make that hope a reality. Join me today and support Sherrod's campaign.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Sen. Barack Obama

PS: The second quarter ends this Friday, June 30. If you are planning to make a contribution, make sure to get it in before midnight.