I want each of you to take a moment and look at the most recent SurveyUSA poll. It has me running neck-and-neck with my main Primary opponent, battling to be the Democratic candidate to unseat Senator Elizabeth Dole in November!

Despite being outspent two-to-one, this recent poll demonstrates what we already knew: that spreading our message of positive change embracing all North Carolinians is what will defeat Senator Dole in November.

Some of the most exciting energy I’ve seen since I started this campaign has come from online activists. That’s why we’ve started a grassroots house party program that will bring our message to all corners of the state – and nationwide as well.

Nobody running for statewide office in North Carolina has ever gone to the lengths that our campaign is going to in order to reach out, empower, and activate the people of the Tar Heel state . . . and yet we have only begun.

On February 29, 2008 – Leap Year Day – I’m hosting simultaneous house parties across North Carolina. From Murphy to Manteo, every person in our great state will be able to listen in, participate, hear our message of hope, change, and progressive values, and then go forth to continue activating their communities.

But, in order to make this a success, we need hosts willing to open up their homes, invite their friends, neighbors, and family members to be a part of something truly historic. Can you be a host?

HOST OR ATTEND A HOUSE PARTY TODAY!

During our call, I am not going to give you some disingenuous four-point plan from this week’s Washington strategy memo – I’m going to give answers to the hard questions that are on your mind. From day one, we have built this campaign on two things: hard work and an open dialogue with the people of North Carolina.

This call is an opportunity for me to listen to you: Democrat, Republican, or Unaffiliated, and hear what is on your mind; as well as an opportunity for you to hear from me about my priorities. For too long, the people have been ignored by politicians whose only priority is maintaining the status quo.

For six years, we have had Sen. Dole misuse, misappropriate, under-represent, under-appreciate, and under-serve her constituents to fulfill her own power hungry ambitions inside the Beltway. Now, we the people, have an opportunity to change the status quo. Please join me in this endeavor.

If you can’t attend a party, I hope you’ll attend online, as some of North Carolina’s top opinion leaders will live-blog the call from my office. I know they won’t spare any punches – and they’ll be sure to tell you if I’m using crib notes or not! We only have a few spots open, so if you’d like to be credentialed for this event, please contact Andrew Kain at Andrew_kain@jimnealforsenate.com or 919-544-1136.

Finally, I want to say that these house parties represent a covenant – my promise to listen to all of the people of North Carolina, to visit all 100 counties before November’s election, and each year forward, while I enjoy the privilege of serving you in the U.S. Senate. Together, we will take back Sen. Elizabeth Dole’s seat – and give it back to the people of North Carolina.

Thanks so much. I hope I can earn your vote and honor your hard work during this campaign season.

HOST OR ATTEND A HOUSE PARTY TODAY!

Jim