IP stalwart worries supporters aren't helping Horner enough

Diane Goldman, a stalwart of the small Independence Party, sent an email on behalf of IP gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner's campaign Friday expressing her deep worries about the fate of the campaign.

"Yesterday, I found myself in the Horner2010 campaign headquarters in tears," wrote Goldman, who has been involved in the third party for more than a decade. "The IP in Minnesota has the best opportunity to elect governor in Tom Horner who will support the growth of our party here and across the nation. The realization of this opportunity has energized me but I am concerned we may not be doing enough to get Tom Horner elected."

Horner, a former Republican staffer, raised less than $200,000 for his campaign in the first half of this year, according to reports released this week. He set himself a goal of raising more than $2 million for his campaign by Election Day.

Although the Independence Party has major party status, it lacks the infrastructure of donors, member lists and staffers of the DFL and the GOP in the state. Still, because of the party's status, Horner would be on track to recieve more than $200,000 from a campaign subsidy. His most active primary opponent, Rob Hahn, has not agreed to the requirements or met the threshold for the subsidy, according to the state's campaign finance Web site.

Here's Goldman's letter:

To My Fellow IP Supporters:

My name is Diane Goldman and I am the Third Congressional District Independence Party Chair. Yesterday I found myself in the Horner2010 campaign headquarters in tears.

I have invested twenty years to make the IP in this state a strong, viable political force working on behalf of what is best for Minnesota and the nation. During these twenty years I have never felt stronger than I do now. The IP in Minnesota has the best opportunity to elect governor in Tom Horner who will support the growth of our party here and across the nation.

The realization of this opportunity has energized me but I am concerned we may not be doing enough to get Tom Horner elected. So, as Tom's Deputy Volunteer Coordinator, all these feelings came pouring out as I sat in the campaign manager's office and talked about my hopes and fears.

I am doing all I can to elect Tom but I can not do it alone. Will you join me and be a leader by electing new leadership for Minnesota? Not leadership from the left or right but centrist leadership that will make common sense decisions for all Minnesotans.

Here is what I am asking you to do; first, remember to vote for Tom Horner on August 10 in the primary election and remind your friends and family to do likewise. You can also volunteer your time at his headquarters as I do daily. Next, Horner2010 needs to run radio and TV ads. Your contribution in any amount will help Tom do this. Go to www.Horner2010.com and click on the big red Contribute tab.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Diane Goldman