HELP SHATTER A 233 YEAR OLD GLASS CEILING!

Greetings:

This is my first appeal for help in bringing historic change to Montana. I am asking you to join me in what is a historic effort to make history in 2010. Montana can be at the vanguard of change by sending the very first Native American woman to Congress!

I am asking for your support to shatter this 233-year-old glass ceiling! Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman ever to run for the U.S. House in 1866. She did not succeed, and her effort paved the way for other women to follow.

Montana has been the standard bearer in American history and elected the first woman to serve in Congress--having elected Jeannette Rankin to the U.S. House in 1917. She was the first woman ever to serve in Congress--truly a historic milestone. In 1965, Patsy Takamoto Mink became the first woman of color, and of Pacific Islander descent to ever serve in the Congress.

America saw Shirley Chisholm run for and get elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968; making her the first African American woman to serve. In 1972, she made a symbolic bid for the U.S. Presidency. Not much has been said about her effort--given that Americans elected our first African American president in 2008. In 2007, Nancy Pelosi became the first woman ever to serve as Speaker of the House.

This is notable company; I have every intention to win this election and put Montana on the map once again to make a historic change. I grew up in a two room house on the infamous Hill 57. I understand hard times, and I have lived a lifetime of understanding struggle. The time has never been more challenging, and the need for leadership evident in the lives of all Montanans.

Our citizens struggle with paying their bills and are increasingly facing the stress of a down economy. We have a need to provide a quality education for ourselves and our children; yet we rank near the bottom in disposable income. Our challenges are great; we made historic change in 2008--and Democrats regained control of the White House and Congress. I urge Montana to follow through with turning our great nation in a new direction. We have much to offer--we have great resources; we must be prudent and fiscally responsible in building a better future.

I welcome your support, and although I understand times are tough---you will find I am a thrifty gal, and I will make great use of your support. I will be proud and honored to serve our great state, our nation and our great flag. Thank you and god bless our state!

Melinda Gopher

Candidate for the U.S. House