For the second time in a week, the ultra-conservative Boston Herald ran a giant, front-page headline attempting to tie me to recent ethics investigations in Washington.  (Not surprisingly, the actual story, deep inside the paper and in much smaller type, asserted no impropriety.)

I take attacks from the far-right as a badge of honor.  The meaner the attacks and the larger the headlines, the more evidence that they know — and fear — that I am effective, and that I have earned the support you have given me.

But now the attacks are accelerating and it is time to fight back.

Three weeks ago, President Obama signed into law the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the most sweeping financial reform since the Great Depression.  I am proud to have played a leading role in passing that legislation despite the opposition of some of the most powerful financial institutions in the country, a legion of well-paid lobbyists, and almost every Republican in Congress.

The Right is determined that I pay a price.

As November approaches, I predict we will see even more malicious headlines.  Then, the next wave of attack will arrive — nasty television ads fueled by big money from right-wing organizations.  And now, because of the recent Supreme Court decision defining corporate spending on elections as free speech, the threat is far greater.

Let us not underestimate the power of lies.  Inherent implausibility is not self-refuting.  We must fight back — now.

I will need substantial resources to fight effectively and we cannot afford to wait until the fall.  So I am asking you to help me raise over $100,000 by Monday, August 23rd.  Your strongest support will make that possible.

The tabloids and other right-wing institutions are counting on us to cower in fear.  Let’s stand up to the GOP attack machine — fighting every false, malicious attack by raising our voices and pooling our resources.  Their assaults will only make us stronger.

Let’s send them a message today.

Thank you for your help,

P.S.  You can multiply your efforts by forwarding this email to others who share our values and determination.  The larger our numbers, the more powerful we become.