Friends, Senator Merkley’s campaign to fix the filibuster is gaining momentum. Over 200,000 people have now signed our petition to the U.S. Senate, and our campaign is getting noticed all across America! Would you take a moment to join Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar, Tom Udall, Tom Harkin, and Jeanne Shaheen and sign on to this important campaign? Senator Merkley is working hard to convince his colleagues in the Senate that the time is now for filibuster reform. And it makes a huge difference when he can point to a groundswell of grassroots support. Please, sign the filibuster reform petition now – and then share it with your friends and family. We can do this! Tim Leahy Team Merkley —— Forwarded Message ——— From: Senator Jeff Merkley Subject: Take Action: Fix the Filibuster Date: Nov 15, 2012 19:14 a.m. PST To: Friends

Friends, Our country faces serious problems. And serious problems deserve serious consideration. But far too often, we’ve seen good ideas stall in the Senate because a single Senator can stop everything and block an up-or-down vote without a single word uttered on the Senate floor. Passionate debate is a good thing. Which is why I’ve proposed a “talking filibuster” — a requirement that if a Senator is going to block a vote by arguing that more debate is needed, then he or she must do so by taking the floor and making a case to the American people. That way, the American people can judge for themselves whether the obstruction makes those Senators heroes, or bums. And when debate stops, it’s time for an up-or-down majority vote. Please join me and Senators Tom Udall, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tom Harkin and Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren in this fight to reform the Senate by signing our petition. In a few short weeks, we can make this change happen. But it won’t be easy. And it’s going to require that the American people speak with one, clear, loud voice. Take action now: Tell the Senate to fix the filibuster. Thank you. Onward, Jeff Merkley