Committee to Elect Ed Ridpath - NC

Ridpath Door-to-Door Campaign Milestone: 10,000 Voters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fuquay-Varina, NC - Ed Ridpath, Democratic Candidate for the North Carolina House, reached a milestone this Labor Day weekend. Over 10,000 voters contacted so far in his 2008 door-to-door campaign. Committed to one-on-one voter contact, Ridpath, assisted by campaign volunteers, has been door knocking weekly since last October.

Ridpath stated: “Door-to-door campaigning is a little old-fashioned, but it is the best way to get to know my neighbors and the best way for them to get to know me. Over the last year, I have spent most weekends and many evenings listening to voters, right at their own doorstep. This level of direct voter contact is hard work, but very rewarding. The big benefit is that I will represent all of us in Southern Wake County much better when I get to Raleigh.”

In 2006, Ed Ridpath came within 4,000 votes of winning the same NC House seat. The Ed Ridpath campaign will continue to knock on voters’ doors until the election.

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Ed Ridpath is the 2008 Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House in District 37.

Ed Ridpath, 48, is a Senior IT Architect with IBM. He lives in Fuquay Varina with Jeanne, his wife of 27 years, daughter Veronica, 19, who is attending UNC Charlotte and son Ryan, 13, a student at Carnage Middle School, Raleigh, in the Wake County Public School System.

NC House District 37 covers Southern Wake County and includes the towns of Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina, and the communities of New Hill and Willow Springs.

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For more information contact Ed Ridpath or see the website at www.EdRidpath.com

Ridpath Receives Key Labor Endorsements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fuquay Varina, NC - Ed Ridpath, 2008 Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House, received key endorsements from several organizations representing North Carolina Workers. The Triangle Labor Council and NC State AFL-CIO; the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and Wake NCAE; and the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) all endorsed Ed Ridpath over his opponent, incumbent Republican Paul “Skip” Stam.

Ridpath stated: “On this Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work of Union Members, Educators, and our State Employees. I am proud to be endorsed by such a wide range of worker organizations that stand up for their rank and file membership. Early in my door-to-door campaign, I learned that many of these hard workers call Southern Wake County home. I am excited to have the opportunity to stand with constituents in the fight for fair treatment, affordable health care, and shared prosperity.”

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Ed Ridpath is the 2008 Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House in District 37.

NC House District 37 covers Southern Wake County and includes the towns of Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina, and the communities of New Hill and Willow Springs.

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For more information contact Ed Ridpath or see the website at www.EdRidpath.com

September 2008 Newsletter

August was a fun-filled end to a great summer. It started with Ryan's big birthday bash. I then took a trip down memory lane at my 30-year high school reunion in Minnesota. Veronica completed her transfer to UNC Charlotte, and now both my children are back in classes.

We had a great party in Saddle Run, and I have been riveted by the historic Democratic Convention. And all along the way, volunteers joined me to knock on doors or work on other tasks, donors continue to give even more generously, and public interest groups interviewed me for potential endorsements.

Although I have been campaigning for over a year, Labor Day is the starting gun for the hectic nine weeks of election season. This is truly an historic year. When my grandchildren ask, "What did you do in the big election of 2008?" I will be very proud of my answer.

Contribute / Volunteer

Milestone: 10,000 voters

This weekend, we knocked on the door of our 10,000th voter. And with almost daily door-knocking scheduled until Election Day, we hope to almost double that over the next 2 months. But we can't do it alone, we need your help. Can you commit to just a half day of your time to help elect Ed Ridpath? Please contact Amanda Eubanks at Amanda@edridpath.com to schedule your walk time now!

Can't door-knock? That's OK; we have our phone banks starting up very soon. Please contact Amanda Eubanks at Amanda@edridpath.com to schedule your call time now!

Contribute / Volunteer

The Very Last Raleigh Fundraiser of 2008- and it is going to be big!

We wanted to have a great party to both energize our campaign and really boost our campaign coffers for the serious fight just ahead. We had some great ideas: Let's invite Speaker Joe Hackney; or maybe Majority Leader Hugh Holliman; or we could have all the Democratic Wake County House Members as special guests; oh, and possibly include all the Democratic NC House challengers too. Wouldn't it be great if Nina Szlosberg hosted it? - she gives such great parties!

These were great ideas and we went with them all!

So, please join us on Tuesday, September 16th, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the home of Nina Szlosberg, 2710 Rosedale Avenue, Raleigh. It is a party you won't forget.

We have some of the biggest supporters in Raleigh and North Carolina politics sponsoring this event, in addition to many new and grassroots supporters who dug very deep to make a strong commitment to this campaign. They all see this contest as the best opportunity to really change the North Carolina House by removing the GOP leadership of a "Jesse Helms Republican", Minority Leader Paul "Skip" Stam.

Please take this final opportunity to sponsor the event and turbo-charge our campaign to victory in just nine weeks.

Sponsorships: $100 Bronze, $250 Silver, $500 Gold, $1,000 Platinum

Admission: $25.00

RSVP / Contribute

Issue: Endorsements

Speaking of commitment to change, these organizations have endorsed my candidacy in 2008. I am grateful for their confidence in my stands on our shared issues, and their commitment of membership resources to help this campaign win.

• State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC/EMPAC)

• North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) & Wake NCAE

• Equality NC

• North Carolina National Organization for Women (NC NOW)

• Conservation Council of North Carolina

• Planned Parenthood

• Triangle Labor Council & NC State AFL-CIO

More endorsements are in the wings, please check www.edridpath.com/endorsement for updates.

Contribute / Volunteer

In District "Ridpath Round-Ups"

Want to help spead the word about the campaign? Our newest volunteer movement, "Ridpath Round-Ups", allow you to do just that! All you have to do is invite ten of your friends over for great conversation, lots of fun, and to of course spread the word about the campaign. Whether you supply a six-pack of Coke or a full spead of appetizers, being a host is easy for anybody to do! The overall goal of these events is that from each "Ridpath Round-Up" more hosts will emerge, creating a chain of in-district meet and greets for the campaign.

Interested in hosting a Ridpath Round-Up? Please contact Amanda Eubanks at Amanda@edridpath.com to set it up today!

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Holly Springs House Party

Join the campaign for a house party in Holly Springs! This party will serve as a great last gathering before early voting and Get Out The Vote campaign operations begin!

Date: Sunday, September 28th

Time: 2:00- 4:00 PM

Place: The Home of Jane Broden and Bill Chesanek

Address: 121 Kingsport Rd., Holly Springs

RSVP / Contribute

September Volunteer Events

With just over 60 days left until the election, September brings many opportunities for volunteers to get involved in the campaign. The campaign is knocking on doors every weekend, preparing for multiple phone banks and sending out regular campaign updates and press releases. In addition to these constant volunteer activities, we are also hosting our September Canvass and "Lick 'n Stick":

* September Canvass and "Lick 'n Stick": Saturday, September 27th at 10AM at Campaign Headquarters (800 Oldwyk Drive, Fuquay-Varina).

We are constantly adding new events to our calendar. Keep checking our website at www.EdRidpath.com/event to keep up to date on volunteer activities with our campaign!

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Thank You

I have usually used this space for campaign and political thank you's, but this month I take a point of privilege for a very personal thank you.

I was reminded of the adage that it takes a long time to get an "old" friend. Other than my family, no one has suffered with me longer than my old friends from high school. They welcomed me again with warmth and kindness; it was almost like no time had passed at all.

My old friends, I thank you!

Ed Ridpath

August 2008 Newsletter

In July, our campaign finalized plans for all our volunteer and fundraising events and also turned up the heat (whew!) on our door knocking. The next three months are going to be so much fun, with weekly opportunities to really get involved, make a difference, and to enjoy sharing our victory march together to November. What are you waiting for?

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Issue: Jesse Helms Republican

I struggle to describe the radical North Carolina branch of the Republican Party. As I tell my Republican friends, this is not the Republican Party I grew up with in Minnesota.

The message that drew my mother to the "Party of Lincoln" 50 years ago: fiscal efficiency, individual responsibility, equality of opportunity, and protecting rights and civil liberties, is now completely lost. The NC GOP of 2008 has abdicated those mainstream American values in favor of anti-government rhetoric, rigid and dangerous fiscal policy, social intolerance, and divisiveness.

My opponent, the NC GOP minority leader in the NC House, embraces those warped priorities and actively works to promote them in our legislature. I have often used the terms "Far-Right", "Ultra-Conservative", and privately a few less-charitable phrases to describe my opponent's extreme political ideology.

The recent death of Senator Jesse Helms and the resulting discussion about his politics provided a bright spotlight on the sorry pedigree of today's NC Republican Party. But even I was shocked when my opponent stood alone, like "Senator No!" of a bygone era, as the single vote against a bill to increase penalties for cross-burning, wearing a hood, and displaying nooses for racial intimidation.

Now I know: Skip Stam is a "Jesse Helms Republican".

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Note: Jesse Helms does deserve praise for his dedication to direct service to his constituents. Citizens knew they could count on him for their individual problems with accessing government services. As my dedication to direct voter contact and access shows, I vow to revive the lost tradition of excellent constituent support to the people of Southern Wake County.

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Poll Position

We are a days away from deciding to commission a poll for our district. A poll can provide valuable data to guide the remainder of our campaign. However, it is a significant expense, and your generous help is really needed now.

Can you contribute $20, $50, or even $100 today so we can complete our poll? Thank you for giving us the vital tools we need to win this race.

Contribute Now!

Jim Neal hosts Ryan's 13th Birthday Party!

Please join Jim Neal and Ryan Ridpath on Saturday, August 9th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 805 E. Franklin St, in Chapel Hill to celebrate Ryan's 13th birthday and help his Dad win election to the NC House in 2008.

Suggested Admission: $20.20

Sponsorships: $100 "City Council" $250 "County Commissioner" $500 "State House" $1000 "State Senate 2020"

RSVP / Contribute

Fuquay Varina House Party in Saddle Run!

Trot on over to Saddle Run on Sunday, August 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to the home of Annee and Dana Moxley at 5024 Westminster Ln, Fuquay-Varina, and help us win our horse race in November!

Suggested Admission: $25.00

Sponsorships: $100 Bronze, $250 Silver, $500 Gold, $1,000 Platinum

RSVP / Contribute

Thank You

I want to thank the many campaign and party volunteers who are registering voters right now in Southern Wake County. The results of your efforts are clear: Hundreds of new voters added since the May primary right here in District 37. I appreciate your efforts, which help every candidate and every citizen. Please keep it up and let's work hard to encourage every voter to vote for change.

Registration volunteers, I thank you. You are making a difference!

Ed Ridpath

Ridpath condemns Stam for Noose Bill Vote.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ed Ridpath, Fuquay-Varina Democrat and Candidate for NC House 37 made the following statement today:

"On Thursday, the North Carolina House overwhelmingly passed bill S685 by a vote of 113-1. This bill makes displaying a noose, burning a cross, or wearing a hood or disguise for racial intimidation more serious crimes. For those with even a passing familiarity of our state's history, these very powerful symbols are instantly recognizable as the tools used to oppress African Americans in the Jim Crow era by groups such as the Ku Klux Klan.

Disgracefully, these symbols have been used to the current day for that same purpose, with several recent newsworthy cases where State Employees were targeted. Our General Assembly was right to answer these recent incidents with this strong bi-partisan response.

Paul "Skip" Stam, the lone vote against this bill, exhibited a lack of leadership in moving our great state beyond this shameful legacy of racism and hatred. Even though Representative Stam is the Republican Minority Leader in the North Carolina House, on this issue he leads no one."

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Ed Ridpath is the 2008 Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House in District 37.

Ed Ridpath, 48, is a Senior IT Architect with IBM. He lives in Fuquay Varina with Jeanne, his wife of 27 years, daughter Veronica, 18, who is attending college in Charlotte and son Ryan, 12, a student at Carnage Middle School, Raleigh, in the Wake County Public School System.

NC House District 37 covers Southern Wake County and includes the towns of Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina, and the communities of New Hill and Willow Springs.

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For more information contact Ed Ridpath or see the website at www.EdRidpath.com

July 2008 Newsletter

The short session of the North Carolina General Assembly is just about wrapped up, and when the gavel comes down, campaign season starts in earnest. I can't wait!

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Ryan's 13th Birthday Party!

Many of you have met or know my son Ryan, who at 12 years old is a better politician than his father. In laying the groundwork for his 2020 Senate race (seriously!) Ryan embraced the idea of having a "Political Birthday Party" as a fundraiser for his Dad's campaign. He turns 13 in August and is most excited about becoming a real "Teen Dem".

And who came up with this great idea? Ryan's good friend, Jim Neal. So of course, the party is at Jim's house.

Please join us Saturday, August 9^th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM and help his Dad win election to the NC House in 2008!

Suggested Admission: $20.20

Sponsorships: $100 "City Council", $250 "County Commissioner", $500 "State House", and $1000 "State Senate 2020"

Date: Saturday, August 9th, 2008

Time: 4:00-6:00 PM

Place: Home of Jim Neal

Address: 805 E. Franklin St., Apex

RSVP: Online or info@edridpath.com

Contribute / Volunteer

July Volunteer Activities

July 12th: Mailing "Lick 'n Stick" at 3:00pm at Campaign Headquarters (800 Oldwyck Dr., Fuquay-Varina). Join us for a great opportunity to get involved in the campaign by helping send out a very important mailing. Great conversation and tons of help for the campaign!

July 26th: July Cavass Event & Mailing "Lick 'n Stick" at 10:00am Campaign Headquarters (800 Oldwyck Dr., Fuquay-Varina). Another eventful Saturday! Join the campaign and other volunteers as we continue our grassroots campaign and talk to voters one-on-one knocking on doors in the neighborhood. Or, beat the heat and help the campaign send out a mailing to voters!

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Issue: Transit: getting around without a car

The citizens of District 37 live on the outskirts of Raleigh, which means just about the only way to get around is to pay $4 a gallon for gas and drive. This makes the condition and congestion of our neglected road system very important, so roads are a key issue of this campaign.

However, our future has to be about providing many more options to get from point A to point B. Our local communities have done very good jobs revitalizing downtown areas with expanded sidewalks, bike paths, and greenways, with more planned. Even replacing a single weekly trip with a walk downtown can make us healthy, shop locally, and take another car off our crowded roads.

Another good way forward is to expand public bus service. Buses are not only great ways to reduce road congestion, especially during long commutes, but they give seniors, young people, and others without automobiles mobility. To be successful, busses must run frequently; bus stops must be convenient, safe, and attractive; and they must tie into an efficient regional system of moving people around.

Finally, the Triangle region needs a rapid transit system. If we are to serve a growing population, a regional system that ties together our major cities, towns, and RTP must be started now. Train, light rail, and bus rapid transit all will have a part to play

in a 21^st century Triangle rapid transit system.

With walkable communities, good public busses, and regional rapid transit, we are ready for our transportation future.

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Thank You

I have two groups to thank and plenty of folks fit into both groups.

First, thank you to all the door knockers from the Wake Young Democrats, the Wake Progressive Democrats, and our own campaign. Our big event June 28^th was a huge success with 15 people attending and over 500 voter's doors knocked in a single morning. Thank you for sweating it out with me!

Second, an amazing number of very generous people helped us meet our June 30 campaign finance deadline. Thank you to donors large and small who stepped up in time to make a big difference.

Thank you,

Ed Ridpath

June 2008 Newsletter

After a year and a half of planning, fundraising, organizing, and working this campaign, I am now more excited than ever. We are down to 5 months until the November election, and the very real anticipation of our victory increases every day.

Make no mistake; this will be a close, hard fought campaign. With wealthy special interest money, incumbency, and the press megaphone of minority leadership, my opponent is formidable. But together, we can fight back and win this competitive swing district.

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Our grassroots effort has knocked on the doors of over 6000 voters, with the goal of doubling that in the next 5 months. Our fundraising effort continues to attract donors large and small from across our state, but is constantly challenged to match the many PACs and high-dollar donors that shovel money into my opponent's coffers.

The numbers and the issues continue to favor us, too. There have been over 10,000 newly registered voters in the district since 2006, most as Democrat and Unaffiliated. The increased turnout expected for this presidential year alone is expected to add over 5% to our margin from 2006. Voters are now more focused on the basics of our government, like education, transportation, health care, environment, and justice, rather than divisive social issues and irresponsible scare tactics.

We can't afford to miss this opportunity and time is running short. Please commit now to support the Ed Ridpath campaign by volunteering your valuable time, contributing your hard-earned money, and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.

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Door Knocking Canvass June 28th

Get to the grassroots by talking to voters one-on-one. Join me and other volunteers to door knock Southern Wake County neighborhoods.

We will meet Saturday, June 28th at 10:00 AM at the Bushiban Coffee shop, in the Harris Teeter shopping center on the corner of US 401 and Ten-Ten road, just south of Raleigh/Garner and just north of Wake Tech Community College.

Training and partnering provided, and other candidates are welcome to join in. RSVP online or for more information, please contact Evan Degnan, Field Director at edegnan@email.unc.edu or (336) 817-1370

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Issue: Annexation and Arrogance

The privilege of North Carolina towns to involuntarily annex adjacent unincorporated property into the town limits could be a valuable tool to manage growth, share expensive public utilities and services, and enhance property values long term.

However, many towns have severely abused this privilege with high-handedness before annexation and foot-dragging on providing promised services afterwards. This level of arrogance and neglect is simply wrong and needs to be addressed by our General Assembly.

I think the best way to address this now is the proposed one year moratorium on involuntary annexation, currently in committee in the NC House. During this moratorium, ensuring that property owners being annexed have a strong voice in the process, are treated with respect and fairness, and are delivered the promised services should be a legislative priority.

I urge our General Assembly, including my opponent, to pass the annexation moratorium and a study of annexation issues and solutions during this short session.

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Thank You

Our Apex Reception in May was a rousing success. I am grateful to everyone who attended and who pitched in and helped, but I would like to single out a few for a special "Thank you!"

First, Congressman David Price, a gracious man who has a firm grasp of our national issues, as well as the issues of the day right here in Southern Wake County. I am proud he represents me in the US House, and I am humbly grateful for his support.

Second, thank you to my future NC House colleagues from the Southwest corner of Wake County. Representative Ty Harrell serves Apex, Morrisville, Cary, and part of Raleigh with great distinction. He showed up with his young children in tow to wow the crowd, and make the pitch for having me join him in the North Carolina House. Al Swanstrom, also a strong grassroots challenger candidate to serve Apex and Cary, took a short break from his door-knocking to pitch the idea of a trifecta of Harrell, Swanstrom, and Ridpath in November. Thank you both for your support and friendship.

Finally, I would like to thank Ann Mullin, who, with her husband Pat, put the entire event together and made it the great success it was. Thank you for your commitment to real change for Apex and for North Carolina.

Ed Ridpath

May 2008 Newsletter

The month of May started with a whirlwind of events leading up to the historic primary election Tuesday. As we all unite behind the primary victors, is vital over the next 6 months to work hard to repeat the turnout, energy, and optimism in the November general election.

We can sweep to victory across the board, especially in these close local races. The prize of defeating the NC House Republican Minority Leader is in our grasp, but my hard work is not enough! I cannot finish the job without you.

Please give your support to the campaign by contributing, volunteering, and telling all your friends and family. This is an opportunity you don't want to waste. The future of North Carolina is too important to leave this, or any other close contest, on the table in November.

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Very Special Guest: Congressman David Price

Everyone on the campaign is so excited about our upcoming Afternoon Reception with Congressman David Price, who earned a well-deserved shout out from Barack Obama in Tuesday night's victory speech.

We are celebrating in the heart of Historic Downtown Apex, and our Apex supporters are out in force. Please join Apex Council member Bill Jensen, Special Guests Rep. Ty Harrell and NC House candidate Al Swanstrom, plus many other elected officials, candidates, and supporters.

Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2008

Time: 2:30-4:00 PM

Place: Halle Cultural Art Center

Address: 237 North Salem Street, Apex

RSVP: Online or info@edridpath.com

You can also join our final planning session this Saturday, May 10th, 10:00 AM at the home of Ann Mullin, 303 Lyndenbury Dr, Apex.

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Issue: Our tanking economy

It is well known that the business cycle goes up and down. Many of the government policies put in place over the last century have the purpose of smoothing out the "boom & bust" nature of any vibrant economy. Prudent policies protect our poor and middle class, even out tax burdens, and invest in our long term prosperity.

But we are now suffering from the recent shock in gas and grocery prices, increased job losses, and mortgage foreclosures. The mainstays of the American dream of home ownership, a decent education, and jobs with advancement are fast slipping away.

While we can wish that we as a nation had prepared better for the future with low or no deficits, better average fuel economy for our cars, and better regulation and enforcement on mortgage lenders, we have to start where we are right now, and apply the hard lessons to the future.

North Carolina is in better shape than many other states. We have been conservative in budget forecasting and put surpluses into our rainy day funds and investments in our future. That means we can be pro-active in providing real relief to those that are hit hardest by the slumping economy. We already have capped the gas tax and implemented the Earned Income Tax Credit.

We need to do more to help families facing foreclosure and expand our job training programs. We need to raise the exemptions on property tax for seniors, and expand them to make affordable housing available to everyone.

Whether economic times are good or bad, we need to continue saving and investing in the future of North Carolina and its great people.

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Thank You

I wish to thank all the Democratic and yes, Republican candidates in Tuesday's primary election who stood up to serve their communities. Whether they won or lost, they provided a voice to the issues that concern their neighbors, and each changed, in ways large and small, the direction of our democracy, and the future of our state and our nation.

Everyone who has thrown their hat in the ring deserves our gratitude for making this democracy work. Thank you, fellow candidates.

April 2008 Newsletter

We are winning.

In every way a campaign can be measured, we are winning.

Fundraising: We raised more than our opponent, a four-term incumbent.

Voter contact: We already visited over 5,000 voters at their door.

Organization: We are hiring a Campaign Manager in May, following our plan and budget, recruiting volunteers and expanding donor lists, and coordinating with the Democratic Party and other candidates.

Media: We have articles and letters to the editor published, ads running in print and online, active in social networking sites and internet blogs, email newsletters and action alerts, and an interactive website.

Issues: We focus on our key issues of Roads and Schools, plus improving Health Care, Public Safety and Crime Reduction, Trust and Ethics, Immigration, Mental Health, Diversity, Worker Rights, and Open Space. We continue to listen to voters for new issues to address.

Superior Campaign: We have no primary in 2008, a more seasoned candidate and campaign, better message, more supporters and greater name recognition.

Momentum: There are 10,000 new voters, mostly Democrat and Unaffiliated and greater turnout expected for the presidential election. Our get out the vote (GOTV) will be critical - and costly.

Will you help us to keep winning?

I am excited and motivated to continue to work hard through November and beyond, serving fellow North Carolinians in the NC House. But in spite of all this encouraging news, I simply cannot win without your help. And as wealthy special interests see how vulnerable my opponent is, they will dig deep. But we need to dig deeper, and we need you to chip in now.

April 19th is the very last day of this reporting period, and we need an additional $7,000 to meet our goals. Keep us winning by contributing $35, $70, $140, or more before our deadline.

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Tell A Friend

Apex Peak Fest May 3rd

Come out to Historic Downtown Apex and have fun, meet Ed Ridpath and other candidates, register voters, show your pride just 3 days before the big primary! Our Booth is near the corner of Salem and Center Streets, and we will be there from 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 3rd. RSVP or Volunteer.

This is Huge! May 18th.

Congressman David Price will be our very special guest for a Sunday afternoon Reception on May 18th at 2:30 PM at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Historic Downtown Apex. We also have special guests Ty Harrell and Al Swanstrom, and Apex Town Council Council Members Bill Jensen and Bill Sutton. Mark your calendars now for this after-primary celebration. RSVP or Volunteer

Issue: Valuing Hard Work

In my "day job", I am a professional working at the business and technical interface of a large company. I see the business needs to balance investments in equipment with investments in people. However, our current laws too often value capital over labor. To maintain our shared prosperity and the basics of the American dream, we must restore the balance of valuing hard work over wealth.

Treating workers fairly is not only fundamentally right; it is also good for business and our community. Good salary, benefits, and safe working conditions expand the middle class, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Rather than living hand to mouth, workers and their families can improve their lives and our community.

A basic constitutional right to free association also means workers need to be free to join unions, to collectively bargain in good faith, and be free from intimidation by employers or the government.

A special word about North Carolina State Employees: First and foremost, the way we treat our state employees should be a model for how we expect North Carolina businesses to treat all their workers. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

State employees are effectively denied access to unions and collective bargaining. Salary and benefits are sorely lacking and are first on the chopping block come budget time, instead of fully funding the statutory Pay Plan. Classes of state employees are being carved out and denied standard legal protections. The burden of funding the retirement system and dependant health care is put on the shoulders of state employees.

This poor treatment of state employees has resulted in high turnover to private and even local public sector jobs. State workers strain under increased work and case loads. It becomes difficult to provide the effective and efficient services the people and businesses of North Carolina deserve. It is not just bad for state employees; it is bad for North Carolina.

In business or government, we need to put hard working employees at the head of line.

Thank you!

I want to tip my hat to my Apex Supporters. With the Apex Peak Fest May 3rd and our big reception on May 18th, everyone has stepped up to bringing our campaign to town in a big way.

Thank you to the crew in Apex, the Peak of Good Living and Good Friends.

Ed Ridpath

Democratic Candidate for NC House 37

March 2008 Newsletter

Now it is official: Ed Ridpath is the Democratic Party Nominee for NC House 37. No other Democrat filed, so there is no primary needed. This is great, because the campaign can continue to focus 100% on winning in November.

With less than 8 months to go, we still have most of the hard work ahead of us. We have thousands of voters left to contact; hundreds of volunteers and donors to energize; dozens of fundraisers, house parties, and meet & greets to plan; and many forums, festivals, and public meetings to attend.

You help is needed now to assure our victory. Please volunteer or contribute today.

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The Voters Agree

After knocking on the doors of over 4000 voters so far, one thing is clear; the voters agree that our message is right.

When I talk about focusing on the fundamentals: Roads & Schools, they nod in agreement. When I point out the neglect suffered by Southern Wake County at the hands of our current representation, their concern is clear. When I explain that we have a mix of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents that all deserve to be represented, they smile at the relief from partisan politics. When I say I want to stand up for all of us in the General Assembly, they shake my hand, wish me good luck, and commit to telling their family, friends, and neighbors about this grassroots campaign.

Building Bridges is more than a campaign slogan; it is the approach to governing that my fellow voters in Southern Wake County expect of their representative to the North Carolina House.

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March Art Gallery Fundraiser

Celebrate Spring.

Enjoy Fine Refreshments.

Share Exciting Company.

Appreciate Great Art.

Support Ed Ridpath
For the NC House.

Please come to the
Lee Hansley Art Gallery
225 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
Thursday, March 27th
from 5:30-7:00 PM
Suggested Admission: $25

Sponsorships available:
$100 Bronze, $250 Silver,
$500 Gold, $1000 Platinum.

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Issue: Open Space

I grew up in a small lake front home in the suburbs of Minneapolis, where I could enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. I would visit my grandparents who lived in a rural farming community, and was introduced to farm life. I spent many summers in my youth camping in the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota. As a young Cub Scout, I went on hikes in nearby parks and natural areas. I developed a deep appreciation of nature, agriculture, and the real value a variety of local open spaces can give a community.

This appreciation of natural areas, parks, farmland, and rural living attracted me to Southern Wake County and my home in Fuquay-Varina. We have many working farms, large stretches of still natural land, and several parks that add greatly to our quality of life. But as all of North Carolina grows, these sources of critical open space we all enjoy are under great pressure.

Farm lands appraised in the same way as nearby sub-divisions of high demand suburban homes create large tax burdens for our working farmers. These high values can also make it difficult to pass along local family farms from generation to generation. As I listen to the many farmers I will represent in Southern Wake County, I hear their concern that soon the only crop they can afford to plant is houses.

We are also running short of natural and park space. Often, the few open space requirements we have for development are waived and bought off. However, these “land banks” are getting near worthless as local land values continue to skyrocket. And if every acre is built on and paved, what space is left to buy for parks and natural areas? Additionally, Wake County’s best hope for a future large urban park, the Dix property, still is under threat of sale and/or development.

We need to commit to supporting our local farms and working farmers, putting teeth into our preservation of nearby open spaces for parks and natural preserves, and protecting all of the Dix property for a future as a world class destination park.

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Thank You

As private citizen who felt the duty to step forward and serve his community, I understand and appreciate what it takes to become a candidate for the NC House. I would like to thank Al Swanstrom, the Democratic Party nominee for NC House 36, for stepping up to the challenge of representing his community in our General Assembly.

Al Swanstrom worked very hard during the recent Cary elections of Erv Portman and Harold Weinbrecht. Recently retired from IBM, he realized he had the time and commitment to represent the voters in his Cary and Apex district.

Join me in thanking Al Swanstrom at his campaign kick-off, Thursday, April 3rd, 7:00 PM at 101 Fern Bluff Way in Cary. More information at Al’s website: AlSwanstrom.com.

Thanks, Al!

February 2008 Newsletter

On Tuesday, February 12^th, joined by family, friends and supporters at the Wake County Board of Elections, I filed as a candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Although I have been working hard for over a year on this 2008 campaign, this is an exhilarating milestone. Now, with less than 9 months to the election in November, the pace picks up even more.

This year, there are exciting campaigns and candidates up and down the ticket for this historic election. That includes our local, grassroots campaign here in Wake County that has state-wide impact on our North Carolina General Assembly.

Please commit to help our campaign right now with either a generous campaign donation or with your valuable time. I need your help to win this tough race and I am asking you for it now.

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March Art Gallery Fundraiser

Let's celebrate spring together and raise funds to support our grassroots campaign. Enjoy good food & drink, good company, and great art with fellow supporters. You deserve to be part of this progressive campaign to move North Carolina forward.

So please stop by the Lee Hansley Art Gallery, 225 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh on Thursday, March 27th from 5:30-7:00 PM. Suggested Admission: $25 and Sponsorships available: $100 Bronze, $250 Silver, $500 Gold, $1000 Platinum.

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Issue: Diversity

Our world, our country, our state, and our local communities are a vast mix of different people.

From comfortably rich to desperately poor; from black, white, and every shade of brown in between; from well-educated to totally illiterate; from robustly healthy to terminally ill; from young with innocence to old with wisdom; from devoutly religious across a vast sea of faiths to completely non-religious; remotely rural to crowded urban; male and female, straight and gay in a range of gender identity and sexual orientation; political activists on the right or left to the politically apathetic and disaffected.

Regardless of where a person is on any of these spectrums, they deserve respect, opportunity, and equal treatment under our laws. Additionally, it is important to expose ourselves to people who are not like us. When we do, we often find there is much we have in common with our fellow human beings.

I look forward to representing the wide diversity of people in District 37 and to meeting as many of them as possible during this campaign.

March Afternoon Door Knocking and Pizza Party

Many of us are just not “morning people”. If you like to sleep in on the weekend, you will be glad to know that our next major door knocking event is a Saturday afternoon, March 1st at 2:00 PM.

We will meet at Campaign HQ (Ed’s House) 800 Oldwyck Dr, Fuquay Varina. Training and pairing up with experienced canvassers is provided for new volunteers. As always, other Democratic Candidates are welcome to join us and provide literature.

After knocking on doors, we will meet back at Rudino’s Pizza, 1436 North Main Street in Fuquay Varina to celebrate.

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Thank You

I would like to thank the thousands of people who came together at the Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HK on J) February 9th. The power of this coalition of over 70 organizations to bring a message of hope and action is meaningful and inspiring.

Our strength in unity shows we can work together for progress on issues as diverse as bringing our troops home from Iraq, fighting for workers and voters rights, ending poverty and racism, strengthening our schools, and providing health care for all.

I am proud to be a small part of this “movement, not a moment”