Smith for Congress
104 Rock Bridge Road
Dothan, AL 36303
(334) 699-8683
http://www.harrianne2008.com

FEBRUARY 26, 2008

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND DISTRIBUTION

CONTACT:            Jack Campbell: (334) 699-8683 or (334) 868-0457

Smith Fund Raiser Biggest Ever

(DOTHAN, ALABAMA)—The Smith for Congress Committee held its first official fund raising event Tuesday evening in Dothan, Alabama.  More than 300 friends and supporters of Senator Harri Anne Smith attended the reception at the Holiday Inn Express-Convention Center, contributing to the success of the record-setting event, which raised over two hundred and thirty thousand dollars to support her campaign for Congress.

Campaign Chairman Jim Kelly welcomed the crowd of well-wishers and introduced Campaign Finance Committee Co-Chairs, John Watson and George Flowers, thanking them for their efforts.

Kelly said, “John Watson and George Flowers are responsible for what may be the single most successful fund raising event ever held for a Congressional race in the history of Alabama,” said Kelly, “and it’s only our first fund raiser.”

George Flowers thanked the committee for their efforts and said, “The people in the Wiregrass know she has been a great state Senator and they know Harri Anne will be an outstanding member of Congress, as well”.

“Our success this evening is the result of the hard work of many people,” said Watson, “and, in the end, this incredible accomplishment is a reflection of the level of support Harri Anne has in this community.”

In his introduction of Senator Smith, Watson told the crowd, “We are all here for one reason tonight and that is to support Harri Anne Smith.  We are proud of the way she has represented the interests of the people of the Wiregrass in Montgomery and we want to make sure that she takes that commitment, energy and resolve to the United States Congress.”

Senator Smith, who took the stage to a standing ovation, praised the Committee for their hard work and dedication and thanked the contributors for their support.

“I am just overwhelmed with gratitude for the support I am getting here at home.  And, I am especially happy to report that these are all individual contributions…there were no PAC contributions to this event."

“I have no doubt this incredible event will send a strong message that we are ready for this campaign, we will take our message to every part of the district and, we will be successful in reaching our goal.”

Smith concluded, “I have made a commitment to the people of the second Congressional District that I will work tirelessly in Washington and that I will represent and serve them honorably.  The support of the people in the Wiregrass is the first step toward that goal…and I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

The Second Congressional District of Alabama is made up of sixteen counties, including all of the Wiregrass, part of Montgomery and all of Elmore and Autauga Counties. It is currently represented by Congressman Terry Everett (R) who recently announced his retirement.

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