Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - I'd like to invite you to join me on Thursday, January 7, from 4-6 pm at the Hotel Mercurio pool side bar. My friend and fellow Progressive Democrat Tom Guild is running for Congress from Oklahoma's 5th District. Tom has a small apartment and is a frequent visitor here in Puerto Vallarta. So he's also a neighbor and part of our local community. I'm hoping you'll join us supporting his grass roots campaign.

Tom is a professor emeritus of legal studies, with a compelling life story. He's not funded by corporate or oil & gas industry contributions (as most elected officials are in Oklahoma). In Congress he will protect and preserve Medicare; increase Social Security benefits; support public education; increase the Minimum Wage; reduce college student debt; invest in infrastructure; and support common sense policy approaches that benefit and protect the opportunities and liberties of all citizens, including those of us living and working outside the United States. He's the kind of leader we need in Washington.

And I know you're thinking: "A Progressive Democrat? From Oklahoma? Not a chance!"

But you should know some facts about Oklahoma's 5th District that make his campaign winnable and worthy of our support:

• Tom won 97,504 votes in 2012, more votes than any Democrat since 1992 in previous CD5-OK congressional elections – the voters know him, and agree with his values.

• The voter registration mix in the 5th District is pretty evenly divided.

• The Republican "brand" in Oklahoma is on shaky ground thanks to regressive policies and questionable leadership by current elected officials.

• Tom has already been endorsed by Blue America, the Brennan Society, the Brennan Institute, Progressive Oklahoma, and Change Oklahoma.

• This is not a costly district to run in – but it's not free. Tom can win by raising many small and medium sized contributions.

• Tom's Republican opponent, first elected in 2014, was unable to pay his campaigns debts and still owes $195,000 from the 2014 campaign.

So please join us, and meet Tom, on January 7th at Hotel Mercurio. I'll be providing a full open bar and snacks prepared by our hotel chef.

Suggested minimum contribution to Tom's campaign is $30 USD or $500 Pesos. Of course, feel free to contribute up to the maximum under FEC rules ($2,700 USD) prior to the June 28 Oklahoma primary!

Questions? Call me at 322-294-1820.