Dear friends,
It is an honor for me to serve as Honorary Consul General of Romania. As a part of my duties, I learned of many friends of Romania. It has been my distinct honor to become acquainted with a true friend in the person of Elaine Marshall, the Secretary of State of North Carolina.
Secretary Marshall is co-chair of the Bilateral Partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the State of North Carolina. During the past ten years of her leadership, she has hosted many delegations, facilitated many projects and visited Moldova five times, traveling throughout the region. By doing so, Secretary Marshall became acquainted with our history, with our culture and with our heritage. She made many Romanian friends, both here and abroad, and became a valuable supporter of the 1.5 – 2 million Romanian people living in the United States.
Fellow Romanian-Americans, we are now presented with the rare opportunity of having a true friend of ours representing us at the highest legislative level. Secretary Marshall has engaged in the process of becoming a U.S. Senator. She is participating in this year’s primary and general elections. Let’s help her win that place in the U.S. Senate. We need someone there to help us with important issues such as eliminating the visas for the Romanians travelling to the U.S, or, stimulating the commerce and the U.S. investments in Romania. Secretary Marshall will be on our side on all these issues.
Attached is a letter from Secretary Marshall to you.
There are many ways of helping her. You don’t have to be a resident of North Carolina. Here are a few suggestions:
*EARLY VOTE: If you are a citizen, you can vote the week of April 26-30th at one stop early vote sites. Some counties will be open on Saturday May 1st. Check your county Board of Elections for locations and details. If you are over 18 or will be 18 years of age by General Election Day on November 4, 2010, you can vote in this primary. You will need to show documentation of residence and you will be allowed to register and vote all in the one visit. To vote for Elaine you will need to be registered as a Democrat or registered as an unaffiliated (independent) voter and ask for the Democratic ballot.
*PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: Tuesday May 4 is the Election Day. Polls are open from 7AM to 7:30PM. If you are in line by 7:30 PM but have not yet voted, you will be allowed to vote.
*DONATE: Any citizen or any legal resident can give a contribution no matter if they are in North Carolina or any other state. Contributions can be made by anyone over 18 years old from personal (not corporate) funds. The easiest way to donate is to visit www.elainemarshall.com and click on the donate icon. You can give with a credit card on line or print and mail the form with a check. Federal law requires asking the items that are noted on the web site. Credit card donations can also be received over the telephone by calling Elaine’s campaign office at 919.457.1251. Contribution limits are $2,400 per person for the Primary by May 4 and then an additional $2,400 per person for the General election in November. Contributions are welcome in any amount under the $2,400 maximum.
Secretary Marshall is a strong candidate in a 6-person primary. With a crowded field, she needs funds to get out her message.
Thank you for consideration of our friend Elaine Marshall.
Tony Samoila
Honorary Consul General of Romania
Norfolk, Virginia