In an Oct. 17 letter to the editor, Rita Hale raises questions about the amount of money my campaign raises as well as the manner in which it is raised and spent. Ms. Hale is a frequent critic of mine and an open supporter of my opponent. Her claims demand a response.

Anyone who has spent time raising money for a campaign knows how difficult and time consuming it can be. But with potential challengers bragging about efforts to raise $1.5 million to defeat me, as Tom Casperson claimed in an Oct. 15, 2007 article in the Detroit News, it becomes a necessity.

People across northern Michigan recognize the challenge of raising money year after year and have stepped up to help. Some constituents on fixed incomes send checks to my campaign for as little as $2 to help with my re-election efforts so I can continue to be their voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. More than 3,600 individuals have contributed to my past four re-election campaigns and I am honored to have their support.

Elections come down to voters not campaign contributions. Come Election Day, Northern Michigan voters will cast their ballots for the candidate who will best represent their interests in Congress.

Bart Stupak, U.S. Congressman

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