Dear Friends:

With my wife, Tami, and our children, I extend to you our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude. The campaign over the past year was difficult for me personally, for my family, and for all of you who share a vision for a better future. I was lifted up each day by your kind words, by your encouragement, and by your prayers. The message of our campaign was clear and strong: a more just government with less spending, lower taxes, and leadership that respects liberty.

While we are grateful for the gifts of your friendship, I am also pleased that so many thousands of voters demonstrated their desire for strong leadership based not on government, but on the vitality of wage earners, families, churches, and neighborhoods. Do not be discouraged! Ronald Reagan once said, “man is not free unless government is limited.” Our campaign was only a beginning—an initial challenge; I encourage you to stand strong, to square your shoulders, and to push forward in defense of what it still means to be free.

I am told that the false charges made against me, which distorted this year’s campaign, will effectively discourage other good people from seeking elected office—especially those who threaten the status quo. To counteract this, I must have a vigorous defense. In a campaign that extended over 14 months, I invested every ounce of my energy and I assumed enormous financial obligations in the effort to win. Now I must ask you for help.

America needs fresh leadership with new ideas and new energy. If the establishment can so successfully misrepresent the image of one good man, they can discourage others. I ask you, therefore, to join with me in defending my name. All donations of any amount will be deeply appreciated (there is no maximum limit) but a donation of $20 or $50 will help greatly. Whatever amount you choose to donate will be sufficient.

If you feel like helping out with the legal costs, a check can be sent directly to Barnes & Thornburg where they have a trust account set up to receive financial contributions on behalf of the Kelty Legal Defense Fund.

Checks should be made payable to Barnes & Thornburg, but should say “Kelty Legal Defense” on the memo line. Their mailing address is:

Any help that you are able to send will be greatly appreciated and will, in the end, help us prevail in this matter.

I will never grow tired of pushing forward the cause of freedom. In the end, please know that I am grateful for your support. Together we can—and we must—change the world!

God Bless,

Matthew G. Kelty