Michelle Obama rallies support, raises funds for mid-term elections

By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff

Democrats tapped First Lady Michelle Obama today to rally supporters and raise money in a mass e-mail just weeks before they could face losing majorities in the House and possibly the Senate in midterm elections.

"Barack can't keep making progress without strong allies in Congress," Obama wrote in the e-mail. "And now the same people who've opposed us at every turn are targeting the folks who voted to make change real."

The first lady mentions overhauls of healthcare and and financial regulations and asks for donations at this "critical moment."

The appeal appears to be part of a fund-raising initiative called Michelle Match in which contributions are matched by unidentified "grassroots donors." In the e-mail, Obama identifies them as "teachers and firefighters, truckers and nurses who have made pledges of support hoping to inspire you to take the next step. Because of them, a $3 contribution will become $6."

The e-mail links to a page that features Michelle Obama's picture and the plea, "answer Michelle's call."

The Democratic National Committee raised $16 million in September, making it the best month for Democrats during the current election cycle. Still, analysts are predicting a loss in the House of 40 seats for Democrats, which would give Republicans a majority. And in the Senate, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, the Republicans are on track to gain between seven and nine seats, just shy of the 10 they would need for a majority.

Donovan Slack can be reached at dslack@globe.com.