Speaking political communications, I loved the tone of this recent solicitation from former Independence Party Senate candidate Dean Barkley (compared to the usual give-me-money-because-my-opponent-is-theantichrist-hellbent-on-destroying-America):

“Unfortunately I have to do something that I did everything to avoid. I need to ask for your help covering some unanticipated costs that the campaign incurred at the end of the race. I know that asking for money to retire debt is that last thing that a candidate wants to do but I am asking you one last time to make a contribution to help with these costs. Whatever you can afford would be appreciated and I understand completely if you decline my ask for help. The economy is in the tank and the last thing you probably want to do is send a contribution.”