RNC begins amid national reflection: What Arkansans need to know

J.D. Vance is not the way. {NAME},  As our nation continues to process the shocking events of this past Saturday in Pennsylvania, the Republican National Convention has begun in Milwaukee. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the violence.  It's natural to want to look away from politics in times like these. But the decisions being made at the RNC will have profound implications for Arkansas and our country. People's lives and futures - all of our futures - are at stake. We believe it's our duty to keep you informed so we can stay strong and win at the ballot box.  Here's what Arkansans need to know: Project 2025: This Heritage Foundation initiative, with banners draped all over the RNC, proposes sweeping changes to our government. It includes plans to dismiss up to 50,000 government workers, roll back LGBTQ+ protections, increase religious influence in government, de facto nationwide abortion ban, and much, much more. Everything you fear about it may actually be worse. [A screenshot of a tweet from Charlie Sykes displaying a photo of a large banner from the Heritage Foundation hanging in Milwaukee’s airport welcoming RNC attendees. The tweet reads: “The Heritage Foundation wants folks to know that this is *their* convention. The first thing RNC attendees will see when they arrive in Milwaukee.”]( Vice Presidential Pick: J.D. Vance has been chosen as the Republican vice presidential nominee. Vance, who formerly referred to Trump as "America's Hitler," would have been a surprising choice a short time ago, but now he’s firmly Team Trump. This selection answers any remaining questions about the direction of the Republican party. On issues like abortion, Vance is to the right of Trump.  GOP Platform: The RNC has passed a 2024 platform that should alarm many Arkansans. It calls for the "largest deportation operation in American history," pushes for increased fossil fuel production, cuts federal funding for schools teaching about systemic racism or LGBTQ+ issues, restricts women's rights, and implements voting measures that could limit poll access. Their proposals would decimate Social Security and Medicare, restrict IVF and implement a nationwide abortion ban.  This platform represents a sharp turn toward policies that could harm Arkansans and all Americans and roll back progress on civil rights, environmental protection, and inclusive education. [A screenshot of a tweet by Katie Phang @KatiePhang, posted on July 8, 2024, at 3:12 PM. The tweet reads: ]( {NAME}, these frankly scary and inhumane platform points underscore the importance of having strong, principled representation for Arkansas in Congress. That's why Vortex is working to support candidates who will fight for working families, reproductive freedom, and responsible governance in all four of our state's congressional districts.  [Our candidates - Rodney, Marcus, Caitlin, and Risie - represent the best of Arkansas. They're committed to being a voice for all Arkansans and a check on executive overreach, regardless of who occupies the White House. With all that’s going on, we need to know you’re with us. Can you donate $25, $50, $75, $100, or even more to stand with us as we continue our work for the good of all?]( If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: [  Express Donate: $25  Â]( [  Express Donate: $50  Â]( [  Express Donate: $100 Â]( [  Express Donate: $250 Â]( [  Express Donate: $500 Â]( [  Donate Other Amount  Â]( In these challenging times, engagement in our democratic process is more important than ever.  As the RNC continues, whether you choose to look away or stay riveted, you can count on Vortex to remain dedicated to helping create a brighter future for Arkansas - one that embraces progress and rejects extremism. Let's channel our energy into protecting our values and building a stronger, more united community.  Let's keep the momentum going!  Thank you.  Robb [Support Vortex PAC >>](      Vortex PAC is a new grassroots movement to transform Arkansas politics away from the far-right. We are recruiting, training, and supporting Democratic candidates to flip all four of Arkansas’ U.S. congressional districts and help win back the House majority in 2024. [DONATE >>](   You can follow Vortex PAC on social media using the links below:  [Facebook]( | [X]( | [Instagram]( | [TikTok](   Paid for by Vortex PAC  ©2024 Vortex PAC, all rights reserved  Our mailing address is: Vortex PAC PO Box 1141 Springdale, AR 72765 We're sad to see you go, but if you believe you received this email in error, or you no longer wish to receive our emails you can unsubscribe using the link below: [Click here to unsubscribe.]( Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Vortex PAC, please [click here](.