I'm Running for Congress

Dear Friends -

I’m writing to personally share the news that I am running for Congress. My entry into the race was a relatively quick decision, spurred by the retirement of the six-term incumbent congresswoman who represents my district.

Like many of you, I've been frustrated by the overwhelming dysfunction in Washington, DC and deeply believe we can do better.?Despite the long list of disappointing developments happening in the United States today, I'm fundamentally an optimist?and deeply believe that America, while not perfect, is an exceptional country that is genuinely a land of opportunity. It's the shining city on a hill that drew my parents here more than 50 years ago and continues to be a beacon of hope for so many people.?

I'm running for Congress to help overcome some of the most pressing challenges we face as a nation, and to do so in way that moves beyond today's deep polarization and problematic partisanship. There are three main topics I plan to focus upon: 1) Border security and immigration reform, 2) Fiscal discipline and economic growth, and3) Foreign affairs and national security. All three of these topics are characterized by extremely divisive discussions that present policy options in?either-or?language. Well, I'm a believer in?both-and?thinking.

We can, for instance, have?both?a secure border?and?a welcoming legal immigration policy. We can also have a government that?both?lives within its means?and?invests in services and infrastructure that Americans depend upon. And lastly, we can have a foreign policy that?both?puts American interests first?and?supports our allies.?

Enough is enough. It's time to move beyond the tired and disruptive partisan politics and get back to a government that works for Americans, not for career politicians. I hope you'll support me in my quest to fix the mess we find ourselves in and to move beyond the false tradeoffs presented by today's dysfunctional system. Unfortunately, I can't do much on my own. But together, I believe we can do anything we set out to accomplish.

I’m writing to seek your help. I’ve waited one month before posting about my campaign because I wanted to have a response to a dear friend and consistent supporter. When I informed him I was running for office, he graciously offered to support my campaign, but was also kind enough to add some encouraging words: “But don't f&ck*&g lose!”

While I can't make any guarantees, I’m pleased to share that I’m making progress at addressing my friend’s concern. In the past three weeks, my campaign has hit the ground running and has announced more than 60 endorsements from prominent leaders from different wings of the Republican Party, something local press has called a “broad coalition. ” Further, several of the state’s most active businessmen have been helping me financially, and the campaign is off to a great start. And lastly, I've started building a team that’s among the best in the country. Political analysts have begun to take notice.

I’m specifically seeking help in three ways:

1. MONEY. Campaigns are expensive! We are seeking additional resources to hire more organizers, launch a mail campaign, and begin a broadcast advertising effort. To those who have already donated, thank you! For everyone else, I really need your help! To contribute electronically, please click this link: https://secure.anedot.com/vikram4nh/cbd9f98c480ee1ea0a069
2. INTRODUCTIONS. I need to get a large number of donors to acquire the financial resources needed to mount a winning campaign. Feel free to send this post along to other civic-minded folks in your network, or pass their names along to me and I’ll happily reach out. One of the most powerful ways to help is to get multiple friends to also support my effort!
3. SUMMER (AND BEYOND!) HELP. I can always use more help! We'd love to have a few ambitious young professionals who are eager to spend the Summer (and Fall if they’re available!) working on an exciting campaign in beautiful New Hampshire. Perhaps you know college students (or recent graduates) who are looking for an interesting opportunity? Please point them towards me!

Thanks in advance for your help! Best,

Vikram

VIKRAM MANSHARAMANI?is an entrepreneur, consultant, scholar, neighbor, husband, father, volunteer, and professional generalist who thinks in multiple-dimensions and looks beyond the short-term. Self-taught to think around corners and connect original dots, he spends his time speaking with global leaders in business, government, academia, and journalism.?LinkedIn?has twice listed him as its #1 Top Voice in Money & Finance, and?Worth?profiled him as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Finance. Vikram earned a PhD From MIT, has taught at Yale and Harvard, and is the author of three books,?The Making of a Generalist: An Independent Thinker Finds Unconventional Success in an Uncertain World ,?Think for Yourself: Restoring Common Sense in an Age of Experts and Artificial Intelligence ?and?Boombustology: Spotting Financial Bubbles Before They Burst . Vikram lives in Lincoln, New Hampshire with his wife and two children, where they can usually be found hiking or skiing.