Dear Friend,

I am 100% committed to leading our Party to victory in this November's elections all across the country, and I need RNC Members like you, men and women who have done so much to help our party in the past, working alongside me.

That is why I made it my first priority, after securing the Republican Presidential nomination, to reach out to you today to stand with me in a critically important undertaking.

"Dear Friend?" At least he didn't say "My Friends." I'm a bit tired of that verbal tic. I'm glad you'd like to see me work alongside you. Unfortunately, though, you've spent too much time working alongside people with whom many in the GOP disagree, on legislation that we find disagreeable.

And now you want my money. Fat chance, Mav.

The next few paragraphs are the standard 'most important election' ever boilerplate, with some 'look how horrible the Democrats will be and look at how much money they're raising' rhetoric thrown in for good measure.

There's a reason the Democrats are so fired up. For the most part, they like their candidate.

...they will raise your taxes. Already, leading Democrats have laid out plans to pass record-setting tax increases.

But if Republicans win, we will make the present tax cuts permanent, work to cut additional taxes and simplify the tax code. Republicans know that raising taxes in tough economic times is a recipe for disaster, but tax cuts are proven medicine for getting the economy growing again

Those tax cuts are great, aren't they? Too bad you voted against them and used class warfare rhetoric to justify your opposition. Glad you've seen the light, but your support then would have meant a whole lot more and would have done a lot to blunt the 'even top Republicans hate the tax cuts' talking points the Democrats used and still use to oppose them.

McCain's letter mentions the tax cuts again a few times, which only serves to remind the reader that he was on the wrong side of this issue. There is some good language on ending earmarks, which is one of McCain's strongest points. Then this clunker sticks out:

I want to help elect Republicans who will fight to strengthen border security.

Oh, who the heck knows where he stands on this issue anymore, really. Given his history of Maverickyness over principle, I'm disinclined to believe his "I got the message" mea culpa.

The letter continues on this vein a bit, pointing out the major policy differences with the Democrats. At the end, another request for money.

Will you sit on the sidelines and let them take control of Washington? Or, will you join with me by signing and returning the enclosed Pledge of Support along with a contribution today?

The past few elections have shown that every vote counts. You and I need to make sure the Republican Party has the resources it needs to fight for every vote, all across the country.

You'll get my vote, Mav, but not much else. If you're having trouble raising money, look no further than the stupid campaign finance reform law you're unjustifiably proud of. You're the one who made the playing field harder for us, and you're reaping the benefits of your misguided sanctimony and hubris.

So no, I'm not going to give you any of my money, because right now I'm using too much of it to pay for gas we're forced to get from other countries because short-sighted politicians in Washington keep preventing us from getting our own.

I wonder what I should write on the Pledge of Support before sending it back?

Still, my daughter did find a use for the letter.