Luke Messer for Congress

Governor visits Shelbyville

2010-02-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

Great to have the Governor in Shelbyville yesterday. Gov. Daniels and BMV Commissioner Andy Miller were in town to visit the Shelbyville BMV and Luke was able to spend some time with them.

The Shelbyville BMV team was recognized for quick thinking that led to the arrest of a fraudulent title ring out of North Carolina.

You can read the news article in The Shelbyville News here

Luke active with TEA Party groups

2010-02-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

Check out the below article on the National TEA Party Convention that was held last weekend in Nashville, Tennessee. One of our campaign volunteers, Janet Smith, attended the convention and was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal!

"Maybe instead it's time to find good candidates," she said. Mrs. Smith splits her time between Indiana and Florida, where she is volunteering for Marco Rubio in the Florida Senate GOP primary contest against Gov. Charlie Crist, and Luke Messer, who is mounting a primary challenge to Indiana Republican Rep. Dan Burton.

Click here to read the entire article.

Luke has been actively meeting with Tea Party groups throughout the district and has attended several TEA Party candidate forums. You can read his responses to the Huntington TEA Party candidate questionnaire here.

Update: Numbers bode well for Messer

2010-02-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

Numbers Game Begins
with 5th CD challengers
By BRIAN A. HOWEY

INDIANAPOLIS - It’s a numbers game in the 5th CD. The money numbers came out this week with Luke Messer posting $102,262 while U.S. Rep.Dan Burton posted $157,000. Burton has $442,000 cash on hand; Messer $241,000. And then there’s the rest of the challenger field: State Rep. Mike Murphy raised $31,000 for the quarter and has $173,925 cash on hand. Dr. John McGoff raised $55,000 and has $77,000 cash on hand. Brose McVey raised $31,000 and has $62,000. Outside of Burton and Messer, and maybe Murphy, it was hard to conceive how McGoff and McVey can win a five-way race with only enough funds to buy a couple of direct mail pieces.

The Murphy numbers were the most surprising. He posted more than $100,000 in the third quarter and HPI believed that he had the momentum going into this reporting period. Murphy insisted that “I’ll have the media budget we have to meet. But we need every penny we can get.” But Murphy produced a Bellwether Research Poll (Jan. 25-27, with likely Republican primary voters, +/-5.6%) that showed Burton’s reelection numbers at 28 percent, down from 35 percent a year ago. ”Lee Atwater used to say that if an incumbent was under 40 percent, he was a dead man,” Murphy said.

The second poll question was which challenger was in the best position to defeat Burton? Murphy said it showed that 16 percent favored his candidacy and McGoff’s, 15 percent Messer, and 11 percent McVey, while 43 percent didn’t have enough information. “It’s a wide open race,” Murphy declared. “I love a good fight and we’re gonna have one.”

Hours earlier, McVey told HPI that he wanted to see some polling numbers. “I’d entertain in the conversation of having them share the cost of a survey,” he said of his fellow challengers. “I want to see new legs on the playing field. I don’t want to hand this back to an incumbent who’s not getting the job done.” As for his own money numbers, McVey explained, “It’s kind of a period of reflection for me. The more I get committed and emotionally attached to the issues and what this country needs, the more the money game and practical side becomes a love/hate deal. I am more committed to the agenda to save us from our own fiscal suicide. At the same time, I want to rejuvenate new leadership. At this point, I’m committed.” As the challenger field took shape last summer, McVey said he would be open to culling the field based on financial numbers, polling and organizational strength. Murphy’s Bellwether poll could put the damper on that.

Messer told HPI he’s best positioned among the challenger class. “We’ve got strong grassroots in each county,” he said. We’ve done town halls in all 11 counties. Then you have to combine that with a strong effort on the issues and the kind of paid media it takes to reach the 80,000 primary voters. We’ve been working hard for 10 months to do something hard which is to beat an incumbent. We’ve got the foundation laid and now we execute during the next 90 days.” Of consolidating the field, Messer explained, “We have to be talking to the other candidates. The other guys have to look in the mirror and reach their own decisions. But we have to reach out. There’s no backroom way to get this done.”

If no one gets out, Messer noted that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won a five-way primary in 2006, but those types of upsets are rare. Messer’s campaign consultant, Jennifer Hallowell, added, “We’ve spent the last 10 months building an organization aimed at winning this campaign and by every objective measure, Luke is the clear front-runner. For months and months lots of Republican leaders and candidates have talked about the need for leadership and the need for a new congressman. If we are all serious - if that’s important - we need to come together to support the candidate who has the best ability to win and clearly that’s Luke. He’s led in fund-raising every quarter. We’ve got a grassroots organization across the district. He’s got significant endorsements with the sheriffs in Hamilton and Hancock counties.”

This race seems volatile. We still believe the five-man field favors Burton. We don’t know how the Tea Party movement will impact the race (Burton rallied with them at the Indiana Statehouse last April 15). Messer seems to be in the best position to overtake the incumbent, but that would be bolstered by the field culling and we’re not sure that’s going to happen. HPI Horse Race: Leans Burton

Campaign Update: Luke in the news!

2010-02-03T10:52:00.001-05:00

The momentum continues on the campaign trail. We’re running at full steam ahead. Volunteers throughout the district are exponentially mobilizing and Indiana’s brand of change is on the way!

Here are two news articles from this week that you may be interested in reading.

“In contributions from individuals, Messer raised $14,000 more than Burton did last year.” For more on this story click on the link- Indystar

“Luke Messer is winning the money race among 5th Congressional District challengers.” More on this story - FrugalHoosiers

Continue to check out our blog for updates as the campaign keeps on rolling towards election day!

Update: Momentum continues with another strong quarter

2010-02-02T13:56:00.002-05:00

5th District Congressional Candidate Reports Nearly $285,000 Cash On Hand at Year-End and Raises Two to Three Times the Other Challenger Candidates in the 4th Quarter

(Shelbyville, IN)—Yesterday, Republican Luke Messer’s campaign for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District filed its year end Federal Election Commission finance report announcing that Messer raised more than $430,000 for the year to date including $102,262 in the most recent quarter. "Over the past ten months, we’ve been working to build a grassroots campaign with the financial strength necessary to defeat an incumbent Congressman,” said Messer. “Today, we took another big step toward that goal. From North Manchester to Greenfield, Franklin to Huntington, Hoosier Republicans are ready to send their own message of reform to Washington.”

To date, Messer has raised a total of $434,704 and has $284,271 cash on hand. From the start, Messer has consistently outraised the other challenger candidates to Congressman Dan Burton, raising two to three times the other challengers in the 4th Quarter of 2009 alone. In addition, Messer has kept pace with Congressman Burton’s fundraising since kicking off his campaign in April – Messer raised $434,704 compared to Burton’s $472,527 during that period.

“From the start, we knew this wouldn’t be easy,” said Messer. “But, with the endorsements of over 600 grassroots activists, and party and elected officials, over 800 contributors and nearly 5,000 friends and supporters on Facebook, we are building one of the strongest primary challenger campaigns in state history.” Messer has received contributions from 812 individuals, including contributions from each of the eleven counties in the 5th District.

Candidate 4th Quarter Contributions Current Cash-on-Hand Total 2009 Contributions

Luke Messer $102,262 $284,271 $434,704

Dan Burton $155,147 $487,133 $573,431

John McGoff $55,070 $77,420 $162,700

Brose McVey $32,436 $62,177 $185,510

Mike Murphy $35,870 $173,925 $243,500

“We are in great position to win this race, but we must keep building momentum as we enter the final 90 days,” continued Messer. “It will take a team effort to get this done, and that is happening all across our country. From Tea Party protests to spirited townhalls, voters are coming together to make their voices heard. People are tired of business as usual in Washington and politicians who talk a good game, but don’t deliver. They want real leadership, a focus on jobs and the economy - and reform.” To date, Messer is the only candidate to officially file his 5th District candidacy with the State Election Division. The filing period runs from January 20th to February 19th.

Messer has received contributions from the following communities within the 5th District: Carmel, Carthage, Cicero, Fairland, Fishers, Fortville, Franklin, Fountaintown, Greenfield, Greenwood, Huntington, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Marion, McCordsville, Morristown, Needham, New Palestine, Noblesville, North Manchester, Peru, Saint Paul, Shelbyville, Sheridan, Wabash, Waldron, Westfield, Whiteland, and Windfall. Messer has also received contributions from these additional Indiana cities and towns: Anderson, Avilla, Avon, Bluffton, Brownsburg, Chandler, Chesterton, Claypool, Colburn, Columbus, Crawfordsville, Delphi, Evansville, Francesville, Ft. Wayne, Gary, Granger, Greensburg, Jeffersonville, Kentland, Lafayette, Lebanon, Logansport, Martinsville, Merrillville, Milroy, Mishawaka, Muncie, Munster, New Castle, North Vernon, Pierceton, Pittsboro, Plainfield, Portage, Rensselaer, Rosedale, Rushville, Santa Claus, Speedway, South Bend, Tell City, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, West Lafayette, Westport, Westville, Winona Lake, Yorktown, and Zionsville.

In Case You Missed It: Luke Interviewed on "Talkin' Politics with Gary L Snyder"

2010-01-28T17:52:00.003-05:00

Luke was interviewed by Gary Snyder, author of Huntington Politics, on his weekly show "Talkin' Politics with Gary L Snyder". Luke's segment begins around the 15 minute mark. He and Gary discussed the 5th district congressional race and Luke's proposals for ethics reform.

Click here to listen!

In Case You Missed It: "A good start, but we need more ethics reform"

2010-01-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

Luke wrote an opinion editorial that was published this week in the Indianapolis Star. You can read it here and below.

A good start, but we need more ethics reform

I applaud the Indiana General Assembly for ethics reform legislation moving through its chamber. The steps, such as requiring a one-year wait period for moving from a legislator to a lobbyist, are a move in the right direction for our state. These bills, however, ignore an elephant in the room. If Indiana is serious about reform, we should consider three further, common sense proposals:

• Banning legislators from being paid to represent clients before state agencies in policy matters and requiring greater financial disclosure of other business conduct by legislators.

• Banning legislators from being paid fundraisers.

• Closing a loophole that allows some legislators to raise funds during budget sessions.

I offer a unique perspective on this legislation. I served a little less than four years as a state legislator and a little less than three years as a paid lobbyist. Today, I serve in neither of those roles, but I know first-hand the challenges faced by those drafting this legislation.

It is a challenge for legislators to balance their day job with their part-time public service, which requires them to be away for legislative business seven out of every twenty-four months. It is particularly challenging if a legislator must change jobs while serving in the General Assembly. In 2005, I tried to change jobs and continue serving as a state legislator. Frankly, most interested employers posed some sort of potential conflict because they also conducted business before the State. To avoid the conflict, I decided not to seek another term.

Indiana is one of only twenty states that place no restrictions on the types of jobs state legislators can have. For example, at least eighteen states restrict legislators from representing clients before state agencies in policy matters. Indiana should change its laws to join those states. At a minimum, serving in the state legislature should mean you can't be paid by private clients to do policy work before the state.

Our state should also strengthen legislator financial disclosure requirements. Mirroring requirements in twenty-three other states, Indiana should require legislators to disclose the name, nature of representation and compensation for any client or employer paying a legislator more than $2000. Today, in most cases, an Indiana legislator is only required to disclose a client or employer if they pay the legislator “more than 1/3 of their non-legislative income.”

Legislators should be banned from being paid fundraisers. I applaud any legislator who volunteers their time to raise money for candidates, charities or other worthy causes. But, when a legislator gets paid to raise money, there is no way to know whether the contributions are made out of a desire to support the cause or made to gain influence with a state legislator.

Legislators should also close a loophole in the law that allows some of them to get around a ban on fundraising during the state’s multi-billion dollar budget session. Current law bans legislators from fundraising during budget sessions unless they are raising money for another office, like Prosecutor, Judge, Mayor or Congress.

Ironically, last week, the House passed a version of H.B. 1001 that would prohibit the Governor from all types of fundraising during the budget session, while maintaining the loophole for legislators. If it’s wrong for the Governor to fundraise during the budget session, it is wrong for legislators – no exceptions.

In an editorial printed around the state, one of H.B. 1001 co-authors, Rep. Mike Murphy noted that his mother once told him that ‘just because something is legal, doesn't make it right.” I couldn’t agree more, and I hope he and other authors of the current ethics reform bills will embrace these commonsense improvements.

Luke Messer is a former state legislator, former lobbyist on state issues, and a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party.

Luke Files as a Candidate!

2010-01-25T15:11:00.007-05:00

MESSER FILES TO RUN IN 5TH DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

5th District Congressional Candidate Files Declaration of Candidacy Paperwork on First Filing Day

(Indianapolis, IN) – Republican Luke Messer today filed his paperwork to declare his candidacy for the 5th District Congressional Primary. U.S. Congressman Dan Burton, who has announced he is seeking a 15th term, currently holds the seat. The district includes all of Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Grant, Tipton, Hamilton, and Hancock counties, as well as parts of Howard, Marion, Shelby, and Johnson.

“The morning after one of the biggest upsets in American political history, I am excited to announce my run in this Congressional primary,” Messer stated. “From town hall meetings to tea parties to last night’s election, voters in this country are trying to send Washington a message. They are tired of leaders who don’t listen. They are tired of the wasteful spending that threatens the future of our country. And, they want bold new leaders who understand that government is not the answer to every problem.”

Messer, who began his campaign in April, has led the pack of potential challengers from the start, raising over $330,000 as of the October quarterly report and receiving the endorsements of over 600 key grassroots supporters and elected officials throughout the district. His campaign has reported more than 800 total contributors, including contributors from all 11 counties in the district. He is also running an active e-campaign, connecting to thousands of supporters each week through his Facebook pages, web page and email.

“The people of America spoke last night,” Messer exclaimed. “Against all odds, Scott Brown won, sending a clear message that Democrats need to stop the backroom deals on health care. But, Republicans need to learn from last night as well and send our own message of reform.” Messer continued. “The movement for new leaders is just starting. People are tired of business as usual in Washington and politicians who talk a good game, but don’t deliver. We want real leadership, a focus on jobs and the economy - and reform.”

At least five challengers and the incumbent Congressman have expressed an interest in the 5th District Congressional Race. “We’re ready to run no matter who is in,” Messer concluded.

About Luke Messer
Luke Messer, 40, is a lawyer in Shelbyville and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006. As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Messer helped Governor Daniels craft the state’s first balanced budget in eight years that, without a tax increase, turned a $600 million deficit into a $300 million surplus in a single year. As a member of the House Education Committee, Messer’s work on high school dropout prevention was featured in Time magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party.

Messer is co-founder of a not-for-profit organization called Child Share Indiana that advocates for Indiana foster children and their foster families. He is also an elder at this church and the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart. Luke and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville. To learn more about the Messer campaign, log onto http://www.lukemesser.com/

Let's Keep our Eye on the Ball

2009-12-15T12:58:00.002-05:00

An old friend of mine used to say: "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." In baseball, they say it a slightly different way: "keep your eye on the ball."

Either way, the lesson is the same. In challenging times, you need to stay focused on what really matters.

Everywhere I go, folks have the same priority - jobs. They want to see us get the American economy going. Yet, they are amazed by the disconnect in Washington DC. We've seen some token efforts in recent days. But, for months and months, Washington's liberal leadership has virtually ignored jobs and the economy. Instead, they remain focused on bailouts, a healthcare takeover and other philosophy-driven efforts to grow the size of government and re-shape America in the image of Europe's Socialist Democracies.

That is bad for America. People are experiencing tremendous economic difficulties that cannot and should not be ignored. According to a recent federal report, nine months after Congress approved its $787 billion dollar so-called stimulus bill, the rolls of the unemployed have grown by millions and, by any measure, more jobs have been lost than created. Since the stimulus bill was enacted in February, nearly three million Americans have lost their jobs and the percentage of people who are without work has risen to 10 percent. The bottom line is we now have a much higher national debt and fewer jobs.

To jumpstart our economy, we need to stop the runaway growth of government, cut taxes and put jobs first.

Last week, we released a plan called "Jobs First, Jobs Now" that would help promote small business job growth. The plan includes: enacting broad-based tax cuts, an end to corporate bail outs, incentives for cheaper energy, controlling spending, using unspent stimulus dollars to pay down national debt, the creation of a district-wide jobs advisory council and restructuring the congressional office staff to hire a full-time professional devoted to utilizing the more than 340 federal economic development programs to help 5th District local elected leaders and businesses create jobs. (Click here to see a copy of the plan.)

If we learn from the past, we can improve America's future. Prior to today's crisis, our country faced two major economic downturns during the last century: the Great Depression and the recession of the late 1970's and early 1980's. The government response to the Great Depression was to increase government at a rate unseen in our country's history. Most historians agree that this expansion likely prolonged the crisis and actually made things worse.

In contrast, President Ronald Reagan's response during the 1980's was to enact broad-based tax cuts and limit the size of government. These actions resulted in a booming economy and the greatest economic expansion in the history of mankind. We should observe these lessons from our past and enact policies similar to that of President Reagan.

The path to an economic comeback is lower federal government spending, tax cuts and putting jobs first. If you agree, we hope you join our team.

Best regards,
Luke Messer

P.S. To learn more about the campaign, volunteer or contribute securely online, check out http://www.lukemesser.com/.

Luke Messer on Jobs: Jobs First, Jobs Now

2009-12-10T15:07:00.000-05:00

Today Luke unveiled his jobs plan, "Jobs First, Jobs Now." To read Luke's policy paper, click here. Here is today's press release:

MESSER OFFERS “JOBS FIRST, JOBS NOW” PLAN

5th District Congressional Candidate Says the Most Critical Issue Facing the District Is Jobs

(Shelbyville, IN) – Republican Luke Messer today offered a plan to address jobs and the economy. Many communities in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District have struggled with double-digit unemployment for months. Messer’s announcement is in response both to the counterproductive actions of President Obama and the liberal Democratic leadership over the past several months as well as a clear call for action by voters throughout Indiana’s 5th district.

“As I travel the district, folks are amazed by the disconnect in Washington,” said Messer. “We’ve seen some token efforts in recent days. But, for months and months, Washington’s liberal leadership has virtually ignored jobs and the economy.” Messer continued, “Instead, they remain focused on a philosophy-driven effort to grow the size of government and re-shape America in the image of Europe's Socialist Democracies. People are experiencing tremendous economic difficulties that cannot and should not be ignored.”

In it’s so-called “stimulus bill,” Congress approved $787 billion dollars based on claims by the Obama administration that the spending would hold unemployment at eight percent. According to a recent federal report, “nine months later, with over $200 billion of stimulus funding already spent, the rolls of the unemployed have grown by millions and, by any measure, more jobs have been lost than created. Since the stimulus bill was enacted in February, nearly three million Americans have lost their jobs and the percentage of people who are without work has risen to 10 percent. ”

“Nine months, over $200 billion in spending and the end result is a higher national debt and fewer jobs,” noted Messer. “The bottom line is that we need to stop runaway spending and enact policies that will help jumpstart the economy. Simply put, we have to put jobs first.”

Messer’s jobs plan includes: enacting broad-based tax cuts, an end to corporate bail outs, incentives for cheaper energy, controlling spending, using unspent stimulus dollars to pay down national debt, the creation of a district-wide jobs advisory council and restructuring the congressional office staff to hire a full-time professional devoted to utilizing the more than 340 federal economic development programs to help 5th District local elected leaders and businesses create jobs.

"Prior to today’s crisis, our country faced two major economic downturns during the last century: the Great Depression and the recession of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s,” explained Messer. “The government response to the Great Depression was to increase government at a rate unseen in our country’s history. Most historians agree that this expansion likely prolonged the crisis and actually made things worse.”

“In contrast, President Ronald Reagan’s response during the 1980’s was to enact broad-based tax cuts and limit the size of government. These actions resulted in a booming economy and greatest economic expansion in the history of mankind. We should observe these lessons from our past and enact policies similar to that of President Reagan. The path to an economic comeback is lower federal government spending, tax cuts and putting jobs first.”

For more information, visit http://www.lukemesser.com/.

Thanksgiving Rich in History, Tradition

2009-12-10T15:00:00.001-05:00

As we all learn in elementary school, the first Thanksgiving Day feast occurred during the harvest celebration of the Pilgrims and Indians in the autumn of 1621. Our modern celebration can be traced back to 1863 when President Lincoln became the first President to declare Thanksgiving Day a national holiday. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since.

Last week, my first grade daughter appeared as an Indian in her school's Thanksgiving gala. All of the songs and costumes were great, but my favorite was a little song called: "Let's have a gratitude attitude!"

During the song, the students would sing the chorus "Let's have a gratitude attitude!" together and then one of the students would step forward to tell the audience something specific that they were grateful for. Answers varied from "my Mom and Dad," to "Jesus," to "friends" to "my goldfish."

It was all in good fun. But, the song reminds us all that Thanksgiving is a time to look past our struggles, thank the Lord and remember all of the small things that make our lives great.

For many, that will be a difficult challenge this holiday season. With double digit unemployment gripping many of our communities, folks are understandably concerned about our future. Make no mistake about it. These are challenging times. And, it will take a host of good decisions and a lot of hard work to get things turned back around.

Still, as we head into the holiday season, let's never forget that America is a blessed country that has faced big challenges before. There is nothing wrong with America today that cannot be fixed by all of the things that have been right about America for more than 200 years. The desire for freedom and the belief that government should not intrude on the everyday lives of its citizens are the very ideas that brought the Pilgrims to this land. These time-honored principles are the key to bringing prosperity back to our great country, and we cannot allow today's economic crisis to become an excuse to take our freedoms from us.

Working together, we can help the next generation of conservative leadership step up and make a big difference for our state and our nation. All we have to do is act. And, the time for action is now!

So, enjoy time with family and friends during this holiday season. Then, let's get back to work fighting the good fight and moving our country forward.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Luke

November 10th 2009

2009-11-20T11:43:00.002-05:00

After the results of last week's elections, conservatives and Republicans have many reasons to be encouraged. Republican victories in the Virginia and New Jersey Governor's races (two states President Obama won last year) make clear that the premature obituaries of the national Republican Party were way overstated.

Make no mistake about it, from town halls and tea parties to last week's election results, Americans reject big government and the big spending policies of Washington DC's liberal elites. Despite our current economic woes, Americans understand the importance of limited government and the freedom and liberty it brings. We don't want more government. We want leaders who understand it is the American people, not government programs, that will lead America's comeback.

As is so often the case, Ronald Reagan said it best. In his 1981 address to Congress to promote his first Economic Recovery package, President Reagan, said: "That's what makes us, as Americans, different. We've always reached for a new spirit and aimed at a higher goal. We've been courageous and determined, unafraid and bold. Who among us wants to be first to say we no longer have those qualities, that we must limp along, doing the same things that have brought us our present misery? I believe that the people you and I represent are ready to chart a new course.... We have much greatness before us. We can restore our economic strength and build opportunities like none we've ever had before. . . . All we need to do is act, and the time for action is now."

President Reagan's gave this 1981 address when the country was dealing with double digit inflation and home mortgage interest rate of around 15%. More than 8 million Americans were unemployed. Still, President Reagan saw a better future. And, although it took a couple of years to get there, Reagan's principled leadership jump-started the greatest economic recovery in world history- an economic expansion that lasted for most of the next 25+ years.

President Reagan understood the value of freedom. He understood the importance of limited government, lower taxes, hard work and personal responsibility. He understood that given the tools they need to make their own lives better, Americans will step-up to the challenge. And, he understood, if we work together, America's future will always be better than her past.

There is a lot to complain about in Washington today. From a healthcare takeover to card check to cap & trade to trillions in additional debt, our Nation's current leadership keeps turning left when we need to turn right. The American people are worried because they know that we can't tax our way into prosperity or spend our way out of debt.

But, as we stand up for freedom, let's stay focused on the future. We must continue to put forth positive solutions and remind our friends and neighbors that freedom, liberty, lower taxes and limited government are the keys to jump starting our economy and creating jobs.

That's why I am running for Congress, and that is why we need your help. Working together, we can make a difference for our country. We can fight for our freedoms and stand up for the future economic opportunities of our children and grandchildren. If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.

Thank you and God bless,

Luke Messer

P.S. To learn more about the campaign, volunteer or contribute securely online, check out www.lukemesser.com.

October 27th 2009

2009-11-20T11:42:00.002-05:00

More than 500 Hoosiers Step Forward to Support Luke Messer's campaign for Congress

(Fishers, IN) - Coming on the heels of the 3rd Quarter Federal Election Commission finance reports showing Republican 5th District Congressional candidate Luke Messer with a strong fundraising lead over the field of challengers to incumbent Congressman Dan Burton, Messer announced today an impressive list of elected officials, Party leaders, and general endorsements - more than 500 in all.

Messer endorsements include State Senators, State Representatives, County Sheriffs, County Prosecutors, County Commissioners, City and County Council Members, City and Township Officials, the State Commissioner of Labor, and former Indiana OMB Director and Secretary of Commerce.

Party endorsements include Indiana Republican National Committeeman, former State Republican Chairman, former State Republican Vice Chairwoman, former Republican National Committeewoman, current and former Republican State Committee members, current and former College Republican officers, and current and former County Republican officers.

All told, the list includes over 100 endorsements from elected officials and Republican Party leaders and more than 500 general endorsements. In recent weeks, Messer has also announced more than 680 individual contributors to his campaign and more than 1500 members on his campaign Facebook page.

"We're excited by this growing team of hundreds of Hoosiers ready to change leadership and build a brighter future for the 5th Congressional District, our country and the Republican Party. Most importantly, we are just getting started. We invite others to join this important effort in the days and weeks to come," Messer said.

Click here for press release.

GOP needs to settle on a challenger to Burton in 5th District race

October 23, 2009 Matthew Tully

For a few months, the crowded field in the 5th District Republican primary didn't seem to hurt the four men taking on incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Burton.

If anything, the roster of top-tier challengers drew attention to the race much earlier than otherwise would have been the case and underscored just how tired many Republicans have grown of Burton. Even in a year with no candidate elections in Indiana, many people have paid attention to this 2010 race.

The campaign is unusual; sitting members of Congress rarely face serious challenges from within their own party. The emergence of four intraparty challengers reveals just how vulnerable Burton is considered after years of embarrassing escapades -- from his poorly timed golf trips to his wild conspiracy theories...

... Luke Messer: The 40-year-old former state lawmaker from Shelbyville has been seen from the start as the lead challenger in this race. He's raised the most money among those not named Burton and has built a solid base of support. Thoughtful and politically savvy, he is the challenger with the best chance of defeating Burton and then emerging as a strong member of Congress.

October 19 2009

2009-11-20T11:41:00.000-05:00

Change is in the air, and the local media has noticed! Check out the articles below:

Messer in driver's seat to face Burton - WishTV 8
Messer emerging as top contender to Burton - Shelbyville News
Indiana dollars flow to Burton foes - IndyStar.com
Letter from Luke on the status of the grassroots campaign

Messer in driver's seat to face Burton
By Jim Shella

New fundraising numbers show Luke Messer with a clear advantage among the Burton challengers.
...Messer now has almost a quarter of a million dollars in the bank.

"It's clear that Luke Messer's the only candidate who can defeat the incumbent congressman," said campaign consultant Jennifer Hallowell. "So now is the time for Republican activists to come together and decide if they're serious about a change in leadership."

Click here to see the whole story.

Messer emerging as top contender to Burton
By Jeff Tucker

...Messer had raised a total of $332,442 since launching his campaign for the 5th Congressional District in Shelbyville on April 2, closing in on Burton of Indianapolis, who is seeking a 15th two-year term.
...Messer and Burton have distanced themselves from the rest of the pack in the 5th District Republican primary, which voters will decide in May.

...Messer's campaign said more than 92 percent of his contributors are Hoosiers, and 72 percent reside in the counties comprising the solidly Republican 5th District that includes all of Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Huntington, Miami, Tipton and Wabash counties, and parts of Howard, Johnson, Marion and Shelby counties, including Shelbyville.

Messer said he received contributions from 686 individuals and from each of the 11 counties in the district, with no contributions from political action committees.

"The bottom line is that this is a true grassroots team effort," said Messer, who was recently a partner at the Indianapolis law firm of Ice Miller but is now practicing law at his own law firm in Shelbyville. "Hoosiers are coming together and stepping forward to make a difference for our state and our country."

Click here to read the whole story.

Indiana dollars flow to Burton foes
By Maureen Groppe

Of the $89,893 that Burton, R-Indianapolis, collected from individuals giving at least $200, only $12,500 came from Hoosiers.

Former State Rep. Luke Messer, by contrast, collected $101,429 from Indiana residents. Messer was the top fundraiser among the challengers...

Click here to read the whole story.

What great news! As our fundraising success continues, so does our grassroots campaign. Over the past few months, we've attended over 70 events; attracted nearly 1500 Facebook supporters, and received contributions from almost 700 individuals and 78 Hoosier cities and towns. Change is in the air!
Indiana's 5th Congressional District is ready for the next generation of conservative leadership. And we're building a successful grassroots campaign with the financial strength to win. We are extremely grateful for the generous support we've already received. There is much more to do and we need your help to continue the momentum!

Will you join hundreds of Hoosiers who have already officially endorsed the campaign? Simply reply "YES " to this email and provide your name, address, and phone number. Please let us know of any elected or appointed government, Party, or community position you've held so we can appropriately recognize your service. Your "YES" reply will grant permission for us to add your name to our public list of supporters!

Will you consider making a monthly contribution of $10, $25 or more to help us bring positive, conservative change to Indiana's 5th District? Click here to start building our next quarter of fundraising success.

We have much to celebrate, but we're just getting started! We're focused on building a brighter future for the 5th district, for our country and for the Republican Party. With your help, we can and will make a difference.

Sincerely,

Luke Messer

P.S. Please visit www.lukemesser.com to volunteer or contribute and help us make the next quarter an even bigger success than our first two!

P.P.S. Is your community represented? We've received support from 5th District communities like Carmel, Carthage, Cicero, Fairland, Fishers, Fortville, Fountaintown, Franklin, Greenfield, Greenwood, Huntington, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Marion, McCordsville, Morristown, Needham, New Palestine, Noblesville, North Manchester, Peru, Saint Paul, Shelbyville, Speedway, Wabash, Waldron, Westfield, Whiteland and Windfall. We've also received support from Anderson, Avilla, Avon, Brownsburg, Chandler, Chesterton, Claypool, Colburn, Columbus, Crawfordsville, Delphi, Evansville, Francesville, Ft. Wayne, Gary, Granger, Greensburg, Jeffersonville, Kentland, Lafayette, Lebanon, Logansport, Martinsville, Merrillville, Milroy, Mishawaka, Muncie, Munster, New Castle, North Vernon, Pierceton, Pittsboro, Plainfield, Portage, Rensselaer, Rosedale, Rushville, Santa Claus, South Bend, Tell City, Terre Haute, Valparaiso, West Lafayette, Westport, Westville, Winona Lake, Yorktown, and Zionsville.

Click here to contribute to our campaign and represent your community

October 8th 2009

2009-11-20T11:38:00.003-05:00

We just finished another great quarter of fundraising and grassroots team-building! We're excited about the progress we've made and look forward to sharing the details with you in the coming weeks.

Today, we have a simple, but very important, request. We are working on our official Messer supporter list and we hope to list your name! We already have hundreds of Hoosier supporters and by adding your name we can demonstrate the grassroots momentum of our campaign.
Simply reply YES to this email and provide your name, address, phone number - and let us know if you've ever served in an elected or appointed government or Party capacity, such as council, school board, or precinct committeeman (please tell us if it is a current or former role), so we can appropriately recognize your service. If you haven't served in a political capacity or if you serve your community by volunteering or coaching, tell us that too! Your email will serve as your endorsement of Luke Messer for Congress in Indiana's 5th Congressional District and grant permission for your name to be used publicly by the campaign.

Luke Messer represents the Next Generation of Conservative Leadership and is the only candidate who can defeat Congressman Dan Burton. Luke's work ethic, leadership, intellect, and commitment have driven him to deliver results and bring success to the organizations and causes he has championed throughout his life. Luke is a leader who will walk the walk-and is dedicated to his family, our community, and public service.

Now is the time to stand up and bring a positive change to Indiana's 5th Congressional District. Reply TODAY to endorse Luke Messer for Congress - say YES with your name, address, and phone number - and please include your former/current appointed, elected, or volunteer roles.

We're building a great team and we want to include your name on the list. Please reply today!
Thank you for your support and work on behalf of Luke Messer for Congress!

Sincerely,

Jim Kittle, Jr

P.S. Please feel free to share this email with your friends, family or co-workers that you think may want to join the team! If you have any questions, simply reply to this email and a member of our staff will contact you directly.

September 28th 2009

2009-11-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

Nearly eight years ago, I ran for State Chairman because I believed our state needed stronger voices in the Republican Party. We hadn't won the Governor's office in 16 years and many voters didn't know what Hoosier Republicans stood for. By electing Governor Mitch Daniels, we changed that.

But today, our Party faces similar challenges nationally. The Republican Party suffered significant losses in 2006 and 2008. We lost elections, in part, because we lost credibility on fiscal issues, and we lost our way.

It is time for new leaders to step up!

That is why I am supporting Luke Messer! Luke is a proven leader, and he is the only candidate who can truly represent the next generation of Republican leadership for our District.

As State Republican Chairman, I saw first-hand that winning tough races requires candidates who possess a unique combination of leadership skills, fundraising ability and grassroots strength. Luke Messer has all of those characteristics.

Last week the Indianapolis Star reported that Luke Messer ranks among the Top 25 congressional challengers NATIONALLY because of the record-breaking money he raised in the last quarter.

Luke Messer is running a grassroots campaign with financial strength. Luke has received dozens of endorsements from current and former elected and party officials; he consistently has the most volunteers at grassroots events, and, a modern indicator of success, Luke has more than 1400 supporters on his Facebook page - that's nearly three times the incumbent Congressman and almost four times the other candidates in the race.

By every measure, Luke is the only candidate who can win this Primary and represent the future of the Republican Party.

Thank you for all you have done and will do for the Republican Party.

Sincerely,

Jim Kittle

P.S. I'm convinced that Luke is the only candidate who can win this Primary and is by far the best candidate to represent the future of the Republican Party.

September 17th 2009

2009-11-20T11:31:00.000-05:00

Leadership starts with credibility. That is why it was particularly disappointing to watch President Obama's speech to Congress last week. His speech was eloquent, but lacked the straight talk needed to lead America toward real health care reform.

Let's start with two facts that are hard for anyone to dispute.

First, while we have the best quality health care in the world, skyrocketing costs have jeopardized America's health care system and it is badly in need of repair. Over the last ten years, annual health insurance premiums have jumped 119 percent. And, every family knows it. Simply put, we have to find ways to help families get and keep affordable health care coverage.

Second, in town hall meetings across America, citizens have expressed genuine concern about a potential government takeover of healthcare. Folks are worried about their personal healthcare freedoms. Many Americans are rightfully concerned about the impact of increased deficit spending, and they know there are two results you can count on from a completely government-run system: lower quality care and rationing of care. That's what has happened in every country that has tried such a system.

The President had an opportunity to acknowledge these facts, shoot straight with the American people, and lead.

Instead, he took the political route. The clearest example was the President's claim that his plan won't add "one dime to the deficit now or in the future." Almost no one in America actually believes the President can add millions of new people to the federal healthcare system without spending more money. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office says the current healthcare bills will increase the budget deficit by at least $239 billion over the next 10 years, and by trillions of dollars in the decades to come. Yet, the President insisted on making this claim.

Despite the current poisoned environment, there remain real opportunities for consensus reform. These reforms include: requiring health insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions, incenting preventative care, making health insurance policies portable from job to job and state to state, and providing small businesses with tax credits to help provide health coverage for their employees.
But, it will require straight talk, not partisan politics to get us there. Several hundred years ago, our nation's first President became famous for always telling the truth. If there is any chance to achieve bipartisan healthcare reform that best serves the American people, we must begin with an honest discussion.

If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.
Sincerely,
Luke Messer

September 3rd 2009

2009-11-20T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hoosiers expect their leaders to shoot straight with them. We're not fond of elected officials who say one thing and do another.

That's why I spoke out this week when I received a 4-page, full-color, glossy mailing sent to 5th District constituents by Congressman Dan Burton - at TAXPAYER expense! (Click here to see our press release.) In fact, recent news reports rank Congressman Burton in the Top 5 spenders in Congress on taxpayer-funded mail.

Our Congressman touts himself as a strong fiscal conservative, but when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars on extravagant mail that benefits his re-election campaign, Congressman Dan Burton's record speaks for itself. In the past couple years Congressman Burton has spent over $300,000 in taxpayer money on this perk.

Franked mail can serve a legitimate purpose to inform constituents about events and issues facing Congress, but this is over the top. With our Federal deficit skyrocketing, Congressman Burton could surely communicate with constituents at a lower cost to them.

I believe voters are tired of elected officials who put their self interest ahead of the public interest. It's time to elect leaders who will walk the talk.

Hundreds of Hoosiers, local elected officials, and Republican leaders across the District have recently joined our campaign - and I'm humbled by their support. Working together, we can regain the public trust and make a difference for our country. If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.

Sincerely,
Luke Messer

P.S. Please click on www.lukemesser.com to view our latest video, volunteer, or make a secure online contribution to support our campaign!

August 26th 2009

2009-11-20T11:28:00.002-05:00

It's been an exciting summer! The campaign is off to a great start. And, as our team continues to grow, the momentum builds...

Last month, our campaign set a state fundraising record. With the help of more than three hundred supporters, we raised more money in our first quarter than any Republican congressional challenger candidate in Indiana history. We are also grateful for the grassroots support of hundreds of volunteers who have signed up to help our campaign. We already have over 1,200 Facebook friends, and many of them have recently joined us at parades, festivals, and fairs across the district.

Make no mistake about it, the foundation of this campaign is built on a strong team effort. Please click here to see a video tribute to teamwork and our grassroots volunteers.

Over the past several weeks, we have traveled to all eleven counties in the 5th Congressional district, meeting with Mayors and other elected officials, county party officers, business leaders, agricultural leaders, education leaders and grassroots volunteers. Based on these meetings, this much is clear - folks are looking for new conservative leaders to step up for our state and our nation.

Still, it won't be easy. We still have a long way to go and we need your help! Will you consider making a monthly contribution of $10, $50 or more to help us bring positive, conservative change to Indiana's 5th District? Click here to keep our momentum going.

Working together, we can make a difference for our country and send a clear message that Indiana is ready for the next generation of conservative leadership! If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.

Sincerely,
Luke Messer

August 6th 2009

2009-11-20T11:27:00.000-05:00

If you are like me, the more you hear about President Obama's plan for government-run health insurance, the less you like it.

A few months back, the President launched his plan - drawing concern from conservative Democrats and Republicans alike. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, ObamaCare would cost $1 trillion over 10 years, but cover only about one-third of those now lacking health insurance.

In recent weeks, Washington's liberal leadership has tried to rush a plan through Congress. But, at least for now, commonsense has prevailed and the debate will be delayed until the end of the Congressional August recess.

Make no mistake about it, the core of liberal Washington's strategy is a government-run health insurance plan that would put America on the path toward a completely government-run healthcare system. Despite his protests to the contrary, the President's plan would control costs by offering a one-size-fits-all benefits package that would limit medical treatment options. Over time, the plan would cause employers, especially small businesses, to stop offering private health insurance coverage forcing millions of people into the government plan. In the long run, enormous deficits caused by projected shortfalls in the plan could even endanger Medicare.

Still, nearly everyone recognizes that something needs to be done. While we have the best quality health care in the world, skyrocketing costs leave America with a health care system that is broken and badly in need of repair. (Click here for quick facts on the rising cost of health care.)

Families are worried because they know that one major health incident can wipe out a lifetime's worth of work and put a family on the brink of bankruptcy. Small businesses are worried because health care for employees is an ever-increasing expense. And, health industry leaders are worried because of all the uncertainty surrounding a government takeover.

Simply put, we have to find ways to preserve healthcare freedoms while helping families get and keep affordable health care coverage. (Click here for more on Luke's ideas for Health Care Reform.)
Six months into this liberal domination of Washington, a pattern is emerging - they spend too much, tax too much and borrow too much. And, so far, they see every American crisis as an opportunity for another big government program.

We need a better approach to health care in America! If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.

Sincerely,
Luke

P.S. To learn more about our campaign, contribute securing online or volunteer to help, check out www.lukemesser.com.

Quick Facts on Health Care:
From 1999 through 2008, annual health insurance premiums jumped 119 percent, according to estimates from Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health policy group. Over that time period, the average family premium paid by workers rose from $1,543 to $3,354 a year, and employer payments per worker jumped from $4,247 to $9,325.
For most families, those increases are just not sustainable. Simply put, we have to find ways to help families get and keep affordable health care coverage.

More Ideas on Health Care Reform:
We are all concerned about a potential government takeover of healthcare. There are two results you can count on from a completely government-run system: lower quality care and

July 22nd 2009

2009-11-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

What an incredible three months!

We kicked off our campaign in early April at a small business in Shelbyville with nearly a hundred of our friends and neighbors in attendance. Over the past ninety days, we've met hundreds of new friends and been honored to receive the endorsement of several elected and community leaders.

Former State Republican Chairman Jim Kittle, Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter, Hancock County Sheriff Bud Gray, Huntington City Councilman Chris Hoke, former Shelby County Republican Chairmen Lee McNeely, Roger Laird, and Dick Fero, former State Senator Bob Jackman, Shelbyville Central Schools Superintendent David Adams, and more than a dozen elected officials in Shelby County have already publicly endorsed our campaign!

As our team continues to grow, the momentum builds...and last week our campaign set a state fundraising record! With the help of people like you, we raised more money in our first quarter than any Republican congressional challenger candidate in Indiana history. The following is a breakdown of the Federal Election Commission reports filed last week:

IN-5 Republican Candidates April 1-June 30 Finance Report Summary

	Contributions	Contributions from Indiana	# of Itemized Contributions from Individuals	Cash-On-Hand
Dan Burton	$152,498	$ 7,428	110	$418,398
Luke Messer	$205,283	$185,278	273	$175,343
Brose McVey	$ 76,346	$ 58,510	122	$ 82,641
Mike Murphy	$ 62,252	$ 49,302	49	$ 80,756
John McGoff	$ 38,659	$ 30,100	44	$ 33,117

We are grateful for the early financial support we received from hundreds of Hoosiers. Yet, as my old high school football coach used to say, "you don't win a game in the first quarter." We still have a long way to go and we need your help!

Will you consider making a monthly contribution of $10, $25 or more to help us bring positive, conservative change to Indiana's 5th District? Click here to start building our next quarter of fundraising success.

Have you joined our nearly 800 friends on Facebook? This is one of the best ways you can learn about upcoming events and join the enthusiastic volunteers (see video below) who have participated in parades, festivals and county fairs with us across the district.

Working together, we can make a difference for our country and send a clear message that Indiana is ready for the next generation of conservative leadership! If you agree, we hope you'll join our team.
Sincerely,

Luke Messer

July 7th 2009

2009-11-20T11:14:00.002-05:00

Meet Luke Messer in Noblesville

This Thursday, July 9th -- 6:30pm

Hamilton County FOP Lodge #103

7201 E. 196th Street

Noblesville, Indiana 46061

RSVP by emailing Sam Blevins at samwtblevins@gmail.com

or call 979-5292.

See you there!

June 24th 2009

2009-11-20T11:13:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while, you get a chance to make a real difference.

Decades ago, many of us stepped forward in a Primary to help Dick Lugar, and the results were kittle buttonhistoric. Just a few years ago, leaders like you stepped up to support Mitch Daniels in his Primary. As a result, Mitch won, and his unique brand of "can do" conservatism has achieved unparalleled accomplishments for our state.

Today, we have a similar opportunity in Indiana's 5th Congressional District. That's why I'm supporting Luke Messer.
I worked with Luke everyday for five years when he served as my Executive Director of the State Republican Party during our last great comeback. And, I know first-hand that Luke is a leader with the intellect, vision, integrity, and work ethic that have distinguished our best Republican elected officials.

Luke is the only challenger in this race with a proven track record of taking on big challenges, bringing people together, and delivering results.

The campaign is already off to a great start. Luke has received the endorsement of dozens of elected officials and Party leaders throughout the District. We've also been very successful raising money but we need your help today. June 30th marks the deadline for the quarterly finance report which will be our first, best opportunity to separate ourselves from the competition.

Will you show your support for Luke by clicking here to make a contribution of $10, $25, or even $100 today? Your contribution will help us make a big statement for positive, conservative change.
It's time for another comeback! Together, we can make a difference for our state and our country. We hope you'll join our team.

Sincerely,

Jim Kittle, Jr.

June 17th 2009

2009-11-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Hoosiers are not much for double talk. In Indiana, we expect folks to do what they say and say what they do.

That's why, as a Hoosier, it was hard to miss the irony in President Obama's announcement this week that his Administration wanted to implement "pay-as-you-go" federal budgeting. The idea behind PAYGO LM-laughingis simple: new spending or tax cuts must be balanced out by spending cuts or tax increases elsewhere in the budget.

For this President, it was a remarkable pronouncement. To quote the Wall Street Journal, "Coming after $787 billion in non-stimulating stimulus, a $410 billion omnibus to wrap up fiscal 2009, a $3.5 trillion 2010 budget proposal, sundry bailouts and a 13-figure health-care spending expansion still to come, [the President's] latest vow of fiscal chastity is like Donald Trump denouncing self-promotion." (Click here to read the entire Wall Street Journal op-ed).

The truth is we are witnessing the greatest peacetime spending binge in U.S. history. The federal budget is expected to run a record $1.84 trillion deficit this year and nearly double - that is right, double - our national debt over the next eight years. This year's deficit is nearly 5 times the prior record deficit of just a year ago. (For a few more thoughts on PAYGO, click here.)

We can and must do better! The only way out of this mess is true fiscal restraint and polices that lead to job creation and economic growth. That has been our approach in Indiana in recent years.

As a former State Legislator, I am proud to have served on the House Ways and Means Committee and in House Leadership when Governor Daniels came to office in 2005. Then, working together, our state's fiscal leadership crafted the state's first balanced budget in eight years - a budget that, without a tax increase, turned a $600 million deficit into a $300 million surplus in a single year.

We are going through tough times right now in Indiana. But, from a budget perspective, we are doing much better than most states because of the fiscal restraint shown in the prior four years.

It's really pretty simple. Hoosiers know that America cannot spend itself out of a recession or borrow its way out of debt. We also know that raising taxes in a recession is the worst thing government could do to get our economy turned around.

With your help, we can take that same commonsense approach to Washington!

Thank you,
Luke

....And the Momentum Continues!

Shelby County Leaders Endorse Luke Messer
Several City and County Leaders Voice Support for Messer's Congressional Candidacy

(Shelbyville, IN)- Republican former State Representative Luke Messer announced on Tuesday thenames of several Shelby County leaders who endorse his candidacy for Indiana's 5th Congressional District Republican Primary.

"I'm truly honored to have the support of so many Shelbyville and Shelby County leaders who continue to make a real difference for our community," Messer said. "Our campaign team grows daily and with the help of leaders such as these we will succeed in bringing new ideas and delivering positive results for this District and our Country," Messer continued.

Shelby County leaders who endorse Luke Messer include:

Shelby County Prosecutor Kent Apsley
Superintendent of Shelbyville Central Schools David Adams
Shelby County Commissioner Tony Newton
Shelby County Commissioner Kevin Nigh
Shelby County Councilman Scott Asher
Shelby County Councilman Bob Carmony
Shelby County Councilman and former County Sheriff Tom DeBaun
Shelby County Councilwoman Linda Sanders
Shelby County Councilman Terry Smith
Shelby County Councilman Tony Titus
Shelbyville City Councilman Brian Asher
Shelbyville City Councilman and former Republican County Chair Dick Fero
Shelbyville City Councilwoman Kim Owens
Shelbyville City Councilman David Phares, II
Shelbyville City Councilman Jeff Sponsel
Former State Senator Bob Jackman
Former Shelbyville Mayor Betsy Stephen
Former Shelby County Councilman Brent Fuchs
Former Republican County Chair Roger Laird
Former Republican County Chair Lee McNeely