Mia Love is getting some attention this week after a rousing speech at the Republican National Convention, in which she denounced President Obama’s plan for the nation and earned favor among her peers…and quite a few voters.
“President Obama’s version of America is a divided one — pitting us against each other based on our income level, gender, and social status,” she said. “His policies have failed! We are not better off than we were 4 years ago, and no rhetoric, bumper sticker, or campaign ad can change that.”
Love–an African-American Mormon who looks to be the first black Republican female elected to Congress–started making headlines back in April, as we reported on her intention to move from mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah to a seat in Congress. With her high-profile speech at this week’s convention, she’s now gained some followers who could potentially help her close the gap between herself and Democrat Jim Matheson; Love has reportedly already gained $100,000 in donations just since Tuesday.
The donations were mostly given in small amounts, which points to a number of average voters opening their wallets rather than big Republican groups, which suits Love and her camp just fine.
“It is very gratifying to see an average man or average woman who Mia’s message resonated with and see them break open their pocketbooks,” spokesman Brian Somers said.
Love, whose story of hard work and refusal of handouts to get where she is inspired the crowd, left the podium with chants and wild cheers following her.
“The first day of college my father came with me to orientation, and I remember he looked at me. He looked at me very seriously and he said, ‘Mia, your mother and I have done everything to get you to where you are right now. We have never taken a hand out. We have worked hard for everything we have through personal responsibility. You will not be a burden to society. You will give back,’” she said.