John,

I'm reaching out today to encourage you to make a plan to tune in at 9:00 pm ET next Wednesday for the first GOP Presidential debate.

A lot can change quickly in American politics, and these Republican candidates will have a real opportunity to inform us about their qualifications and vision for our country.

The GOP has been adrift for years now, seemingly without any comprehensive plan, and I believe that the candidate who can articulate a common sense, conservative policy agenda and hopeful vision has a real chance to break through.

While it may seem like an unlikely possibility today that Trump drops out to focus on his legal troubles, or that his supporters become turned off by the seriousness of these indictments, it's more likely to happen if voters hear directly from candidates about what they would do differently.

Not long ago, the Republican Party was the party of ideas, and the party that offered hope to Americans.

Will one of these candidates have their moment in the debate? Will one of them have the courage to pull us away from Trump's baggage and offer an alternate pathway toward a better future?

Time will tell, but it's important that we all stay engaged in our democracy and give each candidate a fair chance to make their case. The best way to do that is to watch next Wednesday and hear what they have to say.

Please consider shooting me a note afterward to let me know what you think. I remain hopeful that someone will step up to the challenge.