So the money race starts...

Hillary Clinton Asks Elected Officials to Tap into Their Supporter Networks

A memo sent out to supporters Sunday shows how the former secretary of state is applying the lessons she learned from her 2008 loss to Barack Obama. 

by Jennifer Epstein

Hillary Clinton's team is asking members of Congress and governors to show their support by encouraging their own networks of supporters to pitch in, rather than simply offering an endorsement.

It's another lesson learned from her 2008 campaign—to focus on organizing and on the grassroots rather than on appeasing elected and party officials.

"We're asking you do something a little different—we don't just want your name on a website or press release," Clinton's political team said in a Sunday memo to elected officials obtained by Bloomberg. "We need you to activate and organize your volunteers, supporters, and community to take part in this campaign. Hillary said in her announcement video that she wanted all Americans to join her on this journey, because it's their time."

The campaign also recommended a three-day plan to officials for getting their supporters engaged, offering up a series of recommended tweets that include @hillaryclinton, #hillary2016, or links to her launch video or website.

Among the Twitter suggestions:

I’m with Hillary because she’s spent her life standing up for women, children, and families. #Hillary2016

I support #Hillary2016 because we’re the only developed country in the world without a national paid family & medical leave program.

Hillary’s in! And so am I. #Hillary2016 https://www.hillaryclinton.com/running/

Love Hillary’s announcement video: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/running/ #Hillary2016

The campaign urges elected officials to share Clinton's launch video and to add a note along these lines:

Just signed up for Hillary for America. Everybody join me, especially [tags of friends]

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/join/

Proud to be a founding donor of Hillary for America. https://www.hillaryclinton.com/donate/