Thank You
August 26, 2010
Friends,
I wanted to express my gratitude for everything you have done to support our campaign. Over the past fourteen months, we brought up important issues for discussion, and our one-on-one outreach to members of this community was second to none. Our volunteers and I personally called 12,000 people and knocked on 3,800 doors. And I also had an incredible opportunity to reconnect with old friends - some going back to the 3rd grade - while making scores of new ones.
Tuesday night's election results were disappointing, but we can all be proud of our efforts. In this country we have a right - and I'd even say an obligation - to stand up for what we believe in. Sometimes we win and sometimes we don't. But by engaging in the political process, we make our democracy stronger and more responsive to those it serves.
The ideological differences between me and Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda remain, but as we focus our attention toward the general election on November 2nd, it's time to move past them. The people of District 9 need a Democrat serving them in the legislature, so I hope you will support Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda in the same way you have supported me. Please consider volunteering and/or making a donation to her general election campaign.
Going forward, my first step will be to spend more time with my wife Jessica. She and I were married last October, and so I've been a candidate longer than I've been a husband. Jessica has sacrificed so much during this race - she opened our home to campaign staff and volunteers, and often made dinner for them while we were working late. Now it's time for me to give back to her.
I do feel that public service is in my blood and at some point I hope to run for office again. When and if that happens, I hope I might be able to earn your support once more.
Thank you for your help and for all the kind words of encouragement for me and Jessica. It means more to us than you know, and we are truly blessed to have you as a friend.
All the best,
