The Day After The Primary

By: Leslie Byrne
Published On: 6/11/2008 10:18:06 AM

Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive these last 7 months. I'm disappointed we couldn't do better. I could list a host of reasons but they would be guesses at this point. I have faith that those who supported me will find a new standard bearer to go forward on the issues we care about. As I said last night, I know the Democratic Party must more than just an alternative for people to go to, when Republicans mess up. That just makes us the party of default, not the party of ideas and values. You are the future of our party and I'm sure you will continue to push for those progressive values we share.

I want to reiterate my thanks to you all again, my wonderful staff,our contributors, our phone bankers, our canvassers, our poll workers who stood out in the insufferable heat yesterday, and most of all my family. They are and continue to be my anchor in turbulent seas.

I will continue to work within the party and do everything I can to make the Obama, Warner, Connolly ticket successful this November and I know you will too.
Keep the faith!
Kindest Regards,
Leslie

(crossposted:www.lesliebyrne.org)

Comments



Thank you Leslie! (Doug in Mount Vernon - 6/11/2008 12:13:47 PM)
You are a real progressive Virginia hero, and I really appreciate your willingness to run and compete on a platform that makes us proud.

I very much appreciate your service and THANK YOU!



Thank you, Leslie! (The Grey Havens - 6/11/2008 1:25:53 PM)
You're a real hero and an inspiration to progressive organizers everywhere.


what a bummer (chiefsjen - 6/11/2008 1:34:58 PM)
I really thought Leslie was gonna pull it off.  Thanks for all you've done Leslie and I hope you dont give up!


Thanks Leslie (PoliticalHackySack - 6/11/2008 1:48:32 PM)
And thank you to Denneny, Alexander and Connolly for running.  A lot of us on this site might speak out about issues, but it takes a truly special type of individual to be willing to run for public office.  


Thank you very much for running, for helping others, and for being an inspiration (snolan - 6/11/2008 3:05:32 PM)
Deciding to run for office is a huge commitment, and should not be taken lightly.  Thank you (and Lori and Doug and Gerry) for all being willing to take on such an awesome commitment.  I know I could not do it.

Thank you for helping other campaigns all over the state for many years.  As a volunteer on several of them I have learned to really appreciate the help that comes in when you lend your support to a campaign.

Thank you for continuing to speak truth to power.  That is truly inspirational.



This was a stunner... (KathyinBlacksburg - 6/11/2008 5:51:24 PM)
Except for the presidential primary, I have been pretty removed from party politics this spring (at least in a relative sense).  And I must confess that from down here, I thought it would be "no contest."  Though, to be sure, one always has to worry some when there is a three or four-person race, I thought you would walk away with it.

You and Larry have done so much for Virginia politics.  You are and always will be an inspiration.  At a time when too many Dems have not stood strong for Democratic (and democratic) values,you have always been there showing the way.  The "winner" in this case needs to learn something from the "loser."  From where I sit, you are the winner...and always will be.

That the Penta Post weighed in so heavily against you was a huge obstacle and that only shows how much work we have to do to get our fellow Dems to see through what the media does.  My commitment to Dems has turned back to media watch (on behalf of Dems and progressives), where it was previously, and where my heart is.  And I will dedicate everything I do in that regard to you, Leslie.  I'll never give up because you didn't and haven't.