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Dear John,
Well, the election we've been working toward for many months is over.
I am deeply grateful to the many, many people who worked hard and supported our effort in a great many ways. Thanks so much to all those who hosted fundraisers and meet-and-greets, donated money, organized volunteers, canvassed door-to-door, made phone calls, wrote letters, entered data, and offered good ideas and moral support.
We didn't win. (It is such a steep, uphill climb for a Democrat trying to win in a district like this). But I am convinced that the effort was well worth all we put into it. There is a long-term value to telling people the truth they need to hear, whatever its immediate impact.
For example, I tried to show those who habitually vote Republican that today's Republican party, represented in our district by Mark Obenshain, is serving not them but rather the moneyed, special interests. And the nature of today's Republican party has led us to a state of emergency, where our very democracy is under threat. So if my short essay ads in the newspapers and my radio ads caused some to question their allegiance to today's Republican party, then that is good for our country.
And I am pleased that our effort to bring together people who are passionate about the opioid crisis has been successful. The newly-formed Drug Addiction Resource Network will be working in our area to move public opinion away from shame and incarceration to compassion and treatment.
So while I won't be going to Richmond, I am thankful that Democrats won majorities in both houses. That means the General Assembly will be able to enact measures that will truly make life better for Virginians, measures Republicans have blocked for years. I look forward to the passage of:
- laws that reduce gun violence, without infringing Second Amendment rights;
- a livable wage, so that hard-working Virginians won't have to live in poverty;
- the Equal Rights Amendment, to guarantee equality for women;
- measures to protect the climate for our kids and grand-kids.
So thank you all! Running for office is far from easy, but I agree with Teddy Roosevelt, who said that one of the most satisfying things in life is to work together with others for something that matters greatly.
Working, from the heart, for the good, is never in vain.
Thank you!
Warmly,
April
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