I went into the 2006 race for U.S. House of Representatives
knowing that California's 49th District is probably
impossible for a Democrat to win. If an equal percentage
of registered Republicans and Democrats were to go
to the polls, one third of the Republicans would
have to vote Democrat for me to win. My opponent,
Darrell Issa raised ten times what I did. By challenging
him, I had hoped to at least chisel away at the money
he could give to other candidates, but that didn't
happen. Darrell Issa doesn't have to do anything
to keep his seat in Congress, and he doesn't - he
doesn't bother to campaign and he doesn 't bother
to serve his constituents. And two-thirds of the
people I this district don't care, just as long as
he's a Republican.
By running, I gave people a choice, and some hope
and some inspiration. Counting of paper ballots,
last minute absentee ballots and provisional ballots
may not be completed until next week. In any case,
there are not enough outstanding ballots to change
the outcome of this race. I've promised not to concede
until all the votes have been counted. I owe everyone
who voted that respect. Issa acted as if his re-election
was a foregone conclusion, so I guess there's really
no need for me to concede.
Like my fellow Democrats, I'm delighted that the
House and Senate are at last safely out of the grip
of the rubber-stamp Republicans. But in our jubilation,
don't forget that this election wasn't about a change
in political party, it was about a change in direction.
Voters across the country have succeeded in pulling
the brakes and stopped the train from going over
the cliff. Now it is up to all of us to make certain
that our elected representatives deliver the change
in direction called for by our votes.
I want to reassure all of you that I am as energized
as I was prior to the election in my commitment to
serve you. How could I be otherwise when I've basked
in the gratitude and excitement of my supporters
these many months, culminating in Election Day when
my tiny home and patio were abuzz with volunteers.
I've volunteered for many campaigns, but this was
by far the most exhilarating Election Day experience
I've ever had. Everything we've talked about throughout
this campaign: cooperation, respect and positive
energy, was all put into action!
