Most people who have fought the good fight throughout our history have not won. We join a much better group than those who won a very hollow victory in the 7th District on March 4, 2008.   We should be proud of the goals we chose and the spirit, energy and skill that we took to the fight. We did not compromise our principles in any way.

We were opposed by the Ohio Democratic Party, the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield Sun, and some county Democratic leaders. They all used unethical tactics against us. We were up against a candidate who supports Republicans and was funded by Republican corporate attorneys and business people, and a Republican PAC. We were outspent 15 to 1. Still, we came close. If one or more of the other four candidates had not been in the race, we would have won.

Carolyn and I were committed to a difficult campaign for the general election just to get the opportunity for the real fight in Congress. All of that was for our nation, not for us. Yesterday's results have released us from that commitment. I will get back to replacing windows in our Beavercreek house, and building cabinets, back deck, front porch, etc. at Rocky Fork. I will not run for office again.

We greatly appreciate your friendship and everything you have done for the campaign and for us. We wish you well in all you do. If you decide to take on some political windmills in the best interests of our nation, please give me the opportunity to help you.
I send you my very best,
Bill

PS 3/19/08

The letter was written the day after the election.  I had a day or two pick up signs and clean up left over election matters.  I was ready to get back in the saddle when I was contacted by people across the country and asked to participate in an effort to support progressive Democrats running for Congress.   I'm still going to build those cabinets, the deck and the front porch, but I'm going to get those other Democrats running on my platform and try to get them elected.   Who needs eight hours of sleep a night? 

There is room for you in this crusade.

Bill