August 9 Speech

Let us have faith that right makes might, And in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it. -Abraham Lincoln

This campaign and those who believed in it fought hard for what they believe. Out of it will come what I will hope will be a long sustained community of progressive activists who will continue our fight to Move Michigan Forward.

Thank you to all those who knocked on doors, made phone calls, made donations, and spread the word about this campaign. Your help was a testament to the best in people who seek to move their communities toward excellence.

Our campaign stood for the right things, and had an excellent message. In the end we could not overcome a spending disadvantage of nearly 75 to 1. Ultimately finances are what stood between our campaign and victory.

While I will not be serving in the State Senate, I will eagerly seek ways to promote the quality of life for all people in my community.

Julie Dennis is a strong and formidable campaigner. We still have disagreements about the direction of the party, but I fully support her efforts to unseat the Republican incumbent Gerald Van Woerkom, and I would like to make myself personally available for that effort.

Now is the time for us to support out Democratic primary winners. We must elect a House and a Senate that will work WITH Governor Granholm, and not work AGAINST her. Continued Republican control of the Legislature would be utterly perilous. I will be working with Democrats to make sure this does not happen.

Thank you,