First of all, I want to congratulate John Laesch, Jotham Stein, Joe Serra and their campaign staffs and supporters for running a great campaign. John, Jotham, Joe and I were part of an historic Democratic turnout for a primary, and that should give all of us; candidates, staff, volunteers and voters and enormous feeling of pride and hope.
Now the primary is over, and I have been fortunate enough to come out ahead in the Special election voting by over 3000 votes. I know the vote count is small for the general, but we all should concentrate on what is before us over the next month.
There is no race in the country right now that can send a stronger positive message to a nation yearning for change than the March 8 Special Election to fill former Republican Speaker Dennis Hastert's seat.
I don't have to tell you that our former Representative, Speaker Hastert, was instrumental in pushing through President Bush's agenda, and with Jim Oberweis, we will simply get more of the same.
I want to ask all Democrats to support our effort to win this seat and give us all a reason to begin the process of turning this country around.
I'd like to thank John Laesch for his support in this special election, and I want to reach out especially to his staff, supporters and voters to come join the effort. You certainly ran a passionate, energetic race to turn the 14th blue, and I would love to have that energy and passion join with our effort.
We share the same concerns; ending the Iraq War, making health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans, equal rights, and energy independence.
I want to work with you over the next four weeks to serve the people of the 14th district the best way I know how...by winning this seat for ALL the people of this district.
