We were not able to pull it off tonight, but for my friends and supporters that could not join us this evening. I wanted to make sure you are able to read the full text of my speech My friends, thank you for being here with me tonight, on the most difficult night of my life. I just spoke with Michael Webert and congratulated him on his reelection. It was a dignified and constructive conversation. We spoke of the need to create jobs, and the even more urgent need for unity. Some might think it foolish that the concession call be thus, as if it matters how a man falls down. But when the fall is all there is…it matters a great deal. I wish to thank my family and my friends for their help and support throughout this race; they have come here from down the road, from adjoining counties, and from across the country. Without them, none of this would have been possible. They believed in me when no one else did; they offered words of encouragement and strength when the road got tough and I found it hard to go on. I also wish to thank the architect of tonight, my campaign manager Tim Morris. He saw the state of politics here, and he saw what it could be. When I look at you tonight, I should not see any sad faces, because although I did not secure a seat in the House of Delegates, you all have won a profound political victory. I got into this race not to build my resume or see my picture in the newspaper, but to work for all of you and to move our great political debate. When viewed from that perspective, tonight should be considered a major, unqualified victory. Together, we proved that Virginians will not stand divided against each other, and that the vicious partisanship of the far-right and the far-left does not represent us, the citizens of Culpeper, Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Warren counties. We made a stand in favor of home rule, local self-government and a minimum of interference with individual rights. Our efforts gave voice to the aspirations of millions, who want government to do its job and stay out of our personal lives, out of our bedrooms, out of our doctors’ offices, and out of our gun cabinets. We showed the commonwealth and the country that bipartisanship, cooperation, and civility will light the way for Virginia in the 21st century, not the politics of division and exclusion. We proved that the Virginia way, of working together, is alive and well in the land where America was born! Throughout the last seven months, ever since this campaign began in the Washington Firehouse in Rappahannock County, I have been inspired and humbled by the efforts of you here tonight. Linwood Holton, the liberal Republican who in 1969 broke a century-long line of conservative Democratic governors, had a saying that a political campaign, regardless of its outcome, offered “opportunity time.” All of you approached this election season with the same sense of duty, passion, and patriotism that made Governor Holton a legend—you recognized Opportunity Time and made the most of it. The 18th district, and indeed the entire commonwealth, is stronger for your tireless efforts; I could not be prouder to call myself a Virginian and a son of Fauquier County. Together, we knocked on thousands of doors, made thousands of phone calls, and we kept Virginia moving forward. With such an engaged group of citizens willing to sacrifice and give of themselves, I have great faith in the future of our democracy. So I thank you for your assistance in this great undertaking, and I congratulate you on a true, lasting accomplishment. Good night, and may God bless you, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America. It has truly been an honor to be your candidate for the House of Delegates in the 18th district. Colin~
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 06:45:34 +0000