APPROACHING THE FINISH LINE
As we approach the finish line, I want to tell you what a wonderful experience this has been. From the thousands of doors I’ve knocked on to the numerous campaign meetings to the hours on the telephone with Harvey and other advisors, this has been a time I will cherish for the rest of my life. This started over 18 months ago when I spoke with Cheryl Hibbeler about the notion that I should run In Kenny Biermanns’ district in north St Charles County and it ends (or begins) on Tuesday.
There are so many people who are part of this campaign that I cannot begin to acknowledge everyone without the fear of leaving someone out. I do need to start by thanking Kathy and my family. I haven’t been the husband or grandfather I wanted to be this summer and, although they tell me it’s OK, I still need to find a way to make it up to them. Kathy ran my fundraisers, wrote my thank you’s, and managed the office while putting up with all the time I was away; she is my rock.
The campaign committee has been phenomenal: from the smallest of details to the hard decisions we had to make, everyone worked together to see every aspect come to life. From fundraisers to sign waving to mailers to meetings we did it all through the committee and what a great job they did! Virtually every aspect of this campaign was reviewed by some or all of the group and the results were always better than I could have imagined. My sincerest thanks to each and every one of you.
To all the groups: MOPAG, West County Dems, St Charles County Dems, Tri-County and North County Labor Clubs, all the Unions, and the Townships. You donated your time, your money, your energy, and, maybe most of all, your encouragement. I always felt welcome and I always felt important. You pulled me up when things were tough and challenged me when I was getting a little too sure of myself.
And then there’s Harvey. I’m not sure Harvey realized how intense this was going to get but he never wilted or backed down. He had a handle on virtually every aspect of this campaign which gave me the confidence to spend the hundreds of hours I needed at the doors. His advice, guidance, and generous donation of his time, steered this campaign to where it arrives today. If we are successful on Tuesday, Harvey deserves as much credit as I do.
The notion of becoming an elected official has never been much of a motivation for me. It’s more about the possibility to promote the ideals that we believe in. The people we work with, the positions we defend, and the ideas we advance is what we are all about. It’s not Party, it’s not about who’s right, it’s not you or me; it is about providing a future for all, not just a few. It’s not about yachts and beach houses, it’s about living comfortably, giving our children opportunities we never had, and growing old with family. From the moment I started this journey, I’ve had the luxury of working with people that believe as I believe and are willing to do the work to make those beliefs a reality. I can’t thank you enough.
Win or lose on Tuesday; my life is richer and I hope yours is too. Now let’s bring this home.
