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It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the charge
in the 50th District to restore representation with
honesty and integrity here and in Congress. Together
we fought a tough campaign that riveted the nation on
our District.
While disappointed at the outcome, we can hold our
heads high with the pride and knowledge that our efforts
brought hope to so many both here and across the country.
Long-predicted to be a cakewalk for any Republican
candidate, our strong showing surprised everyone. Bilbray’s
narrow victory came only as a result of a $5 million
"scorched earth" assault on me, courtesy of the National
Republican Party. The average viewer saw 120 ads attacking
me over the course of the campaign, plus nasty mailers
and phone calls.
After these relentless attacks and the arrival of hundreds
of "volunteers" from D.C., Bilbray eaked out
a win with 5533 votes in a district with a 51,000 Republican
voter advantage. D.C. insiders noted that he didn’t
break 50%.
As of today, the final count is 49.51% (64,554) Bilbray,
45.15% (59,021) Busby with 35,455 provisional and absentee
ballots county-wide still to uncounted.
I recieved 57% of total registered Democrats. Bilbray
recieved 42% of registered Republicans. We did a better
job getting our voters out. Total turnout was 130,416
or 37%.
Unfortunately our voters were also affected by negative
ads that discouraged them from going to the polls. Despite
our herculean get-out-the-vote efforts about 45,000
registered Democrats didn't vote. I believe that we
can get more of them out in November.
I am confident that our chances in November are strong.
People will continue to feel gas prices take their toll,
watch the Cunningham and Abramhoff scandals grow and
see the senseless waste of the war in Iraq with increasing
disapproval. Voters will go to the polls in November
with renewed resolve to "throw bums out."
A year ago, we would never have believed that the
50th District would become the most-watched congressional
race in the nation. While we still face formidable challenges
in voter registration, our campaign network is now a
force to be reckoned with and will continue to grow
stronger.
So, where do we go from here? I am still running to
win. Nobody will take this seat for granted again. This
summer we will re-group and lay the groundwork for the
Fall campaign for November. I will continue to attend
meetings hosted by supporters and participate in public
events.
We'll stay in touch with you and keep you informed
of volunteer activities and opportunities to participate.
Building our network of supporters has been the most
enduring success of our campaign and will pay dividends
well into the future. We must continue to work for change
in the direction of our country.
I am grateful to each and every one of you for doing
your part to support me during this difficult campaign.
In return, I gave it my all.
Thank you for your support and faith in me,
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