Wednesday, February 15, 2006

A Warrior is Pushed to the Sidelines

In a time of bitter partisan politics marked by a Republican attack machine that apparently knows no bounds, Paul Hackett emerged as a no nonsense, take no prisoners, straight talking Democratic candidate who inspired people who are tired of politics as usual. Yesterday, politics as usual helped force Hackett out of his Senate race in Ohio.

"Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.

But there was no quid pro quo. I will not be running in the Second Congressional District nor for any other elective office. This decision is final, and not subject to reconsideration.

I told the voters from the beginning that I am not a career politician and never aspired to be--that I was about leadership, service and commitment.

Similarly, I told party officials that I had given my word to other good Democrats, who will take the fight to the Second District, that I would not run. In reliance on my word they entered the race. I said it. I meant it. I stand by it. At the end of the day, my word is my bond and I will take it to my grave.

Thus ends my 11 month political career. Although it is an overused political cliche, I really will be spending more time with my family, something I wasn't able to do because my service to country in the political realm continued after my return from Iraq. Perhaps my wonderful wife Suzi said it best after we made this decision when she said "Honey, welcome home." I really did marry up.

To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.

It is with my deepest respect and humility that I thank each and every one of you for the support you extended to our campaign to take back America, and personally to me and my family. Together we made a difference. We changed the debate on the Iraq War, we inspired countless veterans to continue their service by running for office as Democrats and we made people believe again. We must continue to believe.

Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.

Rock on.

Paul Hackett"

QuestionItNow

4 Comments:

Blogger Cal Trask said...

Sad commentary on the state of politics today...

12:01 AM, February 25, 2006  
Blogger Cal Trask said...

Check out my post on the garbage going on in good ole Maryland...

12:36 AM, February 25, 2006  
Blogger REB 84 said...

Cal,

Yes, this Paul Hackett story illustrates why I stil consider myself an independent. I believe men like him and Wes Clark (non-career politicians) are motivated by true patriotism. They are also professionals. God knows we can use some professionals in Washington DC.

These people are warriors. Paul Hackett has only begun to fight. Could this be the makings of a new political movement? Competent Government for a Change! Now that's a rallying cry for the 21st Century:)

11:31 PM, March 02, 2006  
Blogger Cal Trask said...

Yeah! I quit reading the news because it's so draining...
We need some change from the status quo. Something new and open to thinking outside the box...
I hope you enjoyed Orlando! We might go again this year...

4:15 PM, March 03, 2006  

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