11/05/2014
Hard to put one foot in front of the other and move forward when curled into a fetal position so I guess I better stand up and get after it. I have regrets to express, apologies to ask, thanks to give and prayers to make.
We’ve all heard the platitude: I have no regrets. However, as trite as they may be, I honestly do have regrets. In general, I’m sorry I didn’t win. I really wanted to win. I really want to be a Judge. I’m sorry I didn’t and I’m not. I’m sorry I underestimated the opposition, a fatal flaw in any battle. I’m sorry I overestimated and believed in the interest of a large majority of regular folks in their government. I am sorry I am such a damn slow learner. I am sorry that I didn’t appreciate how futile this effort was in reality. I am sorry for the time away from my law practice and the negative impact it has had in that regard. I’m sorry I put so much time, effort and money into my campaign. I’m sorry for the time away from my family and friends. I’m sorry I missed rounds of golf and trips to the ranch. I’m sorry I didn’t go duck hunting on opening day. My lease mates had a great hunt. I wish I had been there. I’m sorry for the stress and anxiety I inflicted on my wife, children and dog.
I apologize mainly to my family for inflicting them with my stress and anxiety. I apologize to those friends and family members I coerced into contributing of their hard earned money to support my campaign. I know that in some cases, I imposed on relationships in order to raise funds and for that I feel terrible and ask forgiveness. I also apologize to those who wisely chose not to contribute despite my best efforts at coercion. They clearly saw the futility that I in my zeal could not see. I ask their forgiveness for any discomfort my persistent requests caused. I apologize for making Pat call list after list of voters, a task I knew she really hated. I apologize for burdening all of my facebook friends with my incessant, albeit futile, pleas to vote.
There are many I need to thank: all those who worked so hard to try to swing this election: volunteers, fellows, clubs, activists, contributors, candidates, friends, supporters, my secretary Pat, voters, all those pushing others to vote and all those folks at Democratic headquarters: Benjamin, Levi, Vera, Lance, Nicole, etc. (you all know how bad I am with names) Kevin, Brad, Diana, Chris and of course Chairman Lewis. I am honored to have been witness to your dedication and hard work in support of such worthy but illusive ideals. I truly grew to love your effort, spirit, humor, tenacity and plain old endurance, all against incredible odds. You have each made me a better person. Most of all I must, once again, thank my family (immediate and extended) for humoring me while I go off tilting at windmills knowing that in all likelihood my efforts would result in failure. Thank you all for your patience, support, acceptance and love. I would be lost without each of you.
Those of you who know me well, know that I am loath to ever admit to really being wrong about much of anything. To them this may sound strange but I fervently pray that I am wrong. I pray that I am wrong about our newly elected government and judiciary. I pray that our new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller are not what I believe them to be. I pray that I am totally wrong about them all. I pray that they will exercise their power for the greater good of all, including especially, the poorest, weakest and neediest among us. I pray that they will use that as the focus of their intent and true measure of their success. I pray for our newly elected judiciary to answer to the higher calling of truly protecting and insuring the rights of all of our citizens without regard to who they are, whom they love, where they come from, what color their skin is, which side of a dispute they are on, or how much damn money they have.
Nuff said. I feel better now.
