Give me a reason to stay

[AWD]

I've always hated the pandering "goodbye" threads....but right now, I just don't care.

I just don't want to be around here anymore.

I can handle the candidate bashing. I lash back as well, so I'd be a hypocrite to say that was the reason. I'm no hypocrite. But when the hatred gets so bad, that people have to lash out at ME and my own campaign....well, then this place is clearly not a place for progressive Democrats anymore. I may have been foolish to think I was respected and encouraged here.

Now, I'm labeled as "not a serious candidate", and that I'll "probably not even get enough signatures to get on the ballot" (see post #20 - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=429223#429295).

Never did this person (or others who have attacked me) ASK me if there was a reason for my webpage not being updated recently. Just an attack, followed up by another attack.

Had this person ASKED me, I could have told them that the local part of the campaign has been temporarily muffled....we have a serious Mayoral campaign going, and until the November election is complete, I am not pushing my way to the front of the stage. All my local campaign work is being done in the organizing department...the Moyaor's race is too important to this town, and in the long run would HELP me if the Dem won it.

Had this person ASKED me, I could have told them that I'm working my TAIL off at work to pull in a few extra dollars , and that my time on DU is my ONLY escape right now.

Had this person ASKED me, I could have told them that for the past 4 weeks, we've been desperately looking for a new apartment, as we were alerted that a very short clock is ticking on our current residence. We needed to be out of this house yesterday, and we're hanging on barely right now.

Had this person ASKED me, I could have told them that my daughter is suffering through very bad bouts of asthma. Her breathing treatments are starting to work now, but it's still not easy watching my 5-year-old go through this.

But this person didn't ask. They attacked and humiliated me on the one issue that I still was able to look at and be proud of...my political activism and attempt to change things.

With all this going on, do you think my fucking WEB PAGE is ANY priority to me??? What kind of a sick person would think that a web page would be important at this time????

If this were the first person to mock my candidacy, it'd be different....but among people who are supposed to be my friends, it'll be the last time anybody gets the chance to mock me.

Now, can anybody tell me....would YOU want to stay?

[GOPisEvil]

1. I wish you luck with your campaign.

I'd like to see you stay around here as well. The majority of us are with you 100%.

[soleft]

2. You're leaving ultimately because of one or two people

If you want to get into politics there can be no straw that breaks your camels back.

You have to be tougher than that.

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. It's the hard, that makes it great"

[AWD]

5. ....

...my back's not broken.

You can rest assured that I'm still going to fight with every ounce of my being. I'm in it to win, and I will win.

But when I have a hard day, I come here for the moral support. That moral support just told me that I'm not serious and I won't get any votes.

I'm not abandoning the campaign in the slightest. NOBODY has that kind of power over me.

[soleft]

8. But that's one person and you'll see in this thread that there's support

just ask for it. You're lucky if only one asshole was giving you crap, in a board of 30,000, the odds of that are astronomical - you should play the lottery.

If you can find another internet board with as much information as DU, as many great people who suporrt each other in times of crisis, who organize events and other activist projects, then leave.

If you find you it's taking too much time from other activities, then leave.

But don't leave cause a handful of emotionally challenged people pissed you off - then you are giving them power.

[liberalhistorian]

18. I agree,

please, Jeff, PLEASE do NOT let some insensitive, inconsiderate, know-nothing jackasses ruin DU for you. Just put them on ignore, and stick with the vast majority of DUers who very much want you to stay. DON'T LET THEM WIN, they'll only get worse if you do that.

DU is like anywhere else where large numbers of people gather, there are going to be first-class jerks that delight in ruining things for everyone else. Like I said, just put them on ignore. Remember the DUer who sent you the two books a few weeks ago, as well as those who've donated to your campaign? THOSE are the things you should remember and focus on, NOT a few brain-dead jerk-offs who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground! THEY are the ones who should leave, NOT YOU!

BTW, my sympathies as far as your daughter is concerned, my son had asthma when he was younger, and I understand how hard it is to watch your child endure attacks like that.

[ewagner]

3. Steady my friend

There are those of us who support you in both your political endeavors and personal tribulations.

Go forward with coruage. Know that there are people here who wish you nothing but the best.

Good luck.

[underpants]

4. Well that sucks

Take a week off get things straight and your mind clear and get your Buckeye loving as back in here.

BTW give us a link ot your campaign.

[REP]

6. Why Make 'Em Happy?

Why let them even suspect they had anything to do with driving you away?

The post was a cheapshot at you. You don't need to explain anything - unless you feel like it.

[WilliamPitt]

7. SLAP SMACK WHAP KICK

Coupla fuckers get in your grill and know exactly positively which nerve to slice you on?

Welcome to politics. DU is not America, and it sure as hell ain't the district you're running for.

"What kind of a sick person would think that a web page would be important at this time????"

The kind of person, apparently, who knows just where to poke you.

I'm sorry for the shit you've been dealing with. General Discussion is a place where people can be unrepentantly cruel to others without dealing with the ramifications. Don't be part of someone else's psychosis. Cowboy the fuck up and help me bat down these dumbass threads.

[AWD]

13. Excellent points, Will (as usual)

DU is not America, and it sure as hell ain't the district you're running for.

Which is why I'm choosing my district and my candidacy and prioritizing them as first.

I can handle Republican attacks...I already KNOW they're the enemy. This came from someone who has offered volunteer work on the trail. And that's what stings.

[blondeatlast]

16. I've said it before and I'll say it again . . .

Will Pitt is a holy roller; and that's a DAMN good thing!

Go get 'em, AWD!

[He loved Big Brother]

56. WILL PITT said "grill"!!

I am so loving that.

Stay AWD. Ye gads, stay!

[Drifter]

9. Suck it up big guy ...

If you can't handle the heat here at DU, then you won't last a second in whatever office you are running for.

When things get tough, are you going to take your ball and go home ?

It bothers me that people announce they are leaving. It is a sympathy troll. If you wanted to leave, you would just go unannounced. You are trolling people to beg you to stay (whether you think so or not).

Cheers
Drifter

BTW - good luck on your campaign.

[AWD]

11. Not my intention...

It bothers me that people announce they are leaving. It is a sympathy troll. If you wanted to leave, you would just go unannounced. You are trolling people to beg you to stay (whether you think so or not).

Not my intention....I wanted to vent. I wanted to list the reasons that my webpage is not updated. I wanted to at least let my friends know what's going on.

If that's looking for sympathy, then fine.

It certainly won't affect my campaign adversely...it'll actually make me fight harder.

[stickdog]

10. Who cares about a couple of imbeciles?

Don't sweat it.

It doesn't mean a thing.

Some people like to argue using Republican tactics.

Just consider this your initiation into that world.

;-)

[eyesroll]

12. Hang in there, AWD...

And I hope your daughter feels better soon.
Good luck.

[Upfront]

14. The Reason To Stay Is

you are a positive voice that we can not do with out. People who attack you are far from the majority here. Your child will be in our prayers. Please stay.

[blondeatlast]

15. Please stick around; I enjoy (and learn from) your posts.

I think that thread went way too far; and the said post should have at least been deleted. If you can't ask questions about opposing candidates, how are those of us who are still undecided supposed to learn?

Don't let a couple of jerks take you (and Lucha Libre) away from us.

I'll help your campaign any way I can. I can do some research, speechwriting, even help with your web page maybe (if it's pretty simple).

I'm sending a prayer to your daughter any to you.

Hang in there, please.

[Misinformed01]

17. I can give you a bunch of reasons to stay at DU

You would miss posts by:

Nothingshocksmeanymore, Salin, Pitt, Neuvocat, dmr, DemActivist, Matcom, GOPisEvil, WhateverZombyWoofisLurkingUnder, SoCal, Crewleader, JanMichael (honey, you know I wanted to put you first; but it was tacky) Guy, ShakeyDave, Soleft, Jitterbugperfume, compsyn, Shortbus...

I can go get another cup of coffee and continue if you need more-

Stephanie

[liberalhistorian]

20. SMACK SMACK!

You forgot our resident celebrity, WillPitt!

[Misinformed01]

24. Wrong.

He's third on the list.

Actually, not to put too fine of a point on it, but I deliberately put people in random order because quite frankly every single time I have ever posted a list on DU I have been accused of a "popularity" post.

[liberalhistorian]

26. Whoops, sorry, you're right

and I didn't see that. You just had Pitt, so that's probably why it didn't register with my Monday-morning-brain!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

67. No you didn't...you put me FIRST on purpose to save your

place on the hood of my car!

[never cry wolf]

19. Buck up, buddy

Just about three months ago to the day I made my first post here on DU, it was in your big announcement thread. I read that with great excitement, encouraged at the activism and the love you have for the country. It got me to thinking that maybe someday I could do the same thing. I have followed you campaign as best as I could and contributed during your fundraiser here. I look forward to your posts and threads and only wish I was in your district so I could vote for you.

I am sorry to hear about the tough times you have been going through on a personal level but know that you will pull through.

A bit of advice, maybe. I know that you have met Howard Dean and are an avid backer, and that is great, he is a wonderful candidate as are many others. But, don't feel that you have to carry his torch here. Just as surely as the Clark/Kerry/Kuchinich/etc. backers will never get you to change your allegiance, you will not change theirs. For the undecideds like myself, anyone that makes their decision based upon these flame bait threads is not worth bothering with anyway.

Stay away from those threads for a while, there are plenty of other issues in GD worth giving your attention to. It really is pointless running in a circle and serves only to bump them back to the top. Post all the positive threads you want about Dean, there is plenty of material there, and then leave them, don't feel the need to defend against the inevitable bashers, they will never stop until after the primaries and will overwhelm you if you try.

Anyway, my 2 cents. I'd hate to see you leave.

on edit: 10 thumbs

[AWD]

21. Wow

That was about as precise of an explanation as one could offer. You should go into counseling (as a career, not a patient).

I need some time to unwind...but as you can see, I'm just not in a space right now where I feel happy about anything.

[never cry wolf]

27. Thanks (blush)

The first time anyone has suggested counseling not as a patient. Keep in mind, as much as you love Howard and believe he is the best person to lead this country, the main goal is to get the current admin OUT!!! In house bickering, I believe, is counter productive towards that all important goal.

[Gato Moteado]

55. no time to unwind or feel unhappy, brother.......

put the offenders on ignore and keep pushing forward. don't stop until you've buried your opponent and you're sitting in the US house of representatives.

frankly, i'm surprised you're even considering leaving over something like this. you're too tough a guy for that kinda crap.....you turned your back on the unelected chimp and stood up against the man at ohio state. suck it up and continue to kick ass like you know how!

by the way....who was it that pissed you off?

[liberalhistorian]

22. Okay, I just read the thread you posted

and I know exactly who you're referring to, I also know that these posters have been known to cause trouble with other DUers and I avoid their threads like the plague. And I don't understand why their posts weren't deleted as flames or personal attacks, since there have been other threads and posts much less inflammatory that have been deleted. DO NOT LET THESE PARTICULAR POSTERS DRIVE YOU AWAY! Most of us know what they're really about and don't put much stock in what they say, anyway.

[VermontDem2004]

23. Don't leave

I love talking College Football with you, plus I think the comment that DUer made was completely inappropriate, If I was old enough, I would donate to your campaign, but you know you will always have my full support. :thumbsup:

[Aristus]

25. If you leave, AWD, then

the terrorists win.

No, the ones in GD. Don't give them the satisfaction. You are better than they are.

[trof]

28. I'd stay just for the juice and cookies every afternoon.

;-)

[Demobrat]

29. Just out of curiosity, I wonder

what that person who attacked you is doing with her/her life? Putting himself out there in an election? Or bravely attacking those with the courage to do so from the safety of his parent's basement? I'm not impressed with this lately influx of adolescents who seem to think an election is about playing with toy soldiers, and I'm surprised you would let them get to you. You are the real deal. They are keyboard warriors with nothing to offer anybody.

[Padraig18]

30. Please stay, Jeff!

Read this, before you go. Please?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=429621

:grouphug:

[cmd]

31. Why? Because.

YOU were at OSU (TYBOB).

YOU were at the Jake.

YOU were leading demonstrations in your hometown week after week.

YOU were at Timken.

YOU were at Fairlawn.

YOU were at Richfield.

We who know you, know where you have been and what you have been doing. Few posters have a resume as strong as yours.

Now, I ask the critics, what have you done?

cmd

[Dogmudgeon]

32. Lick your wounds, and then get back on the trail

Take a little time to recover from the blow, then come back swinging.

This is really the only way to deal with "button pushers" and other genera of human lice.

By cultivating the ability to shake it off, you'll have a major advantage on 99% of the wankers who pretend to call themselves statesmen.

I don't mean to sound like a hard-ass, but developing a hard head is essential in politics. DU is a good place to practice your chops, but except for the lice, we've "got your back".

Remember those words of wisdom from that beloved American philosopher, Tennessee Tuxedo: "Come along, Chumley; there's work to be done!"

--bkl

[Padraig18]

33. Support kick!

:grouphug:

[davsand]

34. Don't take the time to piss on them.

Sorry to be so rude about it, but screw em. You've got WAY more to think about right now and if DU is a place to let off steam, then don't let the idjits run you out.

If you are cool with your local party (and it sounds like you are!) and you are doing the best you can then try and blow it off. It isn't always easy to do, but it does conserve energy for the important stuff like your real life and your little one.

Last election I was managing a candidate who had a vision of the kind of race he wanted to run. Nobody in the local party would take him on except me. (That is actually my reputation, to be honest--I take on the guys who are either inexperienced or "difficult") We took a lot of hits for the type of campaign we ran, and I had folks--who I busted ass for in other elections--telling me that I was doing a piss poor job with the guy.

To make a long story short, we lost the race but the media is STILL talking about my guy favorably and he is positioned to do anything he wants to in the future. He got a lot of attention and money from a Senator, and word has come down from the state party that my guy is someone to be taken seriously and be courted. All the naysayers have had to shut the hell up...

I'm not tellin' you this to brag, but to show you that at any level you are gonna have asswipes who try and armchair quarterback your campaign. Most of the time they have no clue and THAT is why they are not PART of your campaign.

Hang with it, DU really is a fine place, and I'll vouch for the level of support I got from here when I was ready to start ripping heads off in the last election.

Laura

PS, my heart goes out to you and your little girl with this illness. It is creepy stuff, and nothing puts fear in my heart like watching my kid be sick. I'm sure you must be worried sick. She'll come out of it fine--I just know it!

[MissMillie]

35. My suggestion

Put the attacker on ignore and stay.

If you're busy w/ work and moving and your daughter (I hope she gets better) then tend to that, but please don't endeavor to stay away.

[jus_the_facts]

36. Fuck all that shit Man.....let's talk OSU and LSU.....

.....just stay out of GD....I have to as it makes my blood boil....so I occasionally post in LBN....but GD I hardly ever venture into or post....but *I* don't want you to leave....I'd miss you too much...as so many others company and contributions around here have disappeared...and if you go now too...this place will seem that much more empty....a shell of what it once was...:cry:

*ahem* GEAUX LSU....MY BAYOU BENGALS #6 IN THE NATION! :evilgrin:


on edit....sorry about your baby girl...sending you both :pals: :loveya:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

37. IF you leave - the fucking assholes win

how's that for a reason to stay?

[Skip Intro]

70. Yeah - there it is

What NSMA said!

So stay, dammit.

;-)

[arwalden]

38. Because I Love Reading Your "Yawn" Replies...

And because you have the power to reign in the candidate bashing threads yourself.

Use the ignore feature (if only temporarily) and you can silence the most blatant flame baiters and flame throwers.

poof! they disappear!

And to my delight... there isn't much evidence of the ignored ones in other threads throughout DU. (You know... those little lines in a thread that say "ignored"? Honestly... I rarely see them.) So it's not like I'm ignoring folks who significantly contribute to DU.

They seem to be intent on posting self-serving and self-entertaining threads that are self-fulfilling and self-perpetuating.

"Did! -- Did Not! --- Did! --- Did Not! --- Is! --- Isn't! --- Yes! --- No! -- Black! --- White!"

I'm amazed at what flies under the radar... but oh well. It's not my call to make as far as policy goes... but I can wipe them clean from my perspective and my reality.

-- Allen

[XanaDUer]

42. He got the "yawn" thing from me, btw.

Hey, if you want to leave, leave. There is no rule forcing anyone to stay here.

If you are running for any type of office, then you need to develop a thicker skin.

PS-I find "yawn" not the best-reasoned repsonse to posts, but I had been up all night and was responding to something like "Kerry is a warmongering bastard and coward." So I used it once.

[OKNancy]

39. I think you should use better judgment

when you answer threads. It's funny because I contemplated answering one of your anti-Clark bashes, but thought better of it.

Politics is an art and part of that art is compromise. Also part of getting elected is to get support. What if Clark supporters in your district saw the stuff you have written? Do you think they would give you money or help you? And what if Clark actually gets the nomination and you get the Democratic nomination. What then? Wouldn't you want his support, to come visit wherever it is you live in Ohio?

Being a hothead is okay, but when you run for office, you have to be a little smarter than the average bear.

[blm]

52. That was my take, too.

Do what you NEED to do to win, Jeff. If you don't win, the other guy does, which is NOT a good thing.

There are plenty of people on this board who just read it. Not a good idea to take the temperature of the general electorate from any message board.

[bigtree]

40. steady, man

you're fighting the good fight. Keep on 'em. We're right beside you.

[PopSixSquish]

41. Adding My Voice of Support

AWD, I'm feelin' you on this one. Was there a rip in the time/space continum yesterday, because damm.....

Anyway, don't leave. You're one of the good guys. Just concentrate on doing the things you need to do for your family and the rest will work itself out.

[jafap]

43. If you stay there will be trouble

and if you go it will be double.

Or is it the other way around? I lived in a dorm where The Clash's "Should I stay or should I go now" was played loudly at least once a day, and I cannot remember the lyrics. What a drag it is getting old.

[DemBones DemBones]

44. AWD, have you ever asked other posters what was going on in

their lives before you unleashed some harsh words on them?

I'm certainly sorry about your daughter's asthma attacks, having gone through the same thing myself as a child, but I know you're not the only person on this board going through hard times. Some people post about their problems, most don't.

You posted NINE replies consisting only of "YAWN" in that thread. That's hardly a response to make if you don't want to irritate the person who started the thread. It is, in fact, a response guaranteed to anger the poster. It's a way of mocking the poster, not too subtly suggesting that he or she, or at least the post, is boring. So you mocked the poster, yet you're complaining about being mocked. . .

:shrug:

Edited to fix brackets and spacing.

[anti_shrub]

45. Odd

You say you can handle candidate bashing, yet the thread you linked was you going off on someone who asks some good questions about Dean.

Looks like you got all pissy that someone "bashed" your guy and now you want a pity party for it.

Sorry.

[THUNDER HANDS]

46. dude, don't go

You're too valuable here. And when you win your election, who else are you gonna celebrate with?

:)

[goobergunch]

47. Don't forget the Research Thread!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=108&topic_id=6536&mesg_id=6536

[Droopy]

48. Walk it off, AWD

This place is a good way to talk to a lot of people who are like minded. You say this is a release for you. Maybe a way to relax and let off some steam. Why would you let a few people get in the way of having an otherwise good experience here? Just blow them off. I'll admit what was said in your case was pretty harsh, but put it in perspective. For that one experience there are probably a thousand others that went off well. Put the offending people or person on ignore if you have to. Take a walk or maybe have a couple of beers and we'll see you back here.

[Darranar]

49. I stand behind you 100%, AWD!

Don't let a few annoying people knock you off this website!

Good luck on your campaign!

[Kamika]

50. if you stay

i will bake you some cookies

[Susang]

51. You better not go anywhere!

Don't listen to one or two posters who disparage your campaign. Politics is a nasty business, unfortunately it sometimes gets personal. Please don't leave DU just because someone stepped over the line. That was the exception, not the rule. This place wouldn't be the same without you around.

BTW, hope your daughter is feeling better. I was recently diagnosed with asthma, so I know how tough it is for an adult. I can't imagine how hard it would be on a child. Hope things work out for you with your apartment. :loveya:

[Caution]

53. It's simple

(i dont knwo much about this situation) but if you are running for office, you need to understand that you are going to be attacked, on many fronts, including those you least expect. You need a thick skin, you need a place to practice getting your message out. DU is a great resource for you and just as an aside, if you win, you'd better expect some relatives and friends to question your policies... It's gonna happen and that will be a lot more difficult than some anonymous person on the internet! There are 30,000 people here, some are bound to be clueless jerks!

[w13rd0]

54. Stick around...

...because if you don't, the terrorists win...and the Republicans, same difference...

[Wetzelbill]

57. Pardon the language but who gives a fuck about people who attack others

you should stay because the progressives here want you around. Too many true progressives get hammered on and humiliated all over the 'net or in regular daily life and it makes them want to back away. I say hell no! Don't let others ruin it for you. You know who you are and what kind of person you are. Anybody else who disagrees can get bent. Stick around. And win your race while your at it.

[DemoTex]

58. Stay, and post how to donate to your campaign.

If no one sends money, quit DU. I've got my checkbook out, though. At least PM me with the info. I'll donate just like I did to JCMach in Florida last year. Especially PM me if you are really out of here. Otherwise, how can you get my donation? Or, for that matter, other DUers donations (I'm not suggesting that you stay around to whore DU, but you get my point)? There are those here who support you and your cause.

Mac


BTW: Where is JCMach? UAE or something like that?

[maxanne]

59. butch up, dude

AWD - I ran for the NH House in 2002, and DU was a great support for me. I had lots of good advice from JMach and MaineMary who were also candidates - it was really helpful to hear from other folks running in other states. I had a lot of support from people here, and that meant a lot to me.

I'm probably going to run again - hell I still have plenty of signs! I know my DU buds will support and encourage me.

There are some real blisters who have gravitated to the board, but they aren't going to be here for the long haul. There are some great new folks, too - and I hope they'll stick around. Ignore the pissants, AWD. Fuck them and the nasty disruptive steeds they rode in on.

We've got work to do - we need to get our country back. Remember what your priorities are, and take the good at DU and ignore the dreck.

Chin up, bucko.

:kick:

[shirlden]

60. C'mon Jeff, you need us.

And we need you. Down the line this group of talented, dedicated folks can be a huge help to you in your quest for the holy grail. And you can be a huge help to us by being an example of what all Americans should be.

Buckeyes don't quit. BTW did you know that a Buckeye is just a worthless nut??

Hang with us, Jeff

:kick:

[mndemocrat_29]

61. We need you to stick around

DU needs people who can support our ideals and fight to get back our country.

[philosophie_en_rose]

62. Don't leave, Jeff!

GD is damned tough sometime. Take a break, but please don't abandon DU.

1. You are actually running for political office. I'm all for complaining, but you are a person who is trying to be in a position to make actual decisions. You're "doing something" and putting yourself on the line. It's a shame that some people do not appreciate how hard it is for someone to run for political office.

2. Negative DUers know jack about you, your candidacy, your constituency, or your dedication. What the hell could they possibly know? Who the hell are they to judge? Take any accurate criticism as information, but don't give the ignorant more credit than they deserve.

3. You're good enough, smart enough, and doggone it people like you! Depriving the people here who support and learn from you is not a punishment to the jerks who push your buttons.

[Rose Siding]

63. I'm glad the asthma treatments are working

There's nothing more unnatural than a sick kid. I had a 1 yr old in the hosp for pneumonia, in an oxygen tent and it was like the Twilight Zone.

EVERYTHING seemed off. (((good thoughts))) to you and your family.

Just reading this thread made me shake my head about some folks inability to seperate the political infighting from their humanity. You don't need a thicker skin- makes it hard to feel the good stuff! -Just a backrub, a little time and some encouragement when you ask for it. And TAKE A BUBBLE BATH. I swear it helps.

[Skittles]

64. DON'T LET THE FUCKWITS GET YOU DOWN AWD

STAY AND FIGHT!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

65. You Need to Stay and Fight

please don't let these mentally ill, unbalanced posters get you down! For every attack or insane comment that they spew, there's a bunch of solid people on this board who are behind you!

[jiacinto]

66. I wish you the best in your campaign

I really do. But I am going to be honest at the same time. While I do think that yours is a serious campaign I don't see you beating Congressman Regula. That's the honest truth and I am being upfront and candid with you. Most likely, in November of 2004, you will not prevail. But I think you know that already.

I don't believe that calling your campaign "not serious" was the most professional and polite behavior. That was wrong and inappropriate. In fact it was rude and disrespectful. We all know how hard you are trying. Running for office is a very difficult task and it is admirable that you have put so much on the line to do so.

I wish you the best in your race against Congressman Regula. I am sure that you will do well next year. And I do hope that, however your campaign ends next year, that you can use this experience to build a future political career for you.

Good luck and stay here. I respect you for running in spite of the overwhelming odds against you. I wouldn't take the words of one rude person personally. Just realize that you probably have done more--much more, in fact--than what the rest of us will do in our entire lives.

[SOteric]

68. Because...

good people care about you and care about your campaign. And because poopyheads, (-or even basically non-poopyheads who are just sort of having a poopyhead moment) - do not and should not have to matter.

There are always going to be some folks in life that don't see things your way, and don't provide you with any kind of a warm fuzzy. But most of DU cherishes you and your presence, and we are a warm fuzzy. If you leave, you leave the people who cherish you as well as the few, hardly important folks who don't. That's throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

[einsteins stein]

69. I Have An Excellect Reason....

Use DU as a means by which to achieve politically thick skin, then win your race, and come back here and gloat like a drunken monkey!

C'mon, you'll grow as a person, position yourself to help others, and you'll get wonderfully adolescent shot at pure, unfettered revenge at the same time!

Now, how many times, in the great poker game we call life, do you get dealt a royal flush like that? :eyes: