Paul Hackett's Message to His Supporters

[VolcanoJen]

Sorry if this has already been posted... this is the email Paul sent out to his supporters.

There really are no words for my disappointment, this sinking feeling in my gut. It's crushing. It's familiar. I'm an Ohio Democrat, after all.

Rock on, indeed, Paul Hackett.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Dear Jennifer,

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 cliché, 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

[Dr Fate]

1. Harry Reid shows spine and stands up...

to Hackett and Kerry's efforts to Filibuster pro-Unitary executive judges.

Why was it that the Party leader did not lead the filibuster? Because he opposed it.

I wish I could SEE Reid standing up to Bush as much as I SEE him "standing up" to Democrats who are trying to fight.

[VolcanoJen]

2. So much for the "Fighting Dems."

It's just a little bit shameful, isn't it?

[Dr Fate]

4. Fighting the grass-roots shows that they DO have "spine"

They have the "spine" to stand up to us and assert that "the adults are in charge"- not you radical, Micheal Moore people who support crazy ideas like- er- combat veterans that Republicans might vote for.

[xxqqqzme]

3. OK, that's breakin' my heart.

I was able 2 have a substantive conversation w/ Hackett last November about the phosphorus use in Fallujah. yes it was used and yes they knew what the results would be. He said there were so many dead in the streets that they ended up walking because you couldn't drive & avoid the bodies.

[tishaLA]

5. I'm so sad about losing him as a candidate

I liked that he spoke intemperately and didn't back down. He has a great heart--something too many in the party hierarchy sorely lack--and doesn't pull punches.

I'm pissed.

[pocket]

6. Thank you DLC & DNC

fuckers

[insane_cratic_gal]

7. I want to know who the party leaders are

I want names, then I want justice.

I thought Hackett was a winner, I'm guessing so did the leaders hence why they asked him to resign, plug the funding all into one candidate vs two.

I really wish Hackett would of told them to go f themselves.

[MercutioATC]

8. Here ya go...two names:

REID

http://reid.senate.gov/


SCHUMER

http://schumer.senate.gov/

Those are they...have fun (I did) :evilgrin:

[OzarkDem]

9. No one is forcing him out

he can stay in if he chooses.