Thank you!
Dear Democratic Friends:
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest and sincerest "thank you" for your great efforts, constant support, and belief in my candidacy through my campaign. Yes, I was unopposed, as Ed Fendley noted in his song, but even unopposed campaigns that make a candidate look like the Maytag repair man, need great volunteers and great work -- and you provided it. I am always humbled that people have given me their confidence with their vote -- and I have never forgotten, nor will I ever forget, the trust you have placed in me. I am blessed to have you as friends, colleagues, and supporters.
Many volunteers helped out in this latest campaign and I want to single out those people upon whom I relied, kept me focused, and were always at my side to help whenever needed.
Drum roll please:
My wife Sharon Davis , the real politician in our house, who has been the foundation of every campaign I have run. She has the unique ability to see what has to be done, and knows how to do it. My sons, Matt and Alex who are the future of Democratic values and have allowed me to pursue my life's work in public policy.
Tom Hasman, my campaign manager, and his wife Linda who are infinitely organized, and wonderful friends.
Jim Turpin, my business partner and ACDC chairman, a friend and counselor, deeply committed to Democratic values, and does the hard work critical to our party's success.
Marybeth Tschetter, my treasurer, without whom I would be lost.
My decades long supporters who have stood by me, worked closely with me, and have always been there for me: Susan Prokop (my first campaign manager -- and a darned good one too), Sue Rafferty, who is an excellent legislative assistant and keeps me organized down in Richmond. Carrie Johnson-the list lady; Lucy Denney -- who shepherded me during my County Board years; Peg Hogan; Peg Lorenz; Jean Marshall Crawford, and Madi Green -- who have made kitchen-crewing an art; Charlene Bickford -- who has been with me for longer than both of us wish to tell and knows more about politics and elections than anybody; Jim and Margie Mayer, neighbors and long-time supporters; Peter Rousselot, who has made the on-the-ground campaign an art; and the volunteers that helped at my McCurry-Kaine fundraiser: James Martin and Courtney Quintos, high school students at Bishop O'Connell who greeted guests as they arrived and Maureen Premo who was an outstanding bartender.
Diane Greenhalgh, my webmaster, who also volunteered at my fundraiser and does the hard work of making me look good on the Web and to Tammi McKinley for writing up all those thank you letters.
The elected officials of Arlington County -- always ready with advice and counsel -- and good advice and counsel And all those whom I relied upon in this campaign and in others past -- and, finally all those individuals I have for want of memory forgotten to list, and whom I hope will forgive me for doing so.
Thank you all, so very much.
--AL