My race is over. I lost. No surprise there.

[mcscajun]

Two Democrats, myself and long-time resident of my town, stood for borough council against two entrenched Republican incumbents, in a Republican town in a Republican county. No Democratic opposition had existed for these offices, until this year.

The results pf today's vote were a bit surprising, although the outcome wasn't. I never expected to win.

The two incumbents received 29.65% and 27.84 percent of the vote, respectively. My co-challenger received 22.23%, and I, the complete unknown, got 19.94%. The remaining percentage represents write-in votes.

A rather respectable showing for a first time run, and evidence that these guys are NOT unbeatable. I should point out that for the first time in memory, the Republicans had put out signs for their candidates, although they didn't bother until just a few days ago. Odd, that. Ours had been out for two weeks.

I'm betting that the next time a seat is open for the council, there'll actually be some concern in Republican quarters.

[eleny]

1. You put your foot in the door...

And got a whole leg in there! Congratulations on the great showing!!!

[mcscajun]

12. Thanks much.

:)

[NWHarkness]

2. Kudos

You didn't lose, in my book. You did a great service for the party and for your community.

[mcscajun]

13. A very nice thought...thanks!

:)

[Indykatie]

3. Sorry for the Loss

Very Respectable showing though.

[mcscajun]

14. That's how I view it.

Next time it'll be bigger and better. :)

[The Witch]

4. You should feel great

:toast: have some :beer: and relax. You are one of the brave ones!

[mcscajun]

15. Yeah...it was a scary proposition.

A Magners hard cider would go down really good about now.

[splat]

5. Did you like it?

Good for you. I admire that you did all that work to campaign and get your ideas out.

Would you do it again?

[mcscajun]

16. It was a real educational experience.

I'm thinking about the next opening on the council.

[Pam-Moby]

6. I am sorry about your loss. But you must also feel good

because you tried to help the people in your area. They are the real losers in all of this. :grouphug:

[mcscajun]

19. Thanks for the hug.

I do feel pretty good, and that we actually did accomplish something.

[NNadir]

7. Abe Lincoln lost his first election too.

He also lost his last election before being elected President.

In fact, before becoming President, he only won two elections, both for a single term.

[mcscajun]

20. An interesting thought...

:)

I have a friend who has the same idea...I'm on a road.

[DainBramaged]

8. Good for you in spite of your loss

I live in Thuglie entrenched Morris County, and ANY inroad is a great victory here. The fact that combined you two pulled in over 40% means A LOT. Stay focused and stay visible in the town. Say hello to everyone, stay involved where people will see you, no matter what the function is. Volunteer for everything, and the next time the Corrupt Conservative bastits will lose.

Nice try, and congrats. Being a nobody meant 1 out of 5 people in your town like you. And that is A LOT.

[mcscajun]

21. Thank you ... your perspective means a great deal.

I like your suggestions, and I'll keep them in mind.

[DainBramaged]

28. I lost a few years ago in a Repuglican stronghold

small town, and if I had't had to move this year I would have run again.

I learned a lot and scared the piss out of the bastits.

[roguevalley]

9. You stood up and you kept your honor. My respect and appreciation

for you, friend. As someone who had a dad in politics, I appreciate what an ordeal a campaign is. Kudoes to you and yours.

[mcscajun]

22. Thanks.

:)

[MuseRider]

10. You have only just begun.

Good for you. Not bad considering. I would be very proud of that start if I were you. Next time you will be a known person and that will help a lot if you decide to run again.

[mcscajun]

23. You sound like my friend in Baton Rouge who's been stage-managing

and cheering on my campaign.

[MuseRider]

27. I would be very good at that!

Still, I am proud of you. That is a big thing to do especially in the district you described.

[applegrove]

11. You did a great thing. There isn't a money truck pulling up to the doors

of Dem candidates and offering them entrance into business clubs and the like. It is harder for you. You took a stand. You must have learnt much. Congratulations!!

[mcscajun]

24. It was educational...and an unique experience.

:)

[ramapo]

17. Thanks for trying!

Our council had a Repub sweep tonight pushing out two Dems so we'll be living under one-party rule. Even some of our Dems were Dems only because they couldn't run as Repubs so what's the diff? Actually partisan politics at the town level is a bit silly.

At least Corzine won...

[mcscajun]

25. It IS a bit silly, especially in a small town like mine.

And most of the reason I ran in the first place was because in the 15 years I've been living here...there was NO Democratic opposition in local races.

[Crunchy Frog]

18. Congratulations on giving it a shot,

and for doing as well as you did.:toast:

Democrats just have to keep plugging away at these things and putting up candidates even when the incumbent looks unbeatable. Thank you for putting yourself out there.

[mcscajun]

26. Thanks for the moral support.

Even after the event, it's appreciated.

and you're right about us "plugging away" - I think we did accomplish something today.

And Corzine won! :woohoo:

I'm more disappointed that Thom Jackson (he was running for Assembly in the 25th District) lost than that I did. :(

[Kire]

29. Thanks for posting this on DU.

we all would have voted for you if we could

[mcscajun]

30. Big smile here.

:)