My Dear Friends:
After three long naps, two substantial meals, and thousands of hugs and messages, I opened my eyes today to see that we have arrived back where we started and now know the place for the first time.
Here, in Maryland's 8th Congressional District -- one of the smartest, best educated, most beautiful places on earth -- we have people passionately committed not only to their own children but to other people's children, not only to their own prosperity but the prosperity of all, and not only to their own security but the peace, justice and thriving of people all over America and the world.
I wanted to make sure that I got some real sleep before rendering this judgment, but everything I am hearing from people, press and serious political leaders all over America tells me that something of historic importance took place in our U.S. House race, the most expensive race for Congress in American history.
At a time of cynicism and manipulation, we vindicated the central importance of grassroots progressive organizing as the center of gravity for political success in the Democratic Party.
Not money, not TV commercials, not attack ads -- but face-to-face grassroots organizing and conversation.
That's an extraordinary accomplishment, and I want to thank you for your role in organizing, knocking on doors, throwing 169 parties, talking, and persuading people to move in a dramatic and unstoppable way.
There is simply no greater political movement or campaign at the Congressional level in America today. What you have built is phenomenal and remarkable -- and it's still growing.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart and return to the words of Pelonius, who advised: "Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,/Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel." This is how I feel about the sisterhood and brotherhood of people in this campaign who overcame a campaign spending disadvantage of at least 8-1 to deliver a smashing positive victory for grassroots progressive politics. After this campaign of substance, our lives are now intertwined in a braided common destiny.
I am also tremendously encouraged by the wonderful messages of support I have received by all of our fellow candidates:David Trone, Kathleen Matthews, Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, Will Jawando, Delegate Kumar Barve, David Anderson, Joel Rubin, and Dan Bolling. These people all ran as strong progressive Democrats and contributed meaningfully to our dialogue and our community. I am grateful for their friendship and for their sacrifice. Politics can be a tough business but they all showed grace and character. I look forward to working closely with all of them for sweeping Democratic victory come November and beyond.
Finally, my major frustration in the campaign came during the final three months when I was in Annapolis and therefore was unable to spend more time campaigning in Frederick and Carroll Counties. I now have the opportunity to rectify that situation over the coming months and will be spending a lot more time in Frederick and Carroll, two of the most beautiful and enchanting counties in America, and places with dazzling people and a vibrant future that we have to go fight for to realize. I cannot wait to wander the back roads and byways of the northern part of Maryland's 8th. I invite everyone to come join me.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for a journey that is imperishably etched in my mind and my heart. And we have just taken the first step -- back soon. . .
With boundless solidarity and love,
Jamie
p.s. It is a special honor to tell my closest friends and supporters that the dramatic success of our movement has clearly touched and inspired great progressive leaders all over Maryland and America. I have received congratulatory calls for our campaign from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Ben Cardin, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Governor Martin O'Malley, dozens of Democratic Members of Congress and my beloved friend Senator Catherine Pugh, the next Mayor of Baltimore. We have sent out a message of grassroots hope and political possibility that has touched people across America. You did that!