Deborah Ross Wins North Carolina Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate

Thank you North Carolina. Thank you to our incredible volunteers and supporters -- and to my husband Steve. Tonight wouldn't have happened without you.

And congratulations to each of my opponents for running strong campaigns. You made this race better. Now we have to move forward together -- because what North Carolina can't afford is 6 more years of Richard Burr.

Five months ago we launched this campaign on the simple belief that North Carolina deserves better representation in Washington; that we needed a Senator who works for all of us; and that the wealthy and well-connected should have to play by the same set of rules as everyone else.

We crisscrossed the state, driving from the mountains to the coast, talking with folks about their hopes, their struggles, and the future they want for themselves and their children.

We heard the same thing no matter where we went: That people don't expect our elected leaders to have every answer, but we do expect them to be part of the solution. We don't expect candidates to agree on every issue, but we do expect them to disagree civilly. We don't expect something for nothing, but we do expect basic fairness so we can work hard and get ahead. And we don't expect our Senator to solve all our problems, but we do expect him to do his job -- so to hear him shirking his constitutional responsibilities by refusing to consider nominees for the Supreme Court -- it upsets us. We're tired of the games.

Politics as usual isn't working for people. Our families want some basic economic security. And they want the opportunity to earn that security -- no one expects it to be given to them. They want to earn it. They want a steady job with fair pay so they can see a doctor when they're sick, send their kids to college and save for retirement. And all they need is a fair shot to do it.

But right now, folks aren't getting that fair shot because politicians like Richard Burr keep stacking the deck against them.

The dad whose job is outsourced because Richard Burr supported tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas -- he isn't getting his fair shot.

The college graduate who has to focus on overcoming student debt instead of opening a business, starting a family or buying home because Richard Burr voted against loan reform -- she isn't getting her fair shot.

The working woman who doesn't get equal pay for equal work because Richard Burr voted against Pay Check Fairness -- she isn't getting her fair shot.

And our seniors are worried about affording retirement because Richard Burr wants to cut Social Security and Medicare -- they aren't getting their fair shot.

These aren't North Carolina's values. We're not a state that puts the powerful ahead of the people. We're folks who work hard, look after our neighbors, and care about fairness.

After 20 years in Washington, Richard Burr has lost sight of our values. Now, it's time for a change.

As your Senator, I will work every day to make sure -- no matter who you are, or where you're from -- if you work hard and play by the rules, then you'll have the security and the opportunity to find a job that pays a fair wage, go to college, afford housing, and save for retirement.

It won't be easy, but I am confident and I am hopeful. And that's because I believe in the people of North Carolina and the promise of our country.

With your support, we will win this election. And we will give the people of our state a real voice in Washington.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you as I continue to travel around the state.

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