U.S. Senator-Elect Kay Hagan's Remarks as Prepared

U.S. Senator-Elect Kay Hagan's Remarks as Prepared

Thank you! Thank you! Before I get started … does anyone have a new pair of shoes? Ruby Red ones maybe? Because I just gave mine away…

What a difference a year makes! A little over a year ago when I got into the race, the press, the pundits, other politicians were all ready to write this race off and hand Elizabeth Dole the keys to her office for another 6 years.

But it's not her office — and we knew better.

What we were able to accomplish in a little more than a year is a testament to how hungry people are for a change. So much has gone off course over the last 8 years, and it's going to take all of us — working together — to get it turned around again.

But first I want to take a moment and thank my family behind me, particularly my brothers and their families, Chip's brothers, his father, "The General" Charlie Hagan, my father Joe and my mother Judy. They have been a constant sounding board and source of encouragement.

I want to thank all the extended Ruthven, Hagan, Chiles and Carter families for traveling near and far to celebrate this victory.

And to my children, Jeanette, Tilden and Carrie. They traveled across the state endlessly, putting their lives and their schooling on hold to help elect me. Every mother loves to brag on her kids, but the stories that I heard from people who had met them as they were attending events always made me one proud mama!

And of course to my husband Chip, the best husband any woman could ask for. No one has been a bigger supporter, a bigger cheerleader or a better partner in this journey. I could not have done any of this without his humor, his perspective and his love.

And I've said it countless times over the last year, but Chip made the difference in this election. It's nice to have a husband that can vote for you!

And to my staff — led by the unflappable Crystal King, who put together a team as talented as they are funny as they are hardworking. I would not be here today without each and every member of my staff here in Greensboro and across the state. Let's have a round of applause for all of them!

And last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to all of you, and all of the North Carolinians who got behind my campaign: door-knocking, phone-banking, blogging, joining Ruby Red Slippers Decorating parties, hosting me in your communities, and of course, voting for me. You were the difference between winning and losing and you are the reason why our campaign was so successful. I am humbled and honored by the faith you have put in me.

To the North Carolinians who didn't vote for me…I'm going to be working hard the next 6 years to earn your vote.

Because Democrat, Republican, or Independent — the ideas we need to create good-paying jobs and turn our economy around won't have a party label. And if you have an idea that works for North Carolina, my door is always open.

I love our state. And as I've travelled it over this campaign, the people of North Carolina have been an inspiration.

And from Murphy to Manteo, they all want the same thing. No one wants a handout — they just want leadership that listens, and a government that doesn't stand in their way, but gives them a chance to make their own way.

This campaign saw some tough personal attacks, but throughout it all the thing that kept me going was my belief that North Carolina cares the most about the issues. That message was sent from working families, seniors, students, Democrats, Independents and Republicans. And tonight, Washington received that message loud and clear: Stop the partisan bickering, work together, and get started fixing thing — now.

Standing up here tonight isn't the end of the campaign — it's the beginning of our fight to bring real change to Washington, the kind of change that will make a difference here in North Carolina.

Tax breaks should go to businesses creating American jobs, not corporations sending them overseas.

Our energy policy should create jobs and end our dependence on foreign oil, not reward Big Oil companies with billions in tax breaks while we borrow from China to pay for Saudi Arabian oil.

And we must remember that whenever our economy has struggled, small businesses and the middle class have been the engine that's pulled us free - and they're the ones that need the help!

We face real challenges, but those are the values that will guide me as your U.S. Senator.

And as I thank you tonight for your support, I'm also asking for your help. Democrat, Republican, or Independent — get involved in your community: volunteer at your church, in your kids' schools, or for our veterans.

The challenges we face are real, and changing Washington is just the start. It will take all of us, working together at all levels across North Carolina, to create the kind of lasting change we want to see in this country.

But tonight is a night to celebrate!

Thank you for your faith in our campaign! Thank you for your hard work! And thank you for all that we'll do together!

Thank you!

God bless you.

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