Team, supporters, friends, family, acquaintances, and followers:
​
We did a hell of a job.
​
We came out of nowhere and still got a third of the vote. No one knew us, we weren't in the political "in" crowd, we didn't have a lot of money, yet we got a third of the vote. We didn't have consultants, advertising firms, or pull with major local groups or organizations, yet we got a third of the vote. We were a scrappy bunch of ragtag political misfits in a county that has a well-oiled political machine, and yet, we got a third of the vote.
​
A handful of you have been my friends prior to this little adventure, some for more than ten or fifteen years, but many of you were complete strangers until earlier this year. I couldn't be prouder to say I was part of a team that was constantly growing, evolving, and learning new ways to work together and feed off of each other. Many of you have gone from "people who helped on the campaign" to "friends", which I think is pretty cool.
​
You have all been overwhelming in your support, both throughout the campaign and in the hours since the election results posted. I want to thank some people, so I want to offer the most insincere apologies if the next section is long.
​
To Lauren: Thank you for being one of my main inspirations to run for office. It may happen again, it may not, but you will always be the reason I took this initial plunge into the weird world of politics and the denizens that inhabit its depths. You've been there to talk shit when I have considered giving up, but you've balanced it out by being there to celebrate little victories and successes throughout the campaign. Also, thank you for introducing me to Monica.
​
To Monica: Thank you for taking on the responsibility of managing the incredibly unpredictable, weird, and hectic traveling circus that was our campaign. The way you pour yourself into your passions and never run out of energy is something I will forever admire and be jealous of. Your love of life is only rivaled by your love of getting involved with things that inspire you and championing them to their conclusion.
​
To Troy: Thank you for making multiple trips from three counties away, just to see your friend talk to a bunch of strangers about his political platform, help set up and take down events, wave signs at members of the motoring public, and eat. I've known you for eighteen years, and you have always been one of my biggest fans. Thanks for that, buddy.
​
To Sarah: Thank you for being the first stranger to really, truly believe in me, my message, and our campaign. Having someone with your experience, knowledge, and sense of humor in our corner was something that everyone benefited from. The resources you provided, the advice you gave, and the support you provided were all key to the campaign succeeding and getting across the finish line.
​
To Tiffani: Thank you for only laughing at me a little bit when I told you I was running for public office.
​
To my wife, Alicia: Thank you for not murdering me in my sleep for my messed-up schedule for the past several months, and thank you for spending time with my son (our son, technically, but he loves me more) while I was out campaigning.
​
To Octavio and John: Thank you for being willing to put yourselves out there in your own, state-level races, so that you can help public education in Polk County from the Tallahassee level. Campaigning sucks, but if anyone can do it, it'll be you two.
To Marcus: You ran a hell of a campaign. I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know you, watch your campaign grow, and for being able to call you my friend. You should be proud of your campaign, your team, and what you accomplished. You, like me, were up against a formidable opponent with a vast array of resources, yet you kept pace and had a strong showing in the polls. Get some rest and enjoy wedding planning, sir.
To Robyn: Thank you for coming out of nowhere and providing a warped sense of humor, an eagerness to help, and a sense of logic and reason to my sometimes-unusual thought processes. You've been a huge asset to the team, everyone is thankful you came on board, and we all have loved working with you.
To Craig: While you contributed to the campaign in many ways, I am most thankful that you, a ginger, did not steal my soul at any point in the campaign.
To Mike, Colette, Cesar, Sheila, Brian, Woody, and the leaders of all the other groups who helped get the word out to voters via phone calls, door knocking, texting, postcards, or in-person conversations: Thank you and your teams for helping spread our campaign message to the masses.
To the friends and acquaintances who offered their time and space to host campaign events: Thank you for your generosity and for letting us use your property to host gatherings and fundraisers.
To William, Peter, Bonnie, Andrea, Mike, Henry, Kay, Judi, Gow, Travis, Sara Beth, Rebekah, Jennifer, and every other candidate I had the opportunity to meet: Regardless of our viewpoints, party lines, or offices sought, thank you for making the incredible investment into the future of our community that is running for office. I hope that, wherever your political paths lead, you will truly listen to and represent the hardworking, diverse, exciting, wonderful people of Polk County and prioritize our community and its needs.
This particular campaign is over, but things are now in motion that cannot be undone. Thank you all for your support, time, energy, votes, and inspiration. We didn't beat the other candidate in this race, but the real winners are the friends we've made and the bonds we've forged along the way.
This will be this page's last post, but this will not be the last you see or hear from me.
​
Remember, politicians are temporary, but Wu-Tang is forever.
