First, we helped elect Barack Obama. In six of the seven counties that make up Ohio’s second district, Obama won a larger percent of the vote than Kerry did in 2004. By articulating a progressive, Democratic vision for our country, we helped Obama win votes from people who had never voted for a Democrat before. Neither Obama nor I won a majority in this district, but by minimizing McCain’s lead, Obama was able to decisively win Ohio, and the nation.

We also helped elect at least six new Democrats to the Senate and at least 19 new Democrats to the House of Representatives. By mounting a strong challenge against Jean Schmidt, we forced the Republican party to spend significant amounts of their limited resources defending an incumbent who should have cruised to reelection. This allowed other Democrat challengers across the nation to pick up seats.

Here in Southern Ohio, we helped local Democrats get elected, including judges, state representatives, county commissioners, and others. Southern Ohio can be proud of these public servants. 

The tireless efforts of the hundreds of volunteers are themselves victories also. Each person who gave up their free time in order to talk to voters about a bold vision for our country is proof of the ability of people to make change in this world. Candidates may lose elections, but the work of volunteers is always a win.

I also owe a deep debt of gratitude to everyone – 9,885 of you – who contributed financially to this campaign. Even as the economy collapsed, you dug deep and donated, and that means so much to me.

I want to congratulate my fellow candidates on their races.  I look forward to working with those in office to make the changes, especially in health care, which our families need. I look forward to working with those who will continue the fight for social and economic justice from non-elected positions.  And I look forward to helping re-elect and elect those who run again.

As for me, I will keep open my Wulsin for Congress campaign committee until all debt has been paid.  Lawson and I will take a long vacation.  And I will continue my work in public health through SOTENI and my next job.

And to my staff, who put your heart and soul into this campaign, thank you. You worked behind the scenes, but it was never invisible to me.

Thank you,

Vic

PS: Yes, we do have campaign debt.  Could you help one last time?  Consider it a “tip” to the Obama win!  Contribute here.

Victoria Wells Wulsin, MD, DrPH

8875 Spooky Ridge Lane

Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

vwulsin@gmail.com