“The cause goes on.  It’s just one battle in a long war, and it will go on as long as we all live…the individuals on this stage may change.  The cause is there, and the cause will prevail because it is right.”

-Ronald Reagan, 1976-

My Friends;

I want to express my sincere thanks to all who voted for me, supported me, and lifted me up in prayer this last year.  I have been humbled and inspired, and will never, ever forget the many kindnesses shown my family and me.

Now, some straight talk:  We did not win our contest, but I concede nothing.

Our showing was the best ever against Ike Skelton; we received over 100,000 votes, in spite of very little money spent.

Unfortunately, Ike Skelton won this election by hiding and riding a reputation that is no longer deserved.

He ignored my challenge to debate, because he knew that if more voters knew he fought against the troop surge, sponsored the bill to give habeas corpus to terrorist-detainees, voted twice for the $700 billion bailout, and is no longer considered pro-life, that he could not win.  

Instead, he blanketed the district with lame television and radio commercials and answered nearly every question asked him, regardless of the subject, with “I’m concerned about the readiness of the troops”.

If we had received wholehearted support from our party at the state and national level the outcome of this race would have been markedly different.  If anyone wonders why we did not, ask them.

God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.
 

Jeff Parnell