Norman Solomon has conceded. His campaign is over.
Received via email:
This morning, the news about our campaign vote count is disappointing. The exact final count is not yet available, but our campaign has come up short by a gap of one-tenth of one percent -- fewer than 175 votes -- behind the second-place finisher, Republican Dan Roberts, who will be on the November ballot.
While campaigning since the start of last year, I've met and worked with so many people who have moved me profoundly. Now, although I'm a writer, I can't possibly express here what I feel about this campaign and the countless people who have made it so wonderful. Words swirl through my head... like dedicated, idealistic, unique, moving, insightful, funny, generous, kind, feisty, loving, tough, salt of the earth... but these words are woefully inadequate.
Today is a sad day, but it's also a day for renewal. We can rededicate ourselves. We must rededicate ourselves. Because the only other alternative is to accept the unacceptable -- to go along with the kind of political doubletalk that George Orwell described as "largely the defense of the indefensible."
Below is a statement I'm releasing to news media. It only begins to say what's on my mind and in my heart.
Thank you so much for all you've done for our campaign.
With appreciation and best wishes for the future,
Norman
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Statement:
June 26, 2012
The ideals that have propelled this campaign will continue to energize people across our congressional district in the years ahead. To overcome a status quo of perpetual war, extreme Wall Street power, chronic inequities and environmental degradation, we will keep working for peace, social justice, a healthy planet -- and genuine democracy.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made our grassroots campaign possible. Staff members and many others have worked long hours with great dedication, skill and creativity. More than 7,000 different individuals have made donations. Hundreds of caring volunteers have been actively engaged. With enormous generosity -- devoting their time, talents and a wide range of personal resources to our campaign -- so many people have given a tremendous gift of idealistic engagement in the politics of participatory democracy. They have inspired me every day, and I will always be deeply grateful.
Although I will not be on the general-election ballot in this congressional race, I’m certain the political energies that galvanized and fueled our campaign will strengthen future movements for social change. This particular campaign has ended, but the imperative to create a better world continues. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Our challenge is to do all we can to hasten the process.
-- Norman Solomon
= new reply since forum marked as read
I think he'll be back...
I hope so, anyway.
I donated to his campaign too, and he sent me a thank-you note that contained a packet of Northern California sunflower seeds. Been meaning to plant them. 
