in a funk....

[Kevin Spidel]

I should be damn happy. I mean ... I KNOW the great gains we made last night. And, several of those races, are ones I worked on this year when I was with PDA. However...

I was running the field for the first openly gay candidate ever to run for a statewide executive office (superintendent of public instruction in arizona.)

All polls showed us ahead prior to election night...

we lost by only 50k vote (roughly 5 points)

so i am in a bittersweet place.

excited about the gained ground... really REALLY disappointed about our campaign.

anyone else in a similar space?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. I can't be unhappy...

I'm sorry that homophobia and anti-gay sentiments continue to hinder our society's evolution. But the election results give me hope that change is around the corner.

Don't give up. The fact that the race was so close is a clear sign that your candidate's time will come. :hug:

[Kali]

3. I don't know that homophobia was necessarily the problem

seeing as Arizona turned out on prop 107. Horne (the repuke) was an incumbent and in too many cases they have a huge advantage...I thin Williams did pretty good as did Pederson against Kyl. It wasn't perfect but the big picture nationwide is finally getting a little balance. And THAT is cause for celebration!

[crim son]

2. I'm not in the same space,

but I feel for you. You actually did really, really well and should be very proud. Naturally you're disappointed, but... don't give up. Give yourself a few weeks and the energy will begin to return. :hug: I'm sorry about your disappointment.

[TheBaldyMan]

4. You can rightly be proud of your effort, it is an advance.

You can stand tall knowing that you are part of the progressive advance towards a more tolerant society. There may be setbacks along the way but keep in mind how long people have been slogging away for a democratic victory. Never lose heart, think of what things would have been like if you hadn't participated. You have changed things for the better.