I didn't expect to burst into tears today

[LittleClarkie]

It happened once when I thought to myself "Welcome to a Democratic America" and then again about an hour later when I thought "The national nightmare is over."

At least half of that emotionalism I can blame on hormones. But dayum, talk about a delayed reaction. I had just been thinking to myself that I did just enough to be able to say that I had a part in the victory: 6 hours of canvassing, 2 1/2 hours of phonebanking, one day off of work for GOTV, and about two weeks of half hearted lit dropping in my ward for Sensenbrenner's opponent. Diddly squat compared to what I did in 2004.

[MindPilot]

1. Yep, I haven't had the emotional outburst yet, but...

I'm just now in that state of not being sure that I'm not in one of those dreams where you think you've woken up from the nightmare, but you're really still in the nightmare, and making you think it's over is the most frightening part of the nightmare.

[Ringo84]

2. I can't stop smiling!

I've tried, but every time I think about the ASS-KICKING we gave the right-wingers, I grin from ear to ear. Especially after you said

"Welcome to a Democratic America" "The national nightmare is over."

Let's hope it is. Let's hope the "either with us or against us", the "lib'ruls are traitors", the "why do you hate America", and all the rest of it is over. Permanently.
Ringo

[cmd]

3. I understand

We've been on an emotional roller coaster. We just got off the ride and find our bodies adjusting to a new scenerio. It's exhilarating. It's draining. I'm filled with joy. I'm left with emptiness. We now have to find something to fill the void. It must be like postpartum depression. Hang in there. You aren't alone.

[The Wielding Truth]

4. When I heard we had the Senate too I felt disbelief. I still do.

The work will know begin to repair our nation. I don't expect it to be easy. How nice to have the chance to straighten out this mess that the repubs and greed created.

[Eurobabe]

5. You and me both...when I heard we won the Senate

I went and got my flag out of the garage, then proceeded to cry for 10 minutes while I rigged the Old Glory onto the fencepost here in Germany.

[Marnieworld]

6. I'm choked up just reading this

Since the Senate became Dem I have been fighting back tears at work. I did a lil' crying last night on the way home. I just need the release of 6 years of rage and fear and horror. I had lost all hope.

[laugle]

7. You are right "the national nightmare is over," now

the real work begins..........

So much to do and so little time....

We have been given a very great opportunity and we must produce results in order to win in 2008!

We can not afford for the repubs to define us as a party, afterall results are what matter and "actions speak louder than words."

Gridlock is not an option!!

[Parche]

8. bravo to you

I tried to get the word out about Bryan Kennedy, I feel like I didnt do enough
to defeat Sensenbrenner, next time we can win.
I had tears in my eyes Tuesday night, as I know this was the beginning of something big

You have done well, even though Kennedy didnt defeat Sensenbrenner, we can do it in 2years

[LittleClarkie]

9. Just not with Bryan next time, is all. I'll let him tell it. He's such a class act

Dear friends:

Now that the frenzy of the campaign is over, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all that you did to help me over the past three years. While we were not able to kick Sensenbrenner out of office, we have many accomplishments to be proud of. Here are a few of the most notable:

--We raised over $600k in three years, an amazing amount of money when you consider how daunting the task of defeating a 28-year, entrenched incumbent is. Thank you for your generosity.

--I was the first House challenger to be endorsed by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel since 1996. That was an accomplishment.

--We have finally revealed Jim Sensenbrenner for who/what he really is. We have worked hard to keep his feet to the fire and the press finally took notice. 2005 and 2006 were not kind to Jim Sensenbrenner in the press.

--We have an active and hopeful community of grassroots volunteers. You helped me to add 4% to my 2004 totals. You also helped Gov. Doyle increase his margin in the district by 10% over his 2002 numbers. Please stay active. We need you.

Lastly, while many of you have asked me if I would consider a run in 2008, I respectfully decline. When I got into this campaign, I knew that it was a two election cycle effort. I had envisioned spending a little over three years with the hope that a political "perfect storm" like 2006 would help propel me into office. I cannot put my family through this again. I will stay involved in the political process and I expect to help some of you get elected to office. When the right time and right position arise I will re-enter the political fray. For the time being, I am content to be a dad again. Take care and once again, thank you for all that you have done.

Respectfully,
Bryan Kennedy
Democratic Candidate for US House, WI-5