I want to thank the thousand voters of the Tenth Senatorial District who voted for me in the Democratic Primary race. Your voice was heard and your issues were noted.
We said that roads and bridges needed attention. We asked to be like the majority of states that do not tax food or that give tax rebates for grocery purchases. We requested decent jobs, affordable healthcare and safe streets. But, those messages were muted by vanity ads and smear attacks launched by some of my opponents.
President Nixon realized the necessity of having the support of America's Great Silent Majority while making a speech of his plan to end the Viet Nam War. I know you are still out there quiet and hopeful, as I continue to fight for your place at the table of government.
Nixon's words still echo in my ears. He said, "I pledge to you tonight that I shall meet this responsibility with all of the strength and wisdom I can command, in accordance with your hopes, mindful of your concerns, sustained by your prayers."
He said, "Let historians not record that, when America was the most powerful nation in the world, we passed on the other side of the road and allowed the last hopes for peace and freedom of millions of people to be suffocated by the forces of totalitarianism."
Today, we are political enemies with ourselves and the stakes are even higher than peace in South East Asia was then.
The person elected to this seat must represent the people not the selfish commands of any special interest organization. Exercise your voting privilege before they take it away from you.
Quenston Coleman