After the polls closed last evening and results were being tabulated, I reclined comfortably at home. Having taken part in the process as both a voter and a candidate I had a pretty good idea of who would win in my particular race. As the vote totals were released precinct by precinct, my prediction was confirmed. I wasn’t surprised, upset or even disappointed by the outcome. It was pretty much a foregone conclusion who would win. My opponent was the incumbent, politically connected, deep pockets, etc.
I decided to run for the office because of reasons that I have stated previously, but I wanted to do it differently. No campaign money, no political party support and no unquenchable thirst for victory at any cost. I just felt that I would do a great job and wanted to give people another option at the polls. So I went for it. I was told by a local newspaper editor that I really didn’t have a chance without money. He was right and I knew it, but I didn’t care.
As the votes rolled in, I went about my normal evening routine, stopping occasionally to see how things were progressing. It was pretty much over from the start. The incumbent collected 68 percent of the vote and the other party candidate got 26 percent of the vote. I was able to pick up about 4.4 peercent of the vote and I am very thankful to those 2,146 people that voted for me. I am also thankful for all the people that voted for the other two candidates and took part in the political process. I went to bed satisfied that I didn’t stand on the sidelines, but put myself out there and gave it a shot.
I slept well last night knowing that I didn’t waste any money trying to get elected, I didn’t talk negatively about my opponent and I don’t have to go and pick up any road side signs.
See you in four years.
Conrad Taylor