To all of my friends who are on the ballot today, I wanted to say thank you.
For the past two years, whether you were running to defend an Office you already held or whether you were running as a candidate for the first time, you have both my appreciation and my admiration.
For every dinner you missed at home because you had to attend an event.
For every weekend that you didn't get to relax because you had to block-walk.
For every fundraiser you had to attend or organize when you probably didn't really want to do either.
For every criticism that you receive from some jerk who doesn't even know you.
For every word of discouragement from somebody who told you that you couldn't get elected.
For every straight-ticket voting nimwit who never bothered to even consider you as a candidate.
I don't think that the average voter knows what candidates put themselves through just to face an uncertain outcome on Election Day. I've had a front row seat to it before, and it solidified in my mind that I never want to do it myself.
Candidates put themselves through Hell just to put themselves in the running.
In doing so, they literally become the last line of defense for our government, regardless of whether they win or lose. There would be no accountability from our government if there wasn't the competition of the election.
As an arm-chair quarterback who has thrown in his thoughts and criticisms far more than anyone really wanted to hear, I wanted to personally say thank you to everybody who had the guts to run for Office. The race is almost over and whether you come in first place or second, you've done far more than any of us who just commentated.
To everyone who is reading this that isn't a candidate, it would seem to me that the least you could do is go out there and vote.
Good luck today. Everyone.
