from the Tennessee Democratic Party

An open letter to Tennessee Democrats
November 5th, 2008 by TNDP

Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser today released the following open letter to Tennessee Democrats on the heels of yesterday’s national and statewide election returns:
 
“Tennessee Democrats are excited by the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, and Joe Biden as vice president. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to support the Obama-Biden ticket in Tennessee and beyond.
 
“While we wish the margin of victory in the Volunteer State had been closer, we’re still heartened by President-elect Obama’s vision for America and his ability to energize Democrats — especially young voters — unlike any presidential candidate in our history. The unprecedented voter registration and turnout that occurred in this presidential election bodes well for Tennessee Democrats in the future. Obama’s presidential legacy has yet to be written. But his legacy as a presidential candidate is clear: Unprecedented excitement and participation in the Democratic process.
 
“Obviously, we’re disappointed in the outcome of key legislative races. But we’re not surprised given Sen. John McCain’s unusually muscular performance in Tennessee. At first glance, his 15-point win here appears to be the strongest since President George Bush won over Michael Dukakis in 1988. For Democrats running in otherwise competitive legislative races, that level of inertia was tough to overcome.
 
“Regardless, there were silver linings. We’re proud of candidates like newly elected state Rep. Ty Cobb, who won a decisive victory over his Republican opponent in Columbia. And we look forward to great things in the future from candidates like Nathan Vaughn, who came just 326 votes shy of winning re-election in a county that McCain carried by more than 26,000. And Roger Byrge, who came within 400 votes of claiming a Republican seat in a district that McCain carried by more than 7,000. Our Party has a deep bench of talent. Now, we need to spend time working in the off-season figuring out how to convert those almost-wins into real victories in 2010. Make no mistake: The race to take back the House and Senate begins today.”
 
“Finally, let me take a moment to congratulate Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Tennessee Republican Party Chairwoman Robin Smith on their Party’s victories. They registered decisive wins in key legislative seats, and for that they are to be applauded. While we disagreed on some issues, we ran honorable races. And at the end of the day, both parties want what’s best for the people of Tennessee.”