Campaign Updates

Today, November 3, we awoke to a gentle rain, and no need for an early alarm to get us up and out to stand on a busy corner to wave to rush hour drivers and hold a sign!

We also awoke with peace in our hearts and a sense of real joy at having run this race.  How can anyone not be a winner?  I've always told my kids to run for class office because there is NO WAY to lose in the process! That's just how I feel today.  We received 41% of the votes, won four or five precincts of the 10 polling locations, and feel super good.  I would have loved to win this seat and to serve our people, and I believe I would have done a superior job.  But I know we won in so many ways.

We ran against many obstacles:  my own name confusion with the former Pulaski Co. clerk by the same name; tea-party anger; frustration at Democrats in DC although they have accomplished SO MUCH in 2 years; a GOP incumbent; a district that is largely Republican; a biased state newspaper that said I was a beautiful singer but had no experience to qualify me for public office; and the billionaire conservative Koch brothers and Americans for Prosperity who targeted my campaign with lies and fomented fear among voters that I'd raise taxes.  Shame on the Democrat-Gazette!  Shame on Americans for Prosperity!  You will not win by trading misinformation for honesty, and for being more interested in profit than service.  And shame on my opponent who came to the polling place where I stood all day in the rain, and tried to intimidate me with glares, stares and having officials come measure my distance from the door, although my place was right in line.  Shame that he didn't speak to the many voters who passed him.  This is an elected position of honor to provide service and care to real people. The people will learn.  (And by the way, Americans for Prosperity---although you put my cell phone on your mailouts, I didn't receive a single call.)  I am not angry because I didn't win.  I am angry at the abuse of money and power, of dishonesty and manipulation for personal and corporate gain.  There will be a payday someday.

We ran as hard and well as I could go! And I will never begin to thank all of you who sent notes, contributions, and good wishes.  Add to these all the friends who stood for 12 hours in rain at the polls to hold signs, all my friends and family who walked the entire district with me to knock on doors and meet voters, to hear concerns and make a personal contact.  We worked!  You could not have asked for more dedicated and loyal, passionate and caring volunteers.  I will put my sister Deborah up against any campaign worker for tenacity, energy, love and commitment.  And my Mother and sister Lynda for helpng to write thousands of cards.  My husband, son, daughter in law, daughters and families, brother, and friends.  It has been truly AMAZING!  and a GIFT.

Now we go forward into a new day and continue a commitment to serve our community in all the ways that open to us!

Thank you for your amazing support.  We are all winners because of our participation in the process, for thinking about what needs to be done and for having real conversations about what's wrong, and for being willing to be instruments of peace. What else matters really?  We must continue to fight for what's right and never, ever give up.

Let me add:  if you have EVER considered running for public office, DO IT!  It's an exhilarating experience and one NO ONE can take from you!  I just may do this again!  I hope you will serve your community and state---feed the hungry, clothe and shelter the poor, help heal the sick, reach out to people in need.  Do the right thing.

ONWARD!  PROFOUND THANKS!

Carolyn

I MUST be VERY important!  Voters in D. 32 received a large, expensive mailer/card today from Americans for Prosperity with a photo of President Obama and my photo beside it!  It says that I haven't pledged to fight a New Energy Tax, so I should be defeated in my race for the State Legislature!  And it gives my cell phone number with the request that voters call me to talk about this.  Hmmmmmm.....

The mailer makes pretty amazing claims:  that if this legislation were to pass (Federal Legislation that would NOT be dealt with by the Arkansas Legislature), it would increase AR families' energy bills by $1870-$6800!   It would cause the state to lose 20,000 manufacturing jobs!  It would cost America 2 million jobs!  What baloney!

Let's be clear:  this is about Cap and Trade policy, and about federal law to protect our environment --- law since the '60s, and supported by Democratic and Republican administrations alike.  GWB featured Cap and Trade as the centerpiece of his Clean Air Act 1990.  Most Americans agree that our planet Earth needs to be protected from pollution as best as we can protect it.  Cap and Trade is one process that's been debated about how industry could be encouraged to be less polluting.

Let's also be clear:  this mailing was designed to spread misinformation and foment fear among voters. 

Of course I am not making pledges about anything I'll vote for before bills are introduced, debated, and reasonably considered in the best interest of Arkansans.  When Ms. Oelke of Americans for Prosperity began to hound me about taking this "pledge" and crowed that my opponent pledged NO to this federal legislation, I just shook my head at such wrecklessness.

Let's show the Americans for Prosperity that Arkansas voters are lots smarter than they think, and that the group can spend all the money it wants to in order to spread untruths.    We won't stand for such irresponsible governing or politicing.

Email or phone your friends in D. 32 and tell them to dismiss this feeble attempt at confusion and fearmongering.  Ask them to vote for me!  We're united in positive campaigning, truth, and a brighter future for Arkansans based on facts and responsible action!  The voters will help us decide what we need to do about any legislation facing us, and we don't need a group in Arlington, VA telling us how to vote.  Thanks!