November 15, 2016 News & Press Releases

A Letter to Virginia Democrats: What Happens Next


by Democratic Party of Virginia

 

From: Susan Swecker, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia

Friend-

For the last week, friends and family have been calling, emailing and texting constantly, asking: “Susan, how are you?” It reminds me of the old line: “So Mrs. Lincoln, other than that how was the play?”

But now that a week has gone by and we have some perspective I wanted to share a few thoughts.

We’re a family — and I can’t sugar coat it. Some of you may have been on the call with President Obama yesterday when he said “expected losses are hard enough. Unexpected ones are just worse.” This one was heartbreaking and it still is. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote and Donald Trump was elected president. I know it’s unfair, I know it might feel difficult to move forward, but I take it to heart when Hillary Clinton said we must “never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.” And so we move forward because we must.

We have a lot to be proud of here in the Commonwealth, and I’m proud of each and every one of you that helped ensure our wins. Virginia was the only battleground state that went blue for Hillary and Tim. And it was the only Southern state that went Blue. This is huge. We also voted down the anti-labor Right to Work Amendment, we elected Donald McEachin to Congress, and we elected former Secretary of the Commonwealth and former DPVA Executive Director Levar Stoney as mayor of Richmond — all while setting critical groundwork for 2017.

These accomplishments are due to YOUR hard work. Everyone gave this election their all. I saw it firsthand in my travels, in emails, and staff reports. YOU stepped up to the plate — and it paid off. I am so proud to work with all of you and I remain inspired by your dedication and passion.

As you well know, the work is far from over. We cannot allow Donald Trump to normalize hate — Virginians are counting on us more than ever. We must elect Democrats to statewide office next year to insulate Virginians from Donald Trump’s policies. It’s never been more important.

When Tim Kaine quoted Faulkner during his concession speech, he said, “They kilt us but they ain’t whupped us yit.” Tim said exactly what we needed to hear: the fight isn’t over. Virginia Democrats never give up, we never throw in the towel, we never become complacent, and that’s what drives us each and every day.

So, finish off that last chocolate bar, have a few more glasses of bourbon and then let’s get to work!

With Deepest Appreciation,

Chairwoman Susan Swecker

https://medium.com/@vademocrats/a-letter-to-virginia-democrats-what-happens-next-ad06b2a410b3#.2v6awk84s