Weterling: Thank You
"Letter to Editor"01/22/2006
Dear Supporters,
At the Capitol today, I announced that I was no longer a candidate for U.S. Senate. It was not an easy decision. I am humbly aware that I was representing far more than a singular pursuit. I was representing all of you, and your dreams of a safe and secure world for our children and families. I would not be leaving the race if I felt that fight was, in any way, being abandoned. I will always be fighting that fight. And I believe deeply that Amy Klobuchar has the passion, toughness and smarts to be the advocate you all deserve. She will take that fight forward.
Below are my remarks from today’s press conference. Though my immediate plans have not been finalized, always know how much I cherish your support and friendship. We made a powerful team, and, together, we will make this world a better place.
Thank you again for all your time, energy and resources. I am forever grateful.
Patty Wetterling
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Patty’s Remarks from January 20th, 2006
When Senator Mark Dayton announced he was not running again for his US senate seat, I received many calls from people asking me to run. I knew the magnitude of the job and I wanted then what I want today; to be a loud strong voice for children and families in Washington. I believed then what I believe today; that we must keep this seat in Democratic hands.
So I have dedicated the greater part of this year to getting out, traveling across our state, meeting with Minnesota families and hearing their concerns. I’m more convinced now more than ever, that those wonderful, hardworking Minnesotans need someone dedicated to representing them.
When this journey started last February, I believed that I was going to be the person to do just that in the United States Senate.
Now eleven long, hard fought, often terrific, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding months later, only one thing has changed: my commitment to our need to unite as a nation, a state and a party is even stronger.
I am therefore taking myself out of the United States Senate race to ensure that we come together, pool resources and unite our efforts to win in November of this year. It is so important that we keep Senator Dayton’s seat in Democratic hands.
I have watched Amy Klobuchar these last eleven months. I have learned more about her as a person, as a candidate and as a friend. Amy has demonstrated that she will be a strong, effective voice for the fight I believe in: protecting our children, building safer communities, and seeing that every Minnesotan has access to a good education and quality health care. . I will do anything I can to help Amy get elected to the U.S. Senate and I enthusiastically endorse her candidacy.
Amy, I wish you well. During the course of this campaign, I have become a much stronger and better candidate because I have had such a tough opponent.
I have met so many people who are discouraged about the corruption and dishonesty in Washington. So many people do not feel that their voice is being heard. I encourage all Americans to not give up on this amazing country during this time of many challenges. There are some hard days ahead but we can do it. I’ve seen in my own life that when good people pull together amazing things happen.
I will continue my passion of caring for communities and making the world a better, safer place for kids and families. There is work to do.
I want to thank all of my family members, especially my husband Jerry for his continuous love and support. Thank you Carmen and Chris, Trevor and Trish, Amy and Chris and a special thank you to my 15 month old granddaughter Lili, who inspires me every day to work harder.
I am so grateful for the more than 15,000 people who have encouraged me and supported my campaign financially and also I want to thank all of the additional volunteers and interns. Thank you. I appreciate more than I can say the hard work and dedication of my staff – all of whom are here today. I am thankful to all of the wonderful Minnesotans who I’ve met along the way – in coffee shops, county fairs, the State Fair, house parties, and even corner bars – I have learned so much from you and it has renewed my faith in the people of our state and reaffirmed my belief that you deserve so much better than you are now getting from too many of the politicians in Washington.
I don’t know what exactly will be next for me. I can tell you that I will continue to speak out and speak up for what I believe in so deeply that…we can do better for our children and our children’s children. We have much to do to protect the very future of this nation.
Thank you.