From Charles today - "Please share this message with as many of my wonderful supporters as you can. I want them to know how much I appreciate them and everything they did!"
Dear Friend,
Now that I've taken a little time to rest, recharge and reflect on the events of this week, I wanted to extend to each and every one of you the gratitude that's in my heart for everything you've done for me and my family during this campaign. They say friends are the family you choose, and as much as you chose me, I have chosen you, and I love you more than words can express.
Tuesday night was a great night for our nation. The people stood up and spoke decisively, reclaiming their rightful place as the leaders of our Jeffersonian democratic republic. If our campaign was about nothing else, it was about the people taking charge and reminding our elected officials that they are in office to serve us, not the other way around.
Our goal was to join the incoming Congress to help them give America back to the people, but victory has been slightly delayed - NOT denied. We took significant steps toward our goal, steps that will lead to a faster, stronger start next time.
We were the first campaign in Maryland's 5th Congressional District in 18 years to win Calvert and St. Mary's counties from our opponent, and the first in 14 years to win Anne Arundel County. We finished with a higher percentage of the vote than any other opposing candidate since 2000. I want you to know how proud I am of you for these significant achievements. It was your dedication and hard work that made them possible.
Thank you for the countless days, weeks and months of sacrifices you made on our behalf, and God bless your families for letting us take you away for a time to help our cause. We built an amazing team together, and it is my fervent prayer that we will stay together, for we still have work to do.
Marines don't retreat - they establish a rally point. A rally point is an easily identifiable point on the ground, designated by the patrol leader, where the patrol can reassemble and reorganize for the next attack on the objective.
We are establishing a rally point in preparation for the next battle, so rest up, reconnect with your families, enjoy the upcoming holidays, and restore your bodies, minds and hearts to fighting shape. This is just the beginning of a great mission with a noble purpose, and I am honored to have you at my side.
On behalf of my beautiful bride of 17 years, Rosha, and my lovely girls, Chelsea, Chasety, Chaney and Charleigh, thank you for your hard work, your total commitment and, most of all, your friendship and love. We're going to take some time to love on each other as a family, and while it's never easy to lose, we're feeling much better as the days pass. I know you must be praying for us, and God is good!
As for the rest of my family, I promise to connect with you again very soon. We have the best team any candidate could ever ask for, and I am blessed. I hope you realize you're stuck with me!
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The future begins today; are you with me?
May God richly bless you all!
Charles