What an amazing year!
We challenged a long-time incumbent and fought for Democratic values in a place where Republicans outvote Democrats by a wide margin. Weather made turnout even more important than ever before, and we had to run an expanding campaign on a shoestring and a smile. It was a difficult mission, but it was an important race; it showcased the issues and a method of campaigning that brought people together.
It was an experience that brought us together.
We want you to know how important your involvement is to us. You made this campaign possible. Thank you for taking the risk and sharing this foxhole. We appreciate your time, talent, and treasure. Whatever the future holds, your willingness to stand with us in 2006 was a special gift we will hold with us forever. Together we raised over $345,000. Together we reached over 20,000 households. Together we challenged the system, and together. And we made a difference!
We are grateful for your support and friendship. Even though we lost the battle, we took a significant step forward in winning the war: we showed that Democrats can compete down-state. And we reminded people that patriotism isn't the exclusive domain of the Republican Party. 2006 was the year we sent a message: we won the Governorship, we returned Congresswoman Hooley to Congress, we elected Brian Clem to the Oregon House.
We're back: The Party of Truman, Kennedy, and Kitzhaber is back. Democrats love our country, Democrats love our families, and Democrats are prepared to fight the fights that need fighting.
We will not be satisfied until every Oregonian is guaranteed opportunity, enjoys a safe environment, feels that their basic rights have been protected, and lives in an Oregon where our present and future are in balance. We will not be satisfied until Oregon reclaims her promise, and we will not be satisfied until the values of faith, hope, and love are community values once again.
We have work to do. Each of us must continue to find our own ways to make our community stronger.
Paul is currently in a remote airbase in Afghanistan. Although this deployment provided an unusual end to the campaign, for Paul serving there is an honor. Sometimes leadership means doing the job you're given, even if it isn't the job you asked for. Paul is proud to do what he can for our nation, our state, and our community. In the coming weeks, Paul will be focused on keeping his folks safe and doing the mission he's assigned to do. And he wants you to enjoy the blessings of the upcoming holidays with the knowledge that he's got your back. He'll do everything he can to keep the fight there -- to prevent harm here.
Keep up the hope of our campaign alive... and believe in the potential of tomorrow. Together we can and will achieve great things. 2006 was a watershed year for our party and our community.
We are excited about the years to come!
Contact Information:
evansmonmouth@aol.com (Paul's email)
evansdc@verizon.net (Joan's email)
744 E. Main Street
Monmouth, OR 97361
(503)606-2052 (home) or (503)949-6378 (cell)