Mr. Hackett,
I read with great sadness and regret this morning your decision to withdraw from the race for the US Senate. Even more regretfully, I read that you may well be withdrawing from politics permanently. This letter is an appeal to you to reconsider.
I, and many others, have been spellbound by your performance, straight talking and attitude during recent races. I sincerely believe that you are the sort of person we need in Congress, someone whose genuine purpose is to represent the people amongst our elected representatives. You never ran for the Washington politicians, you never ran for the lobbyists, you never ran for the money or the power. You ran for the people, and the people want you to run again.
It is not for me to say whether it is right for you to enter the race for the house now. But I know that in the house, you could make a difference. Last year, you believed that in the house you would make a difference, and I would ask you what has changed? We need people like you in Congress, and with the support you have you could win, and stand up for those many people who still believe in you.
I urge and implore you to reconsider your decision to leave politics, and to stand for elected office not for those politicians who have lost your trust but for the people who need you to represent them.
As a holder of a British passport, it would be very easy for me to leave the country, but I believe strongly in the ideals that America at its best represents. So I have chosen to stay and fight.
I hope you will stay and fight, too.
Sincerely,
Gareth Edwards
Highland Park, NJ