I was saddened today to learn of Paul Hackett's decision to drop out of the Senate race. During the year Paul has been active in politics, he has shown Democrats how to have a backbone. In addition, he recruited other veterans to run on the party ticket that best represents them. His service to his country and to his party, in my opinion, during this last year, is second to none.
I agree with James Carville when he says that the problem with the Democratic Party is not ideological, but anatomical. Paul Hackett himself proved this point in his special election by having a backbone and being unafraid to tell people what he thought about the issues. The result of this was that people in a traditional Republican district respected Paul enough to vote for him. If Democrats learn nothing else from Paul, it should be that people vote for candidates that they respect and are honest with them. Even though Paul dropped out of the Senate race, by inspiring many others to run for office, he will prove on a national level in November that "Fighting Dems" are the future of the Democratic Party.
I will not be so bold as to label myself a Paul Hackett type candidate, as I have never served in the military. However, I am a "Fighting Dem" in the sense that I will tell people what I think, why I think it, and let them, and not a focus group or poll, decide if it is the right message for Ohio's 12th U.S. Congressional District.
The establishment in my race has recruited a 78 year-old former Congressman to run in my primary because they do not think I am ready for this seat. This man has money, the establishment behind him, and all of the professionals lining up to help him win. However, none of this will deter me because I know my message is right, I know it is better than his message and current Rep. Tiberi's message, and I know I will represent the people of the district better than either of them will.
I wish I could say that this sense of resoluteness and confidence is innate (it is to some degree). However, Paul Hackett really inspired me to get involved in politics because he showed that you do not have to be a professional politician to run a campaign and alter the direction of your country. If you do not think that Paul Hackett has altered the direction of this country than you are not paying attention to politics. The fact that he inspired veterans to run on the Democratic ticket and inspired countless others like myself to run for office is his contribution to the direction of this country. It is the people that he inspired to run, the "Fighting Dems," whether they are military veterans, people he inspired to have a backbone and run for office (but no military experience) or both, that will take back Congress for Democrats this year.
In closing, I hope that I can live up to the fighting spirit of Paul Hackett. He is a true inspiration to millions of Democrats who know that it is time for this party to start fighting for what is right. In many ways, Paul reminds me of Harry Truman due to his demeanor and willingness to engage in a fight for what he believes is right. I think that in honor of Paul, those who were inspired by him to run for office should dedicate this campaign to reclaim Congress to him. It is a shame that he is not in this battle with us, as there is no other man I would rather go into battle with than Paul, but he has laid the groundwork for the win.
I do not know about the rest of you, but in honor of Paul Hackett, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and all the other "Fighting Dems" that make up the history and the fabric of this country and party, I say we tell the people during the course of this election what we honestly think, why we honestly think it, why we are willing to fight for what we believe, why the Republicans are wrong for the country (no more running away from going negative) and let the voters decide if we are the better choice. My bet is that at the end day, while we did not give the Republicans hell, by telling the truth and letting the voters decide, they will think it is hell.
Sincerely,
John Swords
Candidate for Congress
Ohio's 12th U.S. Congressional District
www.swordsforcongress.com
Swords for Congress
884 Sheridan Ave.
Columbus, OH
43209