When I entered this Senate race back in February, I knew the difficulty of running against an entrenched incumbent who has spent an entire career collecting special interest money and acting as the servant of those who hold the economic and political power in this country. I had to accept the fact that I would be against a Karl Rove campaign machine that would grossly distort my record, duck debates, demonize me and outright lie to hold onto this Senate seat. And I also had to proceed from a starting point that was outside the traditional party structure, beginning with absolutely NO campaign funds and having to build a staff at the same time that I was introducing myself politically to the people of Virginia.
Today, I feel very proud of what we've accomplished in just 9 months. Thanks to the efforts of my committed staff and to the steadfast volunteers who I like to call my "rag-tag army," we now have a very real chance to win this race. And thanks to the outpouring of financial support I have received from the netroots and other places, I am able to stay competitive and get my message out to the voters of Virginia.
And, this is exactly what I'm doing. We've been working 7 days a week, traversing Virginia and speaking with people in every corner of the state--from the urban areas of Arlington and Richmond, through Tidewater and Southside, to the rural, heavily Scots-Irish regions in Southwest Virginia where my ancestors and relatives planted roots.
If you've read my book "Born Fighting," you'll understand why I am so deeply connected and endeared to this state--particularly the Southwest.
I've never taken a challenge lightly. I have fought for my country, and I am proud of that service. However, when I speak of "fighting" today, I am overwhelmingly referring to my desire to fight for the things that matter most. Things like our good name as a nation. Things like the right of all people to a basic standard of living, health care and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Things like an America where leaders know how to offer sound, affirmative leadership, and where our corporations are paying a fair share of the tax burdens that now are on the backs of working individuals.
My campaign has been endorsed by a wide variety of individuals and groups, including respected military leaders such as General Tony Zinni, environmental groups like the Sierra Club, numerous labor groups, and groups that represent a broad variety of ethnic concerns. In the past couple of weeks, I have received endorsements from the Virginia Education Association, the Police Benevolent Association and the International Association of Firefighters. I've received support from top-ranking military women, the legislative Black Caucus and civil rights leader Rev. Curtis Harris. I have rallied with steelworkers in Newport News, with former Governor Mark Warner in Springfield, and with Latinos in Northern Virginia. I have attended services at more than a dozen African American churches. And, despite a grueling schedule, I have been energized by the response that I have received.
Everywhere I go, it's clear as day, people want a change.
Over the next two weeks, I will be talking about my three main themes of promoting economic fairness and social justice, reorienting our national security policy, and reining in the power of the out-of-control President. I will be challenging my fellow citizens to join me in finding our way to a new Democratic majority. I will be urging that the politics of division and Karl Rove tactics must end, that true leadership requires that we all move forward together. And I will be reminding everyone that with faith and reason as our guides, America can once again lead the world by shining example.
I am counting on all of you, to get out the vote on Election Day for me and for the other inspiring Democratic candidates on the ballot. I need your vote and I need your continued support. Together, we can regain control of the U.S. Senate, and offer affirmative leadership to a nation and people that so clearly want it.
Thank you very much.