I am writing this diary and I'm wondering how to start it. I've been writing as some may know as the Congressional Candidates Wife, I'm Sherri Welsh and I'm proud to be the wife of Barry Welsh, Candidate of Indiana's 6th Congressional district.
I was going to write last night but to be honest; I was a little worn out and drained both emotionally and physically. I am writing tonight to give you an update on how the Election went over. I was
Calm and composed and surprisingly I didn't have a meltdown as I thought I would. A little disappointed, yes, tired - HECK YES!!!! We didn't get the results we were working
For but we gave it our best effort. No one can say we didn't work the district, no one can say Barry didn't work hard in the district and no one can say Barry wasn't an excellent candidate.
When I looked at the election results Election night, I saw that there were large areas where the spread was only 600 votes or 1200 votes, which to me indicated that Barry had worked the counties. There were some counties that were sacrificed in a strategic plan in order to win the larger populated counties. This was, by no means, because we didn't care about the people of those particular counties. It was a way for us to effectively and efficiently make use of Barry's face time, gas, money, etc.
We knew going into this election against the Republican "machine" that a race against Mike Pence would be an uphill battle all the way. We knew that the risk was to lose, however, we knew that the rewards would be worth it. Barry and I knew over 18 months ago when first contemplating this effort that it would mean sacrifice, exhaustion, grueling and a lot of boots on the ground. We put our own personal expenses, like I'm sure every other candidate did. We are not rich nor are we working to be rich, one would guess that if you were a Pastor of a rural church with a tiny congregation. We are rich in another way, we are rich and blessed with the people we meet, others that have touched our lives and hopefully we are blessed to impact others for the good. No one can ask for more really, when I think about it, we are in relatively good health, we have food and clothing and we have a roof over our heads. We have more than some, so I can't complain too much.
Barry's effort in this past Congressional race was monumental; he was able to overcome the "stigma" of being a proud Democrat in a VERY Red state. He overcame the condescension and sneering of others when they laughed at his announcement to run against Mike Pence. Barry was able to turn all the negative in a lot of areas in to some very credible positives. In point, he earned the respect of the District and those skeptics that thought he would not amount to much. Albeit 60/40 wasn't what we hoped for but then it's an astounding outcome for a Candidate who ran on less than $20,000 actual cash and $30,000 of in-kind donations. I would imagine (I'm not exactly sure, I fully admit) that there wasn't too many candidates that could be that close with less donations against a well-oiled machine with 1.3 million in the war chest.
I couldn't be more proud of Barry, his effort or his determination. Many would cave at the daunting odds against them, but then they aren't Barry Welsh now are they? Okay, I know, I'm biased - after all he is my husband and I would naturally be proud of him. I just want others to know that this was not a race we took lightly and we played to win. Barry, especially Barry took very seriously the responsibility of those that put their hopes and faith in him to win. I've never seen someone so devout to a cause than to checking Mike Pence. It was done with style, class, but most of all; he countered Mr. Pence by being the very essence of who he really is. Barry worked tirelessly on little sleep, while he had been sick and when there was rain or 110 degree weather in full sun, a week after Barry's mom died he gave speeches at JJs because he had given his word that he would speak and would not go back on his word. Barry inspired the best in others but those that really gave of themselves inspired both Barry and me. Our "kids", the college interns who walked MILES in each parade beside Barry, running to hand out flyers and driving miles to be there for Barry at events. They really inspired the district; they make me smile A LOT, Alex, Pete, Emily and Nick as well as all the other kids that helped out. We were encouraged by people like Terry and Ben who worked tirelessly and were so sick of parades that they would groan at the thought of them. We appreciated the experience and encouragement of Mike and his vast knowledge and tireless and often thankless work he did on our behalf.
We were surprised at how out of the blue, we received in-kind donations - we appreciated that very much. We had one of the County chairs buy an old used truck just so that Barry could use it for Parades. Parade season goes from St. Patrick's Day to October Harvest time, now multiply that by how many villages, towns, and cities in 19 counties. The generosity of spirit was abundant, and the common cry was "GO, BARRY GO!!!"
I believe that Barry and his volunteers have much to be proud of, with next to no money and a LOT of effort, he received 40% of the vote, energized the base, united the district and was the inspiration that caught fire and drove the momentum to work for all. When I remember at the beginning, some candidates in some of the districts were hesitant to campaign with Barry, because they thought Barry would only be campaigning for himself and would divert attention from them. When they would hear Barry speak, often times they would be so pumped afterwards because his honest admiration for all that stood up to the plate and took on the responsibility of running for office. He won over the candidates, when speaking at any engagement, he set the bar very high and set the example of unity. We would be so
Tired and I would look longingly at our bed (trust me it was very tempting to crawl into bed and just sleep) but after the 4 hour drives and the 1 ½ hour event, it was invigorating after his speech. He received the respect of others and there was a renewed respect for being a Dem in such a red state. His opponent publicly acknowledged Barry, where in the past Mike Pence made it a rule not to do. Barry earned even the reluctant respect of the local media as well as a lot of the electorate.
I believe the reason we lost, was due to lack of name recognition, we couldn't afford the TV ads like Mike Pence had running daily, people were, and wisely so, voting carefully. The voters in a lot of cases were concerned they didn't know a lot about Barry. This is where we were out maneuvered. Can you imagine what the results would be if we had $100,000 or even $1.3 million as Pence had???
I believe that we would have won and won by a landslide.
We've been getting emails and calls and notes encouraging Barry to keep on running. Everyone of the County chairs has asked that Barry continue his work, this is the closest that any candidate has gotten to Pence and the most under-funded in history of the 6th district, if not in the country (well maybe not the country). I am proud to say that Barry stayed true to his message and true to what is right and for that, I am doubly proud. While Barry and I discuss the possibilities of his 2nd run for Congress, it has been illuminating to me the unexpected response from others after a loss. We didn't think anyone would care much less keep the cry of "GO BARRY GO". I thought it was a bit weird that folks wouldn't give up their yard signs and others have been "informing" us "we'll just hold on to these signs because we'll need them for the next election". I am especially blessed with the family I've married into, Barry's sisters - both little dynamos in their own right - would bring their own candy and walk every parade, call everyday to make sure they were informed of the next event or parade so that they help and tirelessly work on behalf of their "little brother". I am blessed indeed, I wish Barry's mom could have seen this, she died a year ago this past September and I know she would have busted every rib in her rib cage, she would be so proud of him.
I believe things happen for a reason; sometimes I am not sure why until after some time has gone by that the answer comes into full focus. I believe that Barry is destined for great things, but destiny is what you make it at times and Barry, I know will work to do more great things and I am excited by the prospect. I'm with Barry not only because I love him, but also I'm along for the ride of my life. Barry is what I believe is the example of a true statesman and I will back him with whatever power, energy and voice that I have. I'm blessed because I have had the good fortune to see realize what a good man my husband is and that is a greater portion of what makes my life rich.
I am writing this diary out of love and respect for my husband and I hope the future Congressman of Indiana's 6th District, it's not vetted thru the campaign and is my perspective of a Congressional Candidate up close and personal.
Thank you for taking the time to read my diary and all comments are welcome.
Love,
Sherri
PROUD Congressional Candidates Wife
