Adam Murray for California Assembly 2006

Adam Murray For Assembly Campaign Comes To A Close

Dear Friends,

I was honored to have you stand by my side during this campaign. Thank you for all your support.

To me, our campaign represented the best of what our Democracy is supposed to be about. I am proud of the substantive, issue-based campaign that we ran together. We sent out thoughtful, provocative mail that suggested common sense, progressive solutions to the greatest challenges facing our state. We shared our passions and our dedication with one another and with thousands and thousands of our neighbors by knocking on their doors and calling them on their phones (sometimes more than they liked). Perhaps most importantly, we forced the other candidates in this race to address our concerns that 23% of California children live in poverty, that more than 6 million Californians have no health insurance, and about the dismal state of our public schools.

I hope you are all as proud of our campaign as I am. A year ago, a political commentator dismissed us, saying "Adam Murray . . . cannot be considered a real contender." No one is saying that today. Despite being outspent by more than 4 to 1, we ran an excellent campaign that focused on the issues we care about, and came in second in a race with four strong candidates. For those of you who have not seen them, the final election results are available at: http://rrccmain.co.la.ca.us/1275_StateContest_Frame.htm.

Thank you for all your kind voicemails and emails. Many of you have asked what my next political move will be. I do not know. Aman, Keeran and I are going to get away together for a few days. When we get back, I will return to my law practice, my teaching, and my non-profit work, while Aman and I scheme about what to do next. To paraphrase Mother Jones -- There is no time to mourn. We must continue to organize.

As we close this campaign, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite poems. It is by Rabindanath Tagore. I have no doubt that it will resonate with many of you.

I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.

I have enjoyed serving with so many of you. I look forward to continuing to do so in the days and years to come.

In solidarity,

Adam