Thank you for the wonderful campaign kickoff

Aug 06, 2004

Thank you for the wonderful campaign kickoff

Thank you so much!

I was so humbled and moved by the incredible show of support that greeted me in Seattle as I kicked off my campaign for a third term in the US Senate. A lot has changed over the past 12 years, but one thing that will never change is my commitment to our state and to standing up and fighting for all of you. I took the incredible energy that filled Qwest Field with me as we headed to Vancouver and Spokane to meet with voters to work together to move our state forward.

Walking into the Longshoremens Hall in Vancouver, I could just feel the excitement. Just like in Seattle, the room was filled with Washingtonians who love our country, our state, and want to make things better. I was also joined by an 8th grade teacher who knows just how important it is to invest in education, great allies from the Port of Vancouver and the Columbia River Channel Coalition who I have worked with for increased economic growth in Southwest Washington, and Don Bryce, a veteran who is concerned about his health care. These are the people I work with and for every day, and I will continue to fight for them and for you in a third term in the US Senate.

The same spirit of optimism and hope filled the Ridpath Hotel in Spokane Thursday night. I was honored to be introduced by Tom Foley who I worked with closely in Congress and who I am proud to call a friend. I was also pleased to be joined by local allies from so many of my fights in the Senate- folks who have worked with me to try and ban asbestos, invest in renewable energy sources and increase economic development in Eastern Washington. These are the issues that are at stake in this election and they are critically important to our state. With your help, I will return to the Senate in November and continue to work to make our state and country strong for future generations.

I was so honored at the Plumbers and Pipefitter's Hall in Pasco this morning to be greeted by the same unbelievable enthusiasm and positive spirit that I have seen all across our state. Seeing the faces of so many of those I have worked with over the years only strengthens my resolve to continue my work for Washington State. It's veterans like Buddy Georgia from Walla Walla who fortunately can still seek treatment at his local VA hospital, firefighters like Jena Gerken who, thanks to HAMMER, now receives the training and resources she needs to do her job safely and successfully and citizens like Rick Leaumont, director of the Friends of the Hanford Reach National Monument, who has worked with me to preserve valuable natural resources that make my job so rewarding. Buddy, Jena, and Rick were all there with me today along with many others, who all share the same desire to make our great state even stronger. Together, I know we can and we will accomplish that goal.

When I walked into the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Yakima, I knew there was something really special going on. The hall was packed with supporters, who really care about the direction of our country and our state, who really want to make a difference. I was so flattered to be introduced by Ron Fry, the past state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who like so many other veterans put his life on the line and sacrificed for our freedoms. I was pleased to be joined by Pete Garza, a local apple grower that I have visited with over the years and who has helped me understand the challenges that farmers like him are facing. Vickie Ybarra, the director of planning and development at the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic, also joined me and is a primary example of how here in Yakima, people are coming together to provide health care for those who need it.

These people represent all of us, all of Washington State, and our great promise.

My campaign is off with an unbelievable amount of momentum thanks to all of you. I can't wait to keep traveling, talking with all of you about the issues that matter most, and working together to build a brighter future for Washington State. With your help, I will return to the Senate in November and continue to work to make our state and country strong for future generations.

Posted by Patty Murray @ 07:06 PM