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Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Hackett bows out of politics: "Rock On"


After days of speculation about what he would do, Paul Hackett released a statement through his Senate campaign saying he is not only getting out of the U.S. Senate race, but out of politics altogether, frustrated and angry over Democratic leaders' attempts to get him to switch to the 2nd Congressional District race.

Below is the full statement (which, for some unknown reason, popped into reporters' e-mail at 9:02 a.m. Tuesay with a release date of Feb. 9):


Hackett Statement on Senate Campaign
Cincinnati, OH - Paul Hackett released the following statement today to his friends and supporters regarding his withdrawal from the campaign for U.S. Senate in Ohio.

Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.
But there was no quid pro quo. I will not be running in the Second Congressional District nor for any other elective office. This decision is final, and not subject to reconsideration.
I told the voters from the beginning that I am not a career politician and never aspired to be--that I was about leadership, service and commitment.
Similarly, I told party officials that I had given my word to other good Democrats, who will take the fight to the Second District, that I would not run. In reliance on my word they entered the race. I said it. I meant it. I stand by it. At the end of the day, my word is my bond and I will take it to my grave.
Thus ends my 11 month political career. Although it is an overused political cliché, I really will be spending more time with my family, something I wasn't able to do because my service to country in the political realm continued after my return from Iraq. Perhaps my wonderful wife Suzi said it best after we made this decision when she said "Honey, welcome home." I really did marry up.
To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.
It is with my deepest respect and humility that I thank each and every one of you for the support you extended to our campaign to take back America, and personally to me and my family. Together we made a difference. We changed the debate on the Iraq War, we inspired countless veterans to continue their service by running for office as Democrats and we made people believe again. We must continue to believe.
Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.
Rock on.
Paul Hackett


5 Comments:

at 11:41 AM, February 14, 2006 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Paul,

Again the country loses a talented, sincere leader because of back room decisions made by party leaders. We have come to a point in time when there is no difference between the parties and influence peddling has become the national disgrace. Whether it is golf outings, lunches, gifts, or campaign contributions the result is the same, the people take a backseat to the special interests and public funds are transformed into private wealth.

To attempt to retool the Democratic Party is to validate the Republican Party. They have both become such corporate machines that I'm afraid they are beyond salvation. Ask yourself, what do they stand for? The answer is they don't. They dodge the real issues and ignore those in need, they sell out to the highest bidder and use the dough to conduct polls that determine what the people want to hear. They slither in the background and are manipulating behind the scenes.

Good luck in your future. To withdraw requires more courage and integrity than to keep your mouth shut and live with the status quo.

Enjoy your family and take back your life.

a fellow vet

 
at 1:14 PM, February 14, 2006 Blogger Nathaniel Livingston Jr. said...

As far as I'm concerned, this creep Paul Hackett is nothing but an opportunistic conman. He really makes my blood boil!

1. How much money did Hackett raise by telling his contributors that he would not cut and run from the Senate race? His word is his bond, indeed!

2. Now that the quitter has left the race, how much money is he going to give back to the people who believed he was telling them the truth when they donate monty to his campaign?

3. Hackett should know about behind the scenes machinations because he was involved in many of them when he ran for Congress! He was very comfortable sitting in the smoke-filled rooms when the local Party bosses cut the deal to demonize and defame his primary opponents, like Charles Sanders, and promote him. Now that the tables have turned and Sherrrod Brown is the Party's goldenboy, Hackett wants to moan and groan about how unfair the Dems have been to him.

4. Come on! We know why Hackett's statement had a release date of Feb. 9. It's because Hackett knew back then that he was going to quit the race but let his supporters hang on. (I'm sure he collected quite a bit of cash during the last 4 days, too.)

5. What has Hackett done for the Democratic Party? I may not like Mike DeWine, but at least I know some of what he did for the GOP before he decided to run for Senate. He was a County Prosecutor and Lt. Gov. What's with these Dems like Hackett who think they can go from his mansion in Indian Hill and serving on the Milford City Council to a seat in the Senate?!

I'm glad Hackett is out of politics. I just hope he STAYS OUT!

 
at 8:37 PM, February 14, 2006 Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mommy, mommy, they won't let me play ball too!!! Boo hoo hoo, I'm taking my ball and going home! If these meanies wont let me play, I quit and I'm taking my ball and going home!! Boo hoo hoo! What a child you are, Hackett . Good riddance you cry baby. Run again someday when you grow up.

 
at 11:08 PM, February 14, 2006 Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wish Nate would retire and Hackett would reconsider. He should run as an independent. The two headed coporate party will never be reformed, hopefully decapitated.

 
at 1:12 AM, February 15, 2006 Anonymous Anonymous said...

But I wanted a job....please...can I at least be my precinct rep? ....can i cry until I get it?!?

 
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