Thank you. Thank you, my friends.

My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The people of the 12^th Congressional District have spoken, and they have spoken clearly.

In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, Jerry’s success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance.

I urge all the citizens who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our good will and earnest effort to find ways to make a difference, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

And though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.

I am so deeply grateful to all of you for the great honor of your support and for all you have done for me. I wish the outcome had been different, my friends. The road was a difficult one from the outset. But your support and friendship never wavered. I cannot adequately express how deeply indebted I am to you.

I am especially grateful to my wife, Melissa, my children, my dear mother and all my family and to the many old and dear friends who have stood by my side through the many ups and downs of this long campaign. I have always been a fortunate man, and never more so for the love and encouragement you have given me.

You know, campaigns are often harder on a candidate's family than on the candidate, and that's been true in this campaign. All I can offer in compensation is my love and gratitude, and the promise of more peaceful years ahead.

To all my campaign comrades, from Patti Howard and Brian Salvi and Mary Thurman, to every last volunteer who fought so hard and valiantly month after month, thank you so much. A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship.

I will be here to listen and work for you as a servant for those of you in the 12^th Congressional District for many years to come. We are looking forward to 2010.

 Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.