Thanking volunteers and fighting onward

My entire family and I are deeply grateful for the help of thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of voters who made "Lauzen for Congress" sparkle.

I just wish everyone could have seen what Sarah and I saw during the final four-day weekend at our campaign headquarters.

The same spirit of genuine political engagement that brought out more than 500 supporters to hear former Sen. Peter Fitzgerald endorse our independent, traditional conservative effort at our Jan. 5 "It's a Wonderful Country Rally" at Aurora Christian Academy was present again.

There were so many volunteers calling literally thousands of their friends to vote for and affirm 15 years of honest, competent public service that we had to set up more tables and chairs.

Although it is painful to lose, I will not quit in mid-term and I will never stop fighting against what's wrong in American politics.

I will continue to keep the modest promises that I made to you 16 years ago -- to work hard, stay honest and use common sense.

You and I certainly recognize that America faces much greater challenges and together we must stay focused on the future.

This is a time to put principles ahead of politics and the welfare of our country ahead of personal ambition.

The first principles of honorable public service are "always tell the truth," "scrupulously keep promises" and "build rather than destroy."

These are fundamental qualities that we insist upon from ourselves, our children, our trusted friends and our elected representatives.

I have devoted the past 16 years of my life to these principles and all voters should insist on these three requirements from anyone for whom they campaign or they recommend to friends.

State Sen. Chris Lauzen

Aurora