We learned today that the new Republican senator from Massachusetts, Scott Brown, plans to vote with Democrats in favor of a big-government jobs bill. It’s too bad Massachusetts voters missed the opportunity to elect Libertarian Joe Kennedy.
Before the election, many people were demanding that Joe Kennedy drop out of the race. In this article, Kennedy explains his decision to stay in.
Shortly after the election, Kennedy also sent the following thank-you note to his supporters:
I want to send a huge THANK YOU out to my supporters and congratulate Senator Brown on his new role in the U.S. Senate. Senator Brown ran a very aggressive campaign and was able to get the support and funds needed to pull a huge upset in Massachusetts. May he represent the people well.
As for me, I have already been asked by a large number of people What’s Next? I have been asked to run for Auditor (I am backing Kamal Jain for Auditor), Governor (The field for Governor already is full with multimillionaires), to run against Brown in 2012, to run against Kerry in 2014, to run against Barney Frank and many other positions. All I can say is I am flattered and honored by this show of continued support. Before I run for other positions, I need to talk about this race, some of the lessons learned, and the steps necessary for me to consider running in the future.
This was a learning experience. We ran the best race for Senate possible given the limited fundraising budget of a meager $18,000. With each step in the process, we learned and many times by trial and error. In addition, we faced obstacles never imagined. During the campaign, we faced sharp criticism and a change of heart from key supporters. Tea Party supporters turned their back on our campaign, despite my personal commitments in the past to numerous local events. Fellow Libertarians sent email after email asking me to drop out and support Brown. Members of the Independent party requested that we throw our support to Scott Brown. The negative email campaign from Tea Parties and Brown supporters from across the country impacted us greatly and we did not have the staff to compete against it. For those who are not aware, my unpaid campaign staff consisted of part-timers with limited campaign experience, and faced with the unmanageable task of coordinating campaign efforts across the state.
Here is my promise to you: I will do what needs to be done in Washington. I will go down there and file legislation to cut spending, hack jobs, useless departments and anything I find that is wasteful. I will fight lobbyists, cut my own salary and work to bring the Washington aristocracy back to earth. I will work to eliminate the FED, end any wars and ensure equal rights for all. I want to do this. And, I want your help.
Our biggest lesson learned is support and backing are essential. I will not run a losing campaign again. I need you to take an active role in mobilizing resources across the state while raising funds to pay for staff and advertising amongst other campaign costs. We can do this together. I will keep this site up, spread my own word, join organizations and sacrifice my own time. I ask of you, what are you willing to sacrifice for your country, your state, and your liberties?
If you want me to run again, I leave it up to you. Find me events, spread the word, and find a way to assist in funding my next campaign. When elected I will work harder for you and your wallet than anyone in government today. If you want me to run again we need to start today. Spread the word, get more people to join the site and keep the energy flowing. Let us together continue what we started and bring back a government of and for the people.
Thank you again.
Joseph L. Kennedy
