I've always appreciated how close Thanksgiving is to Election Day, because regardless of the outcome, we turn to what really matters: celebrating our heritage, traditions and faith as well as reconnecting and having fun with family and friends.
So, just weeks after the election, my thoughts have turned to the many blessings in my life - including my best friend and love of my life Doug, our wonderful sons Colin and Nathan, the health of our extended family, living in a country where we have amazing freedoms and opportunities including the ability to strive to make it stronger, and friends and partners and allies like you.
I truly have much to be thankful for.
When I decided to enter the race for Congress in July of 2009, I knew it would take a record-breaking grassroots effort to give us a chance at victory, but I could not have imagined the size and scope of what we'd be able to do together.
In fact, looking back, it's still hard to believe! Over 45,000 donors, thousands of supporters, hundreds of active volunteers, dozens of endorsements, an amazing staff and a supportive and loving family - all key pieces of our history-making effort. We may have fallen short this time, but thanks to supporters like you, we handed Congresswoman Bachmann one of the narrowest margins of victory of any Republican incumbent in the country - despite her having spent a record $10 million!
And so, on this Thanksgiving eve, let me say - once again - how thankful I am to you for having been a part of this effort.
I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!