More than 9 months ago, I entered this race with a pledge to unite Kentucky Democrats, independents and Republicans who wanted to change Washington.
 
We started out as a long shot but made it a close race down the stretch with your help.  While we fell just short of our goal, we accomplished a great deal.  
 
For me, this has been the journey of a lifetime.  I’ve traveled this Commonwealth from Pikeville to Paducah, visiting all 120 counties of Kentucky and holding campaign events in close to 100.
 
I am forever grateful to the thousands of volunteers and supporters who joined me on this voyage, and I remain indebted to the tens of thousands of Kentuckians who welcomed me into their communities, sharing their stories and their hopes for a better future.

These are tough times and despite what it is we believe has brought America to this point of recession and debt, this is a time for the country to come together behind a new administration and new Congress, and get America back on track.  
 
Tuesday was an historic day for our country and perhaps the most significant political event in my lifetime. But not only did we elect the first African-American president of the United States, Americans spoke volumes about our desire to change course and move the country in a new direction.
 
This is not a time for partisanship or obstructionism. This is a time for our elected officials to unite and work together to help people who are hurting.  People are worried about losing their jobs. Retirement accounts have lost billions.  And health care costs keep going up.  The middle class of this country is being squeezed from all sides but Washington can help.

I’m hopeful that Republican leadership in Washington will work closely with the expanded Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate and the Obama Administration to help correct the problems brought on by the past eight years.  

Kentuckians should be proud of our country and feel optimistic as our future is bright.  The economic fallout of the past eight years is likely to get worse before it gets better, but I am confident the Obama Administration and the Democratic majority in congress will make sound decisions and lead us back to prosperity.  

Thank you again to all of you who have helped me so much over this past year and let’s continue to work together to bring the American dream back.
 
Sincerely,

Bruce Lunsford