Many years ago a wise friend of mine, Larry Arnn – now President of Hillsdale College -- told me that if you stand on principle, you’re going to lose some elections and those that you win, you’re not going to win by much. But those elections that you do win are going to mean something.
And that is certainly true of this election. The liberal wave that swept over America last month lapped at the edges of this district, but it literally was in the 4th Congressional district of California where that wave was turned back.
When the final votes were counted, it was the people of the 4th Congressional District who made the decision to stand by our traditional American principles of individual freedom and limited government, and it will be my distinct honor to carry that message to the 111th Congress of the United States.
The long election count has required that we compress the transition period into just a few weeks. I had the opportunity to meet with John Doolittle in Washington the week before last. I want to thank him and his staff for their extraordinary cooperation in making this a smooth transition.
I want again to congratulate Charlie Brown and his supporters on waging one of the most hard-fought campaigns I have ever faced. As I said last Wednesday, there can be no doubt of the sincerity of their views or the dedication with which they pursued them. No one knows better than I do how difficult it is to lose a close race, and I hope it is a consolation for them to know that they made a truly superb effort.
I’ve asked my wife, Lori, to join us for this press conference. She is the one who kept our family going during a brutal primary and general election. At least I got to fight back – she had to take it and then have to put up with me when I got home each night.
And I want to thank all those who made this victory possible – those who so selflessly donated so much of their time; those who so generously contributed the resources to get our message out; and our campaign staff who worked impossibly long and difficult hours. It is the close elections in which EVERY effort becomes decisive – and it is those elections that make a candidate acutely aware of the trust and confidence that has been placed in his hands. It is a lot to live up to, and I will do everything in my power to be worthy of it.
But most of all I want to thank the voters of the 4th Congressional District who have stood with me in this election. Thank you for the stand that you have taken.
You have been heard around the country: that there are many communities throughout our nation where Americans will NOT abandon the founding principles of our nation. And it is from these communities that we will now begin the fight in Congress to restore them as the foundation of our national policy.
I am honored – deeply honored – to have your charter to deliver this message to the Congress of the United States – and I will do everything within my power to see that your voices are heard and that our freedoms are restored.
When you are declaring victory for the Auburn Dam? Shouldn't you be more concerned with the new district you work for than getting more water to your buddies down south?
WE need 434 more just like you ! Congrats!
Tom I have followed you for a number of years and Callyfornia screwed up and made arnold gov. Well it made Congress better. Keep up your no holds barred position.
Congratulations Tom!
Thank you for your standing strong on the traditional American principles of individual freedom and limited government. We didn't need another member of the ACLU in congress undermining those foundations.
It is a blessing to see that you will be there to represent us. Although we are not in your district we know that you speak for us, we are stuck in another district where we don't have anyone that speaks for us. So we listen to you Tom... go for us and keep making us proud!
We are very fortunate that Tom McClintock will now represent Northern California's 4th Congressional District in Washington DC. This man is intelligent, well-educated, and he has GREAT integrity. He understands government fiscal responsibility like no one else I have ever heard among Federal and State politicians, and he is not afraid to tell the truth about fiscal issues and what can be done to address them. I am very pleased with the 4th Congressional District for having had the intelligence to elect such an honest and hard working man. And all of our prayers go with Mr. McClintock as he departs for Washington in early 2009. There is no doubt that he will serve his constituents with honesty, integrity, and with great concern. His victory is a great victory for his district, as well as for this state and our country! Best congratulations to Mr. McClintock and to his constituents!
Congrats Tom! Now go to Washington and stand up against big government and wasteful spending just live you've done here in CA.
Congratulations Tom!
It is a real pleasure to congratulate you on your victory.
We need an entire congress made up of conservatives like you. You have the courage to stand up for the principles of our founding fathers.
To misquote a previously used statement, "Give 'um Hell, Tom".
Congratulations Tom! Best wishes for all your efforts in Congress.
I am sorry all of the people with no front teeth voted for you. I am sure even they will soon be sorry they voted for you.
Great job, Tom! Congratulations! We lost some key House conservatives this election and we'll need you to take the lead there against the Invasion by Mexico, your fight to fund the Fence that is unfinished and in need of completion and against the globalists who want to destroy American nationalism. God bless you!
Congratulations from Thousand Oaks and the 19thSD! We know you will represent us well in Washington! Have you thought about your 1st 5 minute speech? Let us know so we can tune in or TIVO CSPAN. I'm sure you won't be at a loss for words or clarity. Time to shake up Washington.
I cant wait ti impeach you
Congratulations, Tom.........Please continue to carry the conservative message to Washington. You will have all of our support.
May your vision remain clear and your hand steady.
Congratulations
The people need you to represent them more now than ever. Thank God you were elected for such a time as this.
Congratulations I'm so happy you won thank god Tom. We have so many "leeches" in Washington this has given me hope for our country's future. Since my daughter is working her self to be a success. She's in the 10th grade and she full of ambition. Please email. Tom and Lori. All the best. I look forward to communicate with you. Eventhough, I live bad Berman's district he's no represenative, they're all demorats here! How about Obama, well he's not my President, for one he's placed Hilary the "Witch leftist" as Sec. of State, I am not happy about her as a prospect for Israel's security. She definately a risk for world peace and her "fiendish" Bill Clinton. Don't forget a draft dodger, we need to look out for the Clinton's, remember Watergate? How of use remember their develish ways? Anyway, please keep me updated. See you real soon in Congress, again congratulations.
Congrats! Although you are not in my district, you are truly a representative of a much larger constituent and many are watching you closely. Please remain firm in your integrity and stay outside the Beltway. Rockville is close enough. Stay away from the temptations of lobbyists. Congrats again and stay the course!
Yahoo! :)
Congratulations Tom, I am so happy!
Congratulations! We definitely need more Members in the Liberty Caucus!
I live just outside of DC, and if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Congratulations Congressman McClintock! Our vote and prayers are with you...
Congratulations Tom!
I applaud you for this victory and also for your record of admirable work for the State of California. I've never stopped regretting that we couldn't get you for our Governor. All the best to you and your devoted family.
Congratulations, sir! I voted for you for Governor in 02 ^& hoped against hope you would win, but the people were morons. I was so happy that you came up here to a wonderful farmland district that I call home. I'm sure you know Rep. Duncan Hunter & son elected down south. He was my real choice for the Presidency . I want to wish you well and you must know you will have the support of a great many conservatives and we will not cease to fight for America! God bless you & your family.
Congratulations and go get 'em in D.C. Tom! Say "hi" to our rep, Buck McKeon, when your there!
Hi and congratulations to Tom. I have always admired you for saying what was needed when many of us were not happy to hear it. Keep up the good work in Congress. Only our troops deserve a bailout.
Congratulations also to the voters for electing someone worthy of representing our principles and values. John - Huntington Beach
We couldn't have wished for a better representative. I know you will be the voice of reason for us. Congratulations Tom !!!
Congratulations on victory, it is a victory for all of us. Hopefully we will see you at our Sikh Temple in Roseville soon.
Thank You
Manjit Sandher
When I hear the name "McClintock" I think of a man with deep conservative principles, a man who does not exchange his principles for poll numbers after loosing an election, a man who will stand and fight the good fight.
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you.
Let's show America what conservatism is all about. Let's keep fighting the good fight. More than ever before, I will continue to support you.
God bless you and your family.
Congratulations from Thousand Oaks, CA - while you are not working down here any longer it is good to see you are still going to be working hard for your constituents in Congress!
Congrats Tom!
Tom please fight and encourage other republicans to stand up against Obama's spending stimulus. The American people need to know why more government spending is bad. Thanks.
Tom, just heard the results of the final count. Congratulations. You have been in our hearts and prayers. Please take our best wishes with you to Congress.
Skip and Roberta Batchelder
Congratulations! Your victory prevented the Democrats from stealing one of our few Republican House seats in California.
Now, I hope that you can become the Pro-Freedom Standard Bearer
for California, just like U.S. Representative Ron Paul is for our Nation!
Elliott Graham
McClintock is a disgrace to California. How can he represent us if he has been representing another area for the past years?
Please hold your oath Tom. We need more people from the true conservative perspective, but more importantly, we need them to be honorable.
Glad you made it!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Thank you for looking out for the hard working people and not wasting our money.
God speed Tom! Watch out for the Sith Lords in the halls and a in the tank press+MSM ready to jump on any mis strp,real or imagined.
Dear CONGRESSMAN McClintock,
Congratulations on a job well done. Finally, California (at least the good people of the 4th District) has sent another voice of reason to Washington.
Good luck and keep the faith!!
Dear Tom,
Brown said that you were a carpet bagger. I want to say thankyou for being a carpet bagger. As far as I'm concerned your welcome here.
Sincerely, Ivan Mielke
This victory was one of the things we were all grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the effort. I don't think we will forget.
Persevero!
Congratulations, Tom. We need you in Washington! Hooary
The Ron Paul Revolution congratulates this hard fought victory. We look forward to Congressman McClintock fighting the uphill battle against ever growing government expansion in all areas of our life. No more bailouts, unconstitutional wars, no more taxes and debt and no more out of control government spending. We hope to usher in a new era of small government, liberty, freedom and sound fiscal policy. God Bless you Tom!
We were praying for you Tom! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Tom!! Well-done!!
You know, I voted for you for Governor of California in 2003 but I now know that not only California but AMERICA ITSELF needs Tom McClintock. Best of luck in representing the 4th District of California in the United States Congress in Washington!! All the best!
God Bless America!!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009!!
Sincerely,
om Hart
Hollister, CA
Congratulations Senator McClintock. I sent you my "widows mite" to help you win this election. May God Bless you and guide you in the days to come in this nation. God's people need to put their money where their mouth is. You are speaking for us. Thank you!
Judy Roberts
I'm glad you'll be in the House. Work hard, work for Liberty!
Congratulations Congressman,
We knew you could do it! Now that we live in NC from Woodland Hills, we hope to drop into your office some day in DC & shake your hand.
We know that you will stand up for this great country.
Give them hell.
Juliette & John Grindas
Congratulations!!! I am in OC but I have been checking your site every
day till the good news came in. You are truly a hero to many of conservatives here. We wish you had been our governor , all the wild spending spree bills would have been DOD on your desk. HOOORAYYYYYYYY!!
I am so thankful you won. I have to admit I am scared for our country. I am so disgusted with the lack of knowledge of our history so many Americans exhibit. I believe the problem stems from the education in this country. Take the time and look at schools' history books. You will be shocked. I know I was. Civics? What's civics? We have to address education. People vote what they know. If they are ignorant - they vote ignorant and we get ignorant. May God bless you and give you strength, wisdom, and eloquence - you're going to need it.