My son's election bid:

[murielm99]

No, he did not win his city council seat.

He came in sixth in a field of thirteen. The top four vote getters were seated. The top vote getter was a professor from his alma mater, and a Democrat.

He did very well. At 27, he is a political newcomer, and no one in his community had heard of him six months ago. He received newspaper endorsements and strong recommendations. The unions loved him.

He is applying for a seat on the planning commission at the urging of his township's Democratic party. And he says that he is willing to do this all over again in two years.

We need young Democrats like him. He knows that he has to start out at the local level and gain experience before moving up. And if he loses an election? Dick Durbin lost his first three elections. Paul Simon told him not to quit.

I am very proud of my son.

Oh...someone who lost their park board election was crying. He was very kind to her. But he did tell her, in a nice way, that his mom says there is no crying in politics.

[elleng]

1. Like there's no crying in BASEBALL!!!

:thumbsup:

[SoxFan]

4. You obviously aren't a Red Sox fan!

Bucky Dent.
Mookie Wilson.
Larry Barnett.
Aaron Boone.
Enos Slaughter (ok, that was before my time).

And trust me, I saw a lot of tough, gruff guys with tears streaming on that night in October 2004!

[elleng]

5. Its a joke!

Seen A League of Their Own? The 'crying' line came out of Tom Hanks' mouth, in a great scene, when one of his team members was crying!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear murielm99...

I am sorry to hear that your son didn't win...

But it sounds like he has what it takes to eventually be successful: Drive!

I would say your pride is well-placed!

:hug:

[murielm99]

7. He says thank you to his supporters.

http://www.messerfornaperville.com/

[SoxFan]

3. Thank him for entering the arena

Until you've actually put your name and reputation on the line, it is impossible to appreciate how challenging electoral politics can be. You, your family, and your friends all run the risk of being tarred and feathered for the slightest comment.

I'll disagree on one thing. There is crying in politics. Not in public, perhaps, but anyone who cares deeply about a cause, a candidate, or their convictions is entitled to a little emotional release. I've shed tears, both bad (when Joe Biden told a roomful of young campaign staffers and volunteers he was quitting the 1988 race) and good (Barack Obama's victory). Maybe it's my maudlin Irish side, but I'll take a little over the top emotion, thank you.

[murielm99]

6. I know you are correct.

We just say that in our family because we have been involved in local and state politics for awhile. We know that it takes a thick skin.

I cry over politics. I cried after Obama was elected. I cried with pride over the way my son conducted himself in this election.

We do have to try to be brave. The men become the butt of jokes if they are seen crying. The women are dismissed as typical weak females. Nevertheless, we cry.

[Critters2]

8. I was wondering....

He made a good start, Muriel. The endorsements are important for the next time around, especially the union support. Getting on the planning commission will give him experience that will be practical and will look good for PR when he runs again. So, a loss, but one with much promise.

My sympathy, but best wishes for the future. You should be proud!