It bears repeating, we won! The news we heard on election night was confirmed in the paper the next morning. President-elect Barack Obama will take office in January 2009 as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Not only did we win a nationwide popular vote 52.7% to 45.9% and an electoral college victory of 365 for Obama, 173 for McCain, but Florida turned blue with 51% Obama, 48.2% McCain.

President-elect Obama’s victory resonates in many positive ways. He and the Democrats maintained a positive message of change. He avoided the small political attacks of the past and helped focus on the big issues facing us all. He inspired thousands of Americans of all walks of life to vote, volunteer and become active in the democratic process. His grassroots emphasis bodes well for Democratic activism in future elections.

Locally, Bay County experienced an enormous outpouring of activism and volunteer energy. The Obama campaign demonstrated a high level of expertise and efficiency. Over 2000 people in Bay county signed up to do something and many followed through. The Bay Democrats fulfilled a vital role in securing yard signs, bumper stickers, t-shirts and maintaining a headquarters that was fully staffed with volunteers from August to November 4.

As Bay County Democrats, we should all stand a little straighter and walk a little taller. Although we live in one of the reddest areas of the State, we helped increase the Democratic vote for President from 21,068 for Senator Kerry in 2004 to 23,653 for President-elect Obama in 2008.

Many of you worked long and hard in the course of this election. Please accept my thanks and the thanks of the Bay Democrats for all of your efforts. You made a difference and you won!

Other than Glenn Hess who was successful in almost every precinct, this was a tough year for local Democratic candidates. Please thank our local candidates for their willingness to run and to bring a Democratic perspective to the local issues that confront us. They represented us well. Judge Hess's victory bears witness to the tantalizing fact that Democrats can still win in Bay County.

Our next meeting of the DEC is January 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the People's First community room adjacent to TGIF. Please come if you can and resolve this year to stay involved with the Democratic effort in Bay County.

Finally, be on the lookout for a special Local Inaugural Ball to help celebrate President-elect Obama's inauguration here locally on January 17, 2009. Hope to see you there.

To be a sponsor of the Inaugural Ball send your check for a $100.00 made payable to the Bay County Democratic Party, and we will acknowledge your support and provide you with two tickets.

Democratically yours,

Alvin L. Peters Chair Bay Democrats