Tale of the Tape
While we haven't broken down the results by precinct, we do have some county-based comparisons based upon Obama's sweep of the district, and the last presidential election. Here goes:
I did some empirical research. B.J. did a pretty miraculous job. Consider that:
- In Wake County, Obama beat McCain by 15 points. We only lost to Price by 3 points in Wake. To put this in historical perspective, in 2004, Bush beat Kerry by 2 points in Wake, while Price beat Batchelor by 4. So despite a 17 point swing in Wake County, we did better there than Batchelor did in 2004.
- In Orange County, Obama beat McCain by 45 points, whereas we lost by 43 points. In 2004, Kerry beat Bush by 35 points, while Price beat Batchelor by 48 points. So despite a 10 point swing for Obama, we did better than Batchelor did in 2004.
- In Durham County, Obama beat McCain by 42 points, whereas we lost by 44. In 2004, Kerry beat Bush by 36 points, while Price beat Batchelor by 42 points. While we did worse than Batchelor did in 2004, Obama turned out close to 28,000 more votes than did Kerry in 2004.
Obama turned out:
- 78,000 more votes in Wake than did Kerry in 2004. Price gained about 19,000 votes in Wake.
- Almost 11,000 more votes in Orange than did Kerry in 2004
- Almost 28,000 more votes in Durham than did Kerry in 2004
This adds up to 57,755 votes. We lost by just over 111,000 votes, whereas Batchelor lost by 95,724 (but got a lower percentage than we did). On top of this, we had 30,000 more votes this year than Batchelor did in 2004. We had 19,109 more votes in Wake, 4,214 more votes in Orange, and 4,460 votes more in Durham.
This is while McCain was stagnant in Orange and Durham counties from Bush's totals in 2004. I'll put good money on our gains coming from split Obama tickets, not newly registered Republicans.
You take away those 57,755 new Obama votes, and this is a 58-42 race.
Given all of the circumstances, you really knocked this one out of the park for a Republican.
We'll post some pictures from last night's event so everyone can enjoy the real success of this race. I guarantee there was not another victory party in the District with such a wide spectrum of people genuinely excited about liberty, freedom from corporate socialism, and a government that serves the people instead of corporate interests.
Our country remains at a delicate place, and those serving in Congress in the next two years will be challenged to meet the high expectations for change given our current economic predicament. Ultimately, however, the work to save our country must start locally -- within our community.
I've been so busy with the campaign that I've neglected to write about our continued economic challenges. Our national debt now stands at over $10.5 trillion, and suffice it to say that fulfilling the promises made during this election while attempting to prop up our banking system will test the patience of our international lenders:
So how much has our financial catastrophe cost taxpayers? Even leaving aside the damage to investment portfolios, job losses, home foreclosures and diminished business prospects, the financial depression of 2008 has been immensely costly for taxpayers. The Treasury Department has had to issue more than three times as much debt than it anticipated even as late as last July. [Emphasis mine.]
Why has borrowing skyrocketed? You already know the answers. The government is spending money hand over fist to prop up the financial system at the same time it collects less from depressed taxpayers.
The government also expects to borrow $368 billion in the first quarter of next year. Let’s hope the government is getting better at these estimates. If it’s as bad at estimating future borrowings as it was in July, we’re looking at a government that might need to borrow more than $2.5 trillion over the next two quarters, which would mean that the Treasury would be borrowing more than one-third of total Gross Domestic Product.
I imagine that many folks who appreciate the gravity of this situation will start playing a new game: how can I maximize my standard of living for things that really matter -- time with family, enjoying healthy, locally-grown food, working with and supporting those who create real value in our community -- while minimizing my need for and dependence upon the usurious, war-mongering debt money known as Federal Reserve Notes?
It is time for creativity, and finding new ways to advance sustainable local economies. We must learn how to prosper through equity-based, cooperative capitalism instead of continuing to hook ourselves to the yoke of debt-based competitive capitalism that changes a world of natural abundance into a world of artificial scarcity and injustice.
I'll close by quoting an email that was mistakenly sent to me from a Price supporter. Turns out this Price supporter working early voting with me in Morrisville was forwarding my emails to Price's campaign. In this case, however, instead of hitting "forward", he hit "reply":
BTW, BJ's spiel was essentially "I'm BJ Lawson. I'm running for Congress. We have a 20-year incumbent who isn't serving our interests."
BJ is an odd combination of progressive and Libertarian, as well as being attractive and young. People who are attracted to part of him are able to deny the part they don't like. He won't go away after next week. Expect a rematch.
I don't think BJ goes to the same site regularly, but I can tell you there were a lot of voters from 11 am on. They came in groups, and they wore badges, so this was the crowd that lives somewhere else and works in and near RTP. The parkng lot was jammed the entire time I was there. Might be the place for David Fri. (if BJ isn't there).
Our educational challenge is reflected by this gentleman's characterizing Constitutionalism as "odd." It's refreshing, however, to see him recognize that Constitutionalism is both progressive and libertarian.
Here's to continued progress in the fight for liberty, and thanks to everyone for your support.
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BJ,
You ran a great campaign, built around the issues and with a real intristict sense of change and hope for the 4th district. Those residents that took the time to use their brain and examine the issues, clearly gravitated to your campaign and message. Unfortunately not enough voters are quite so inclined to look beyond party labels and it's associated ideologies.
I congratulate you on classy and well fought race. This experiance for me reminds me was more of a wake-up call and I am remonded of this quote...
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of men and woman. Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered yet we have this consolation with us, the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value."
-Thomas Paine, American Revolution
BJ - this was an awesome race, and though I was disappointed that you won't represent my family in Washington, I know that we have started a conversation that wouldn't have occurred two years ago. I'm convinced that the Obama swell of straight ticket voters tipped this battle, but the result will be dramatically different in two years time. Your supporters are loyal, passionate, and strong, and in a mid-term election where candidates stand alone on their principles, you will have your seat in Congress.
In the meantime, let's continue this work we started. We can teach and lead our friends and family, push to reform the election system that excluded third party candidates, and put pressure on our elected officials to actually uphold their oath of office. We can ensure that Liberty, Peace and Prosperity will return to our nation and our communities. Thank you, again, for your campaign.
BJ, Thanks for all your dedication and hard work. I for one look forward to a rematch in 2 years. When voters have figured out just what they got themselves into, and are wondering how to get out, hopefully they'll be ready for REAL change back to the Constitution. Obviously, Bush and the neocons are responsible for voters' turn to the democrats--we have to keep the revolution alive, keep working to return the Republican party to its roots. I pray God richly blesses you and your family!
Dean, the Paine quote is so appropriate! We are in for fight of our lives...
I will be watching you, and think you did a great job. Please keep an active blog. You are really an inspiration, and I had hoped you would be the one bright spot last night. Sadly, that wasn't to be. However, I think things will be bad enough two years from now that people will still be hollering for "change". Maybe next time they will actually vote for it.
Spencer - Hoover, AL
I hope that you begin to work on the rest race. You are too good to lose.
Should be the NEXT race - typo above
BJ:
Thank you for running such an amazing campaign and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey with you.
I'm ready for what comes next...keep us posted.
Justin
BJ,
You're presidential material, and North Carolina is extremely lucky to have you.
Flavio Ribeiro -- Sao Paulo, Brazil
BJ,
You got a pretty good level of support in a gerrymandered district that was custom-made for David Price. Let's think of this one as the warm up for 2010. With two years to raise funds, pass out copies of the constitution, and grow and develop your support base, you can put Price out to pasture in two years.
I would recommend that in the meantime, you should become a local media fixture. Get on TV every time they're looking for a comment from a Republican, from an engineer, from a doctor, or just someone to gainsay the propaganda that will be pouring out of Washington for the next round of bailouts.
-jcr
Turns out a Price supporter working early voting with me in Morrisville was forwarding my emails to Price’s campaign.
Oh, that slimy little weasel.
Let's hope that you scared Price enough to get him to clean up his act, however slightly.
-jcr
BJ,
Excellent campaign. You have the respect and trust of me and my family. No matter where you go or what you run for we will always support you.
- jeff fielhauer
BJ,
You ran a great campaign. If you run again, know that you will have my emotional and financial support. Thanks for running.
From Mexico (I hope things don't get so bad over there that I choose to stay here),
Andy Camacho
Next year the Democrats will be the bad cops...........it was fun to watch you run though. Good luck with your future and all of our as well.
This setback is only temporary, we all look forward to seeing more of you in the future!
Brad Joerres - Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dear B. J.,
I am proud to have been (and STILL am) one of your many supporters. When you get ready to gear up for 2010 let the folks over here in Guilford County know, and we will be on board ready to help.
You did an outstanding job!
Helen Marshburn
BJ, you are my hero. Thank you so much for doing all that you have done for the people of the 4th district, and generations to come. Whatever you decide to do from here, you have my complete support!
You are inspiring a new generation of grassroots political activism here in the Triangle. Thank you again for all the hard work you have put in, and the sacrifices you and your family have made.
-Paul Monroe
B.J.,
I can not thank you enough for your dedication to the principles, on which our great nation was founded. Although last night did not turn out how many of us would have liked, i would like to encourage you to keep up the good fight. There are far too many of us here in the 4th district that are fed up with the increasing erosion of our civil liberties. You stand out as a true defender of liberty, in an ever growing trend towards government tyranny. Please stay strong. We will get them next time.
P.s. We really should do something about straight party voting options. I know far too many people who voted straight democrat without even considering "David's Price".
BJ and all involved:
Thank you so much for your efforts to continue the cause of liberty. The emotion based political swing this country has experienced is the result of a Republican party which has completely lost it's way. Too much power and too little principle demonstrated by our last era of majority Republican rule has created an atmosphere where ANY Democrat will win, regardless of qualification or principles.
Now is the time to regroup and to recreate the Republican party as it was realized by Jefferson. When the people finally understand the pigs at the trough have only changed their stripes and not their feeding habits, the tide will again change. To prepare for this change we must cleans the Republican party of those who don't embrace the principle of liberty and fill it with those who understand the corrupting nature of centralized power and seek to limit the Federal government to its constitutional size.
It is obvious to me that BJ Lawson is part of this critical restructuring.
Thank you all, and keep fighting.
You had an uphill battle in a year when having an (R) next to your name was not going to help. In any other election in the last decade, you would have won. It will take people like yourself to bring the Republican party back to what it once stood for: fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, less Federal intervention in our lives, and hawks against pork and corruption.
Thank you BJ for carrying the liberty message and for all your hard work during this campaign!
BJ--
while I'm sad the election didn't turn out differently, I can honestly say that I am so pleased that I had a candidate like you to support (even though I live in Texas!)
I was pulling so hard for you, and with a little more time and education, many more would have come to your side. I hope you keep working for liberty and the Constitution, whatever you do next.
I have been very troubled lately, and your candidacy gave me real hope, and not the ersatz "hope" of a campaign slogan. It is through the efforts of people like you, your supporters and all who love liberty that keeps me going, keeps me wanting to fight the good fight. Thank you for everything you did, for the hard work, and most importantly for me, for giving me hope.
Thank you, and you can count on me to be an ardent supporter for whatever you decide to do next!
BJ
Congratulations on a great campaign. I think you were unfortunately just on the wrong side of history, "Republican" seems to be a dirty word these days, and many people probably didn't bother to look past that (R) next to your name. I really, truly hope that you run again in 2 years, and keep tabs on Price until then. I think by then, people will realize that the Democrats were running on false hope, and people will be ready to throw them out (like in 1994, the last time Price lost).
I also wonder how many "base" Republicans you failed to rally b/c you weren't leading a warcry to combat Islam everywhere it might be found or trying to deny "homos" their right to equality . Hopefully with this crushing defeat, the mainstream Republican Party will return wake up and will actually support candidates like yourself next time. Sorry if I sound bitter, but the Party I've been a part of my whole life disgusts me these days, except for the few bright spots like yourself and Ron Paul.
BJ and campaign,
Thanks for having the guts to try to make a difference and running a great campaign wth class, You've inspired me to get involved with local politics and help spread our message. Don't get discouraged by this loss! If you remember, Ron paul lost his first election too. It's about persistance! We have a great message, and our numbers will only grow. I would gladly work for your campaign again in 2010!
Thank you for putting yourself into this race and giving the 4th district a better choice than Price. Please run again!
Was honored to participate in your campaign though I 'discovered' you vs. Price quite late in the game. My fault. It was enlightening to work the poll in Precinct 15-03 yesterday and hear so many folks say, "Yep, I am gonna vote for him (you)". But also there were many who just did not know who you were which speaks of the poor effort made by these folks to dig into the candidates and the issues. Sad.
Thanks for your principled view of the Constitution, your support for the use of military force only when needed to defend our shores, your stance regarding balanced budgets in Washington, your support for life for the unborn, your arguments against the liberty-eroding Patriot Act. You have struck a balanced blend of on target positions that resonate with my wife and me, voters quite stunned by the abandonment of principle seen in the Bush administration. Thanks for the good fight. Stay in the battle . . . we'll do our best to continue to stand with you.
If the Republicans learn anything from the last two elections it is that the tired old, mushy, crony capitalist sort of candidates are going to fail. The GOP has got to draw sharp philosophical differences and advance articulate candidates like BJ.
Remember the old Chinese saying that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let's work steadily, a step at a time, to tell 4th District residents that they'd be much better off with a true representative, one who understands that ever-expanding government is not their friend, but their nemesis.
This was the candidacy that had me most excited this election, by a wide margin. The campaign style was refreshing, the message rings true, and the incumbent to be replaced was, indeed, very replaceable. In the aftermath of the election, both my wife and I have had conversations with friends who we believed would be interested in your message, and many have been impressed and shocked that said message was labelled with a Republican banner. (Disclosure: I've been a lifelong independent, finding my own way from vote to vote)
I think it's unfortunate that this year in particular was a very high-energy election for the Democratic party, and many who were clearly excited at the prospect of getting "back in power" voted for just that, rather than taking the time to LEARN about the races in question. This has, if nothing else, demonstrated to me that my natural mannerism of avoiding political discussion and trying not to proselytize can be harmful (if polite). Please consider a future run, and count on my activism should this come to be. I wish you the best no matter what course you choose.
Regards,
Dan
Dr. Lawson
You have been an inspiration to us all. I look forward to helping out in any way I can in 2010. Don't give up hope. We need people like you to lead and to keep preaching our message of liberty. This isn't over by far. You and I both know this. Once America realizes their faults from this election, they'll be begging to have people like you in Congress. Stay strong, brother.
BJ for Governor '12
So close, BJ! I'll give doubly as much to your campaign if you run again in two years. David Price must be ejected from Congress.
BJ,
It was a hell of a campaign and a great effort. We may not have won the larger victory, but you certainly won a victory in the hearts and minds of so many people in this district and around the country. You are a great role model and inspiration for all of us. I hope you continue to blog about the state of the economy and related events. Your posts were always some of the best sources of news and information available anywhere. Keep up the great work!
-Jeremy
BJ,
you have been a major source of inspiration to me. I've been checking your progress for months and now it feels like I just watched a movie where the good guy lost. Ever since I discovered the message of liberty, I've had this animal-like instinct to run for office. I'm not old enough to run for anything, but you can bet I will. For the time being, I can promise you I'll do my part in my community to spread the message of liberty. I plan on starting a liberty group on my college campus (I've already started a large and active environmental group), passing on literature, and educating myself so that I'll be able to educate others.
Thank you! One million times over, thank you!
BJ,
What an amazing journey it has been. Don't think for one second that your supporters are leaving you now. No, it is our turn to take a stand within our communities. It is time we plug into our local PTAs, Boards of Education, County Commissioners, State Legislators, and anywhere our message needs to be heard.
You'll be back and the seeds of freedom you set to grow will have taken root in District 4.
Steven Horton
Lawson for Congress 2010!
@ JMann - Governor you say? :p
Thanks so much for running. I am a supporter from Idaho who along with many Ron Paul Republicans are so thankful to have had people that agree with our principles to vote for! What a refreshing change! While it would have been wonderful to have won all the races of the various Ron Paul Republicans, there were some wins. In our local election a wonderful man got elected to our county commission. But most of all a huge segment of our society were awakened to the understanding that they can make a difference. We need to continue that in 2010 and beyond!!! Let us know fade into the woodwork, but continue to work for real change.
Typo! I mean Let us not fade into the woodwork.
BJ, integrity and principles and liberty are still a winning combination esp. as the electorate becomes more informed and economics start to deteriorate.
You ran a marvelous campaign and did spectacular.
We down in texas look forward to supporting you in any of your next endeavours.
Your brother in liberty,
Ian
It was wonderful being part of your campaign. I think we made a major headway. We are exciting about shifting gears toward education. And experience is the greatest teacher.
The Triangle is the perfect place to be the seedbed of change as we move forward. This is just the beginning.
See you soon!
BJ-
As a resident of Orange County, I can't begin to tell you how delighted I was that David "the phantom representative" Price finally got a poke in the gut. It seems that the 'straight party ticket' option on the ballots confused many locals here, and I am confident that if they were forced to read the entire ballot, the vote totals would have come out much differently.
I am also dismayed that some of Price's campaigners were actively engaged in apparent fear-mongering to voters. This is not the behavior of a representative - it is the behavior of a tyrant.
I am committed to seeing you occupy his congressional office. The voters here will never throw away the Constitutions you handed out-- they will remember. You've run an amazing campaign and we now have plenty of time to start planning the next fundraiser drive.
Lawson for Congress 2010!
BJ,
the seeds of liberty have been sown. At some point, each person who was handed a US Constitution is going to open it, read the Declaration of Independence, and realize how they have been had by the false left/right paradigm and robbed by the privately-owned fiat money system.
Un-representative Price has another two years to show what a useless, Fabian socialist he is. The people have another two years to realize they'll never be wealthy enough to be socialists. It only makes our work easier in the end.
Peace
It's hard for me to believe you didn't win. I thought the Movement had this one for sure...
I am proud of your campaign BJ. In a terrible year for Republicans in a throughly Democratic district with no experience or preparation, 35% is an accomplishment. Please run again in 2010. I will donate twice as much if you do.
BJ,
I am from Ohio, but I wanted to send my thanks for giving our nation a glimmer of "substantive hope" in an otherwise lost election ... while you and others (Delavar, Krikorian, etc) may not have gained victory in the political sense, you have been an inspiration to all liberty-minded individuals across this nation. Our movement will not die! We must begin to educate and organize immediately for the next election cycle!
“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!” - Samuel Adams
Congratulations to BJ and his team on an honorable and fruitful campaign. Your success, when considering the Democratic tidal shift this election, tells me two things:
1) The current republican party does not represent its founding ideals, nor the nation's.
2) People are hungry for change.
That change will come in many forms. I wish President-Elect Obama the best, as he is our next president, and will have a monumental task ahead.
In the meantime, the republican party will need to be reborn, if it hopes to have any success in 2010 and beyond. This battle will be one of ideas and convictions; two currencies, which you hold in abundance.
Palin and the neo-cons will fight to hold on to what fragments are left after this election, but that provides true patriotic, constitution-loving Americans an opportunity to reclaim their party and ensure that in the next election, there will be a real choice and a real leader at the top of the ticket. It may be Dr. Paul, or another great American.
I'm excited by the accomplisments you have acheived in this election, and am enthusiastic in my desire to see you run again in 2010! I'll start saving up ;)
Well done BJ and team!
You did a remarkable job. I really really think that if people hadn't set out to just vote Democrat you would have won. If people would have not been so disappointed with the Republican Party and just looked at your platform you would have won. This was a bad year for running as a Republican. I really hope you'll give it another shot. You are the only candidate for anything I have ever contributed money too.
Thank you BJ. It was a pleasure working with you on the R.P. Meetup.
You and your staff did a fantastic job and are honorable citizens.
BJ - I already said much on your Facebook wall so I won't repeat myself. But one more thought; 2010 is a mid-term election and there won't be a national get-out-the-vote campaign being run by the DNC. Assuming the Obama euphoria wears down and reality settles in, I think your odds will be much better. I hope you feel up to it then.
I'm sorry you didn't win but I'm glad that there was alot of votes in your favor. If you plan to run in 2010, I offer my services to you (free of charge) to help with a stronger internet marketing campaign. I'm currently in college working to be certified in internet marketing, and it'd be my honor to help you with the next election.
BJ,
Your race was the first thing I checked when Cindy and I got in from a day of poll managing in Aiken County SC. You have inspired many and that includes myself. I am now firmly committed to running against Gresham Barrett in CD3 in SC in 2010. Hope you will have some time to discuss things one of one in the next few weeks to months as June of 2010 will be here in no time. I will remain on you websites' email listing and look forward to the annoucement that you are officially running for the same seat in 2010.
Sincerely,
Mike Vasovski
As long as the Fed reserve can print money, it will buy politicicians and the media. It is extremely hard to get a fair hearing of your views, debates, etc. It is also very hard to overcome the brainwashing started in school and continued for all our adult life. The internet is very dangerous to the power elite. Thank you, BJ for your commitment to educate people to the truth as its a great sacrifice to undertake this mission. The tide is turning, people see how little power they have when 7% of the people support a financial gift to the power elite and it passes to overwelming dissapproval of the country. Everything that happens here steals from the working man to give to rich-be it interest on money printed from thin air and loaned to us, to the constant increase in the money supply making our real earned money worthLESS. Politicians sent to jail (LIbby)get to have their sentances revoked by the very person on who they work for (BUSH). If children only learn by having consequences, why do the rich avoid them so easily?
Thank you BJ for standing up and being counted as a defender of liberty!!
When you're ready to fight again, let's us know because we got your back!!
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