11.08.2012
Dear Friends, Neighbors, Fellow Democrats, and Union Brothers and Sisters
First of all, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you who supported my campaign for the Ohio House of Representatives, District 37. While I am sure we are all disappointed in the results, I do know that we waged a hard-fought campaign which could not have happened without your commitment to the cause. Your efforts in canvassing, calling voters, as well your financial contributions and words of encouragement lifted me from relative obscurity to being a viable contender, and I am truly grateful.
From the outset, we recognized that we were running in a district whose boundaries were redrawn to favor the incumbent and that we would be outspent. Over the course of the campaign, we knocked on over 9,000 doors, made over 10,000 calls to voters, and sent out fourteen direct mail pieces. We delivered a strong ground game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the financial and demographic advantages held by my opponent.
This has been a long, grueling journey but nonetheless an amazing learning experience. I was fortunate to have had Phil Ford as my incredibly talented and devoted campaign manager. My core committee of supporters were a tremendous asset to our efforts. Moreover, in the course of the campaign, I met so many fantastic people throughout the district, and forged many long-lasting friendships and relationships with candidates, elected officials, and organizations.
We now need to look ahead. We have cause to celebrate in President Obama’s reelection and Sherrod Brown’s victory. Yet there is much to do as Ohio’s political landscape remains challenging and contentious and that needs to change. I intend to continue to work in some capacity on behalf of our working families, public education, and the union movement.
Again, I thank you for all that you have done on behalf of my campaign.
Tom Schmida
Democratic Candidate, Ohio House of Representatives District 37