"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose
face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who
errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without
error and shortcoming."
- U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, "Citizenship in a Republic,"
April 23, 1910
Dear Lucas,
With Election Day now behind us, I write to thank you so very much for
your continued support throughout my public service journey. Representing
New York's 8th congressional district in the United States House of
Representatives over the last two years has been a great honor.
As we look to next year and beyond, I will continue to approach the work
before me with the thoughtfulness, pragmatism and idealism that we deserve.
That is the fuel for our continued march toward a more perfect union.
Last night was a tough one for Democrats throughout the country. We must
draw lessons from this electoral experience, but not abandon the progressive
ideals of economic fairness and social justice that define us.
And we can never leave the arena.
Best,
Hakeem