Letter: Royse Concedes, Urges Supporters to Stay Active

Friends, neighbors, and citizens of Woodbridge, Woodbridge has spoken.

In every campaign, there is a victor and the vanquished. Today, I congratulate Frank Principi and wish him well in his next term serving the people of Woodbridge on the County Board of Supervisors.

Our campaign was one of inclusion and elevation, concentrating on what we would do, rather than what was wrong. This resonates in a place like Woodbridge, where work boots and business suits, a true cross-section of America, regularly mingle while creating a better life for our families. To the end, our positive message was overshadowed by the Principi Campaign’s attacks. So be it. We knew that defeating the entrenched incumbent would be difficult, but we also knew that our cause was just and our intentions were honorable, and for that I am both glad, and hopeful for the future.

My campaign remained on the high ground and never went negative. I may have lost an election, but not my integrity or honor. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my opponent. In October, he launched a vicious, personal attack, under the advisement of his paid political consultant, which is what ultimately helped sway critical votes. His was a campaign of lies about me, and deception about his record. I never expected to be in such a bitter political event. Thomas Jefferson purportedly said, “you get the democracy you deserve.” Our community will now put that axiom to the test.

Now, our challenge will be to move Woodbridge in the right direction, and to build on the start we have made. Woodbridge still needs all of our help, so to those that did vote for me I say this, do not lose hope. For that is the flip side of democracy, there is always a new chance to make your voice heard.

I want to thank my family: my wife Kathy, who has done such a great job as our Republican District Chairperson, my children who have made signs, encouraged me, and kept me grounded all this time. I want to thank all who wrote checks, pounded signs, asked questions, or gave me encouragement during this trying campaign. And to all of the people who have volunteered and supported me, I say this: I will continue to work everyday to see a better Woodbridge.

Today we showed the political establishment that positive campaigns can happen, and though we lost the race, I honestly believe that, in the long run, we will win the trust of the people of Woodbridge. There is a place for civility in our political dialogue, and that the appeal of common sense conservatism is strong, deep, and powerful. Frank Principi won the election, but his tactics cost him any claim to true leadership. Now, we begin to work for the future of our community again.”

-Chris Royse
Woodbridge, Va.  

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