THANK YOU ALL

Thank you all.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming vote, support, and encouragement.

In this type of business one has to be prepared for either outcome on the day of election. But despite that, I was truly disappointed by the results. We were so close.

Our winning strategy did not materialize and I take full responsibility for the results. Over the last few days, I had the opportunity to think about what we should have done different. But the path to victory in this district was a difficult one from the beginning and the outcome proved it so.

Indeed, I have lived the American dream and will never forget the honor I felt to be on the ballot with the winning statewide ticket led by Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell.

But this campaign was never about me.

This campaign was about you and your voice. And we were 7,616 strong that day. It is clear that the end of your story is yet to be written.

You want and deserve real results to the everyday problems. Our leaders need to bring economic development, create new jobs, and fix the ailing transportation system. They need to protect and reform the school system so that children get the best education possible. And they must protect and improve our special quality of life.

On Election Day, the majority of you elected your next Delegate, Mr. Luke Torian, and I respect your decision. Now, I will join you all to wish him well in the General Assemby.
By the same token, in the coming days I will also join you all to remind him what he said he would do for us during his campaign for delegate.

Lastly, I’m forever grateful to Robert Hartwell, Nancy Pratt, Jane Beyer, my staff, and to the many exceptional volunteers who poured their hearts out, day in and day out, on my behalf
I’m deeply grateful to Cinthia, my children, my brother and sister, and my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice.

I was honored to count on the support of so many local, state, and congressional dignitaries including Tom Davis, Rob Wittman, Bill Howell, George Allen and Rudy Giuliani.
To my new friends I made along the way. You have given me so much and like a true public servant, I will be there when called upon. Most importantly, I will be there every step of the way to help our party and our cause.

Rafael Lopez
Former 2009 Republican Candidate for DelegateVirginia General Assembly-District 52