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August 05, 2006

Still a TIME FOR CHANGE~No Clear Mandate for Adams

Dear Supporters and Friends,

Because of the way the election results were reported on August 3rd, raising all of our hopes one minute and then leaving an uncertainty in the air another, especially for my family and friends, campaign volunteers and our supporters, I made the decision to clarify what happened on Election Day by going to the Hamilton County Election Commission on Friday, August 4th. So yesterday, Dinah and I were joined by Democratic Party Chair Stuart James and my campaign manager Pam Ladd at the Election Commission. We met with Election Commissioner Bud Knowles and his data expert Shannon DeFriese to clarify the results before making any decision in this race.

Mr. Knowles and Ms. DeFriese were professional, forthcoming, and very helpful. They explained that the two precincts outstanding represented provisional ballots. A provisional ballot is just like all other ballots, but it is issued to a voter at the polls when the voter's eligibility has yet to be determined. The ballot is placed in a sealed envelope. If the voter is shown to be eligible, the provisional ballot is counted. Hamilton County had only 16 provisional ballots as of yesterday--not enough to make a difference in this race.

We also spoke with Mr. Knowles and Ms. DeFriese about the ballots that were counted. And we were completely convinced that all the ballots were counted accurately and thoroughly. We have every reason to accept the outcome of this race.

This outcome is still difficult for all of us (and perhaps most difficult for me). I believe, however, that despite the tight finish and victory for Mr. Adams, voters still want a CHANGE. The numbers bear this out:

John Bailes ~ 2,555 votes ~ 48%
Curtis Adams ~ 2792 votes ~ 52%

There are various reasons we could give for the 200+ vote difference ~ the uncomfortably hot day on August 3rd kept people home, or the big push by the Republican Party in East Ridge with Corker and Wamp making an appearance brought voters out for Adams. Whatever the reasons, the votes gave Curtis Adams another four years.

BUT the voters granted him only a slight victory ~ with NO CLEAR MANDATE. Capturing 52% of the vote, Mr. Adams has won his narrowest victory during a long career as county commissioner. And that is because it is clear NOW that 48% of the voters wanted a CHANGE in the way we do business in Hamilton County.

Yesterday, I called Mr. Adams to congratulate him on his victory, but also to let him know that about half the voters had spoken and demand that the next District 8 commissioner focus on the issues of schools, jobs, and accountability. He was not available, so I left a message.

I truly believe that there is a season for everything and every purpose under heaven. And it is TIME FOR CHANGE. We sent the message loud and clear that the county government can do better for our schools, for our economy, and for our community. Education must improve, jobs must be created and government must be held accountable. Be sure of this ~ ALL of you will have me there fighting every day for these issues from now until the next election.

Please don't lose hope. We are just beginning. Look how much we've accomplished together. So many of you worked so hard. The seeds are planted. Let's grow them now. YOU are now the key to success in this county and in our country. You've sent a strong message to the county commission. Stay involved with me. That's all I ask.

With more HOPE than SADNESS~
John Bailes

| By wjbailes | 05:16 AM

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Posted by: smijer at August 5, 2006 09:45 PM

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