By: Kim Do
4,262 votes is a WIN!
Last night, as I was driving my young children to our election-watching gathering at Mizner Park, I told them that regardless of the outcome, I feel very proud to have worked as hard on the campaign as I possibly could, to have many people giving me as much support as they possibly could, that in any race it is inevitable to have a winner and a loser but I would never regret entering this race and ran it wholeheartedly.
As the results trickled in, it was thrilling to see my votes outnumbered my opponents momentarily. Eventually, the final numbers show 4,262 (45%) for Kim Do vs. 5,125 (55%) for Jeremy Rodgers. The story of a “political novice” defeated by an incumbent is not at all surprising. Yet, I do NOT feel defeated. A newbie in town, the first time in politics, running a campaign in 10 weeks without a paid professional campaign manager, to have obtained the trust and confidence of 4,262 registered voters, is a HUGE success!!!
In exchange for the financial and personal sacrifices of the campaign, and I am incredibly grateful to have:
- Discussed ideas with important decision makers, influencers, and concerned citizens;
- Received advice & assistance from political science experts, grassroots activists, data analysts, social media professionals, and students;
- Increased awareness of important issues in Boca Raton.
- Stretched my own abilities and vision.
To supporters who wrote me: “I voted for you. So sad…” or “This is heartbreaking.”
I say “Don’t be sad.” This is not a depressing ending. This is a positive action-packed step. Onward and Upward!
Kim Do will continue to be active in our community, to help make Boca Raton even more beautiful, vibrant, and world class. I’ve read somewhere that we are a co-author with God to write the best-seller of our lives. I believe that. I believe.