File Under "Democratic Soul-Searching"

A note from Jeanette Mott Oxford to supporters:

Friends and supporters -

It has been a hard day for me, as I'm sure it has been for many of you. I've spent much of the day reflecting on Kerry and McCaskill's losses and trying to reach a place of understanding and peace that will offer a basis for moving forward. (I don't believe I'm going to reach peace about this in the first 24-hours of prayer and reflection - if you manage to do so, let us know what helped!)

For now, my sense is that we must call for a deeper discussion on this topic of "moral issues." My fear is that many voters meant "I don't want my child to be lesbian or gay" when they used the "moral issues" code phrase. I'm sure you agree with me that there are many issues that have moral dimensions beyond gay rights: workers living in poverty; homelessness; pre-emptive strikes as military policy; capital punishment; the influence of money in elections; sexual abuse of children by authority figures; and so much more. We must help our neighbors (and our communities of faith!) see the moral dimensions of these issues and demand that our society become more just.

There were a few pieces of good news in yesterday's election:
- Sara Lampe won in Springfield - despite her opponent's targeting her with ads highlighting the support she has received from PROMO for her stance on LGBT justice.
- Robin Carnahan defeated Hanaway for secretary of state.
- Proposition A won in St. Louis County, a sign of the deep anger citizens feel when elected officials give subsidies to sports teams.
- I received almost 90% of the 10,101 votes cast in my district, so will become State Representative from the 59th MO House District in January.

I thank you all for your support for me - checks, advice, hugs, words of
affirmation, volunteer hours, the many ways you helped! Bless your hearts.

My constituents and all interested campaign volunteers are invited to continental breakfast and discussion with me this Saturday, November 6, at Epiphany United Church of Christ's fellowship hall, 2911 McNair, St. Louis, MO 63118, 10 a.m. Please RSVP so I will have enough food.