Looking back on the inspired outpouring of support for a courageous, young, progressive, LDS, urban planner named Janneke House, one can only look back and gulp. The following attempt to acknowledge and thank all who showed up will invariably fall short as an attempt to include all of those deserving of mention.

First and foremost, thank you to Lisa Allcott who put in as much time, if not more than I did as campaign manager. Her experience, expertise and advice were not only invaluable, but the greatest expression of selfless commitment I have ever seen in any capacity at any level for any cause. Her tireless effort will forever stand out in my mind as the highest standard of commitment and performance in my experience.

I urge everyone to join me in inviting her to assume whatever role she chooses in the larger effort to provide leadership to the progressive movement in Utah.

And of Jan Lovett who risked job and marriage for no other reason than a deep commitment to changing the face of politics in Utah today, her contribution of spirit, energy, and infectious passion reflect the leadership qualities that have galvanized our little and growing movement, and will propel her into some elected office soon. Jan and Tom move closer!

I think we a are one more race away from demonstrating that no progressive candidate in this valley can be successful without the silent giant –Southwest Carpenters led by Dan O’Shea. The members of the Carpenters Union are the singular vanguard in the fight for living wages, and fairness for the workingman in Utah. Their contribution of feet on the ground made possible what is otherwise impossible in such a short campaign. Their contribution of volunteers, resources, and direction cannot be overstated, particularly in light of their participation in other races.

Chris Johnson’s poise, persistence, and enthusiasm in, and out of the donkey costume, was inspiring and kept our spirits high when it seemed the obstacles were insurmountable.

Francisca Blanc, formerly of Romania, reminded us or how cherished should be our democracy. Francisca spent every spare moment outside of her full-time job and full course load at the U, performing every volunteer role from holding a house party to going door to door and phone banking. “Real Americans” take note!

Aylex Wilson suffered the unbelievable pressure of last minute-style printing deadlines, and came through still smiling, and Matthew Prince pulled off a series of small miracles with his unequalled graphic design skills, and the House family contributed all they had to a person.

Thank you to Donald Dunn and Nichole Adams for their daily guidance and foot work, Bev Cooper and Pat Shea for kicking off the primary, and initiating the fundraising, Jason Wessel for winning the primary as campaign manager, Equality Utah for jumping in at the outset, and following through till the end, and Senator Scott McCoy.

Thank you to Bill Bradley, and the County Council Democrats for their support, and Tim Herzer, Dave Bastian, Don Winder, and Francisca Blanc for hosting house parties.

Patti Rich and friends from AFSCME got soaked going door to door in the rain.
Brandon Mark stands out as the most remarkable singular volunteer, having never suffered under an authoritarian regime, and in spite of being an overworked lawyer, showed up over and over without being asked renewing everyone’s’ confidence in the human race.

Carla Kelley of The Humans Rights Education Center of Utah never missed a beat on top of her daily commitment to empowering our youth to stand up for what is right against the hypocrisy they witness on a daily basis from the greater community.

Jane Marquart was outworked only by her mom, Sue, whose long shadow cast itself across all of us who have and will continue to give freely of our time for causes.

Thank you also to the young democrats and the state and county party for rising to the occasion, and the many volunteers who came through those doors.

And last but not least, Mayor Rocky Anderson who stands alone in our political landscape - a beacon of light whose impact on this capitol city, deep in the mountain west, extends across the national progressive movement. Thank you for having the courage to stand up for the weak and different, for air quality and peace, for intelligent planning, and equal rights against the chorus of detractors.