Prince William County, VA – Statement from Chris Royse
“Friends, neighbors, and citizens of Woodbridge,
Woodbridge has spoken.
In every campaign, there is a
victor and the vanquished. Today, I congratulate Frank
Principi and wish him well in his next term serving the
people of Woodbridge on the County Board of Supervisors.
Our campaign was one of inclusion and elevation,
concentrating on what we would do, rather than what was
wrong. This resonates in a place like Woodbridge, where
work boots and business suits, a true cross-section of
America, regularly mingle while creating a better life for
our families. To the end, our positive message was
overshadowed by the Principi Campaign’s attacks. So be it.
We knew that defeating the entrenched incumbent would be
difficult, but we also knew that our cause was just and our
intentions were honorable, and for that I am both glad, and
hopeful for the future.
Christopher A. Royse
My campaign remained on the high ground and never went negative. I
may have lost an election, but not my integrity or honor.
Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my opponent. In October,
he launched a vicious, personal attack, under the advisement of his
paid political consultant, which is what ultimately helped sway
critical votes. His was a campaign of lies about me, and deception
about his record. I never expected to be in such a bitter political
event. Thomas Jefferson purportedly said, “you get the democracy
you deserve.” Our community will now put that axiom to the test.
Now, our challenge will be to move Woodbridge in the right
direction, and to build on the start we have made. Woodbridge still
needs all of our help, so to those that did vote for me I say this,
do not lose hope. For that is the flip side of democracy, there is
always a new chance to make your voice heard.
I want to
thank my family: my wife Kathy, who has done such a great job as
our Republican District Chairperson, my children who have made
signs, encouraged me, and kept me grounded all this time. I want to
thank all who wrote checks, pounded signs, asked questions, or gave
me encouragement during this trying campaign. And to all of the
people who have volunteered and supported me, I say this: I will
continue to work everyday to see a better Woodbridge.
Today
we showed the political establishment that positive campaigns can
happen, and though we lost the race, I honestly believe that, in the
long run, we will win the trust of the people of Woodbridge. There
is a place for civility in our political dialogue, and that the
appeal of common sense conservatism is strong, deep, and powerful.
Frank Principi won the election, but his tactics cost him any claim
to true leadership. Now, we begin to work for the future of our
community again.”
