Failed candidacy 'got attention' of seven-term, 14-year incumbent

Editor:

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Georgia's secretary of state has certified the July 15 Republican primary election results for House District 118, and although we received 1,990 votes, our opponent garnered 4,472 and was therefore declared the winner.

Although we may have "lost" this one, we forced a seven-term, 14-year incumbent to take several polls, appear at a few community and party functions and spend more than $80,000, or, $17.89 per vote, for a position that pays $16,995 a year.

In short, we got his attention and apparently gave him reason to be concerned. When he returns to Atlanta for the 2009 legislative session, he will undoubtedly take a portion of our mindset with him, and that cannot be a bad thing.

We may not have received the most votes, but we sent the strongest message. Thank you for all of your efforts, well-wishes and friendship! They truly are appreciated and did not go unnoticed.

Lee Benedict

Evans