Over the course of this 24-day campaign, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and talking with thousands of my fellow Virginia Republicans. Almost without exception, I found ears, hearts, and minds that were open and welcoming, ready to engage in frank and meaningful discussions about the future of our party.

For the willingness of so many to even consider my candidacy, I am eternally grateful. That so many of you responded with your own hopes and ideas for the future of our party is a very encouraging sign for our prospects in 2009 and beyond.

This afternoon, Chairman Mullins was elected by the Convention. I congratulate him on his victory. Collectively, we Republicans have placed our confidence in him, and he has won election to a term of office that lasts through May 2012.

This year, Republicans must elect our ticket of Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli, expand our majority in the House of Delegates, and increase our ranks among local elected officials. Next year, we must win back those congressional seats we lost in 2008. In 2011, we have to regain our majority in the Virginia Senate. And in 2012, our challenge will be to deliver Virginia’s Electoral Votes to the Republican nominee for president, and to regain the Senate seat now held by Jim Webb.

Considering the importance of these very challenging election cycles facing our party during the term of Chairman Mullins, he deserves the full support of every Virginia Republican. I know he has mine, and I am confident he can count on yours as well.

I am extremely grateful to those who cast their ballot for me today. I am honored and humbled by the confidence you placed in me. And to those who voted for Chairman Mullins, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to seek your vote. This whirlwind campaign was exhilarating, and it was an experience I will not soon forget.

Now, I return home to continue my service as Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Committee, working diligently to secure victory in our locality for our entire Republican ticket.

Our party now has its ticket for the November statewide elections, and a new Chairman who will serve for the next three years. In order to secure lasting Republican victory and advance our principles and values, we must unify now.

I thank you, my fellow Republicans, for the fantastic experience that was this campaign. I look forward to working in concert with you to secure victory for our nominees and to advance our conservative principles and traditional values.