I would like to thank the people of Georgia for the opportunity to serve them for the past 20 years. In 2006, election year, we waged a campaign as Democrats and Republicans. Now, it is our duty to unite as Georgians - one people - working together for the common good of all and the growth and prosperity of our state.
The future of Georgia is bright because she is blessed with the greatest attribute of all - the wonderful, the inspiring, the gracious, the kind, and the hard-working people of Georgia.
2006 was an extraordinary time for me and my family. Campaigning in every corner of Georgia is a gift that you have given me. You gave me the gift of meeting so many new friends on these travels. You gave me the gift of discussing important issues facing our state and the gift of experiencing the many wonders of Georgia.
Although we lost on Election Day, our battle is not over. We cannot rest until every Georgia child has the healthcare they deserve, our seniors have the same access to discounted drugs as the Governor gets and we cut taxes for people, not just corporations. We must continue our fight to raise the minimum wage and we must not stop until we give our children the best public education in the nation.
This campaign has ended, but those ideas live on.
Public service has been a great blessing in my life. Twenty years of public service now comes to an end, and I would not trade those years, those memories for anything in the world. My accomplishments will continue to help Georgians long after I leave elected office, and that is a quiet legacy that I take home with me now.
From the bottom of our hearts, Sacha and I thank each and every one of you for your tireless hard work on our behalf. Your support was a source of strength for us throughout the campaign and we will always be grateful for the words of encouragement and prayers that so many people from across Georgia offered.
I also want to thank my father and mother, my sisters Marsha and Linda, my son Fletcher and my beautiful wife, Sacha for their support and their sacrifice throughout the years. My parents taught me the value of public service and giving back to the community. My sisters have been with me every step of the way, from my first race to the last one. Fletcher is a wonderful son and I love him dearly. I am especially thankful for Sacha and her family's efforts. Throughout the campaign, she and her sister, Gerri, attended hundreds of parades, festivals and events on my behalf and I know for a fact that she and her team personally put up more campaign signs along the roads of Georgia than anyone else.
While we were not ultimately successful on Election Night, I am proud of our effort. Most importantly, I am proud to know that people like you were so supportive in good times and in bad. With your help, we ran a strong grassroots campaign as was evident by the thousands of signs all over the state.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you for the past 20 years. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mark Taylor