This is a very brief diary. I mainly want to link to the thank-you note by Rep. Periello, posted in Talking Points Memo under the title "Head Held High". In his remarks I see a true American patriot who's only ambition was to serve the American people, and I also see someone entirely at peace with himself, his actions as a Representitive, and the way he ran his campaign.
Here's the link; my comments below:
Periello never shrank from a single vote based on political considerations though he was a vulnerable Freshman from a swing district. He didn't run away from his votes, from the Democratic Party's core agenda, including HCR, or from the President. He never got discouraged when SUSA claimed his campaign was dead. He just kept speaking truth to power---and let's not forget that an awful lot of that power was brought in by Republicans and conservative groups to try to crush him.
Based on the results I've surveyed for this cycle (more like a battlefield littered with bodies)I see other Congresspeople with more seniority and in less marginal districts getting blown out by much larger margins. Looking at those who voted against HCR for political reasons, few were reelected.
Tom Periello, you demonstrated through your conduct what an American patriot really looks and sounds like. We won't forget your commitment to improve the lives of the people of your district and of this country, your honesty, class, and sense of justice; we won't forget your pledge to do the right thing even if it insured that you be a one-term Congressperson.