Tuesday, August 14, 2012
10:51 PM
Hovde throws support behind Thompson in concession speech
In his concession speech, Hovde threw his support behind Tommy Thompson and told the crowd they cannot let Democrat Tammy Baldwin get elected.
“Sadly it didn't work out the way we had planned it to,” Hovde said. "I'm just like all of you. I'm a guy who got tired of yelling at his television set, who wanted to take our country back."
He said he congratulated Thompson in a phone call after what he described as a tough race.
“He will have my support,” Hovde said, “because folks, we cannot let Tammy Baldwin win.”
“This is the end of my political career,” Hovde said to shouts of "no" and boos. “I will continue to be a voice out there very loud and very strong and do whatever I can for our country.”
Despite losing, he said he felt he at least woke people up to the problems facing the country.
"I feel that at least one thing I accomplished in these past six months, is that I woke people up throughout this state," Hovde said.
During his speech he called for a change in the political system and for America to get back to the roots that made it a great nation.
“We have to restore America, our home,” Hovde said. “If we continue on this path we are on, we will lose all of the things we care about.”
Hovde thanked his family, supporters, staffers and volunteers, and encouraged people to remain involved.
“As I said to Governor Thompson, please go fight on behalf of the America people,” Hovde said.
-- By David Wise
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