We judicial candidates aren't allowed to talk about much during the campaign, so now I have the chance.

• • First, I'd like to congratulate Judge Merrigan and his family. I wish only good things for them. I have publicly said on many occaisions that whoever won... in my group, whether it be Judge Merrigan or myself, Broward County gets a good Judge. I still believe that's true and what is ultimately most important.
    
    Second, I'd like to say THANK YOU to everyone who supported my campaign, who showed me so much love and affection and friendship, and who have said and written so many wonderful things to and about me.
    
    Third, I would like to thank the almost 34,000 people who voted for me. That's pretty cool.
    
    Certainly I would have preferred to win the election, but I'm not at all sad today. I am optimistic about my future and about the future of our Judiciary. In fact, I would like to offer my congratulations to and express my pleasure about the retention of the Judges I know well; i.e., Rebollo, Williams, Gillespie, and Robinson and to those whom I met during the campaign and grew to know as really good people like Judges Rodriquez, Skolnik, Lebow, and Porter and in-coming Judges Solomon and Gottlieb. I offer encouragement and friendship to some other great people I've become friends with along the way like Steve Schaet, Melissa Donahoe, and Roshawn Banks. Don't give up. Each of you is worthy.
    
    Finally, I am grateful for the priceless education I've gained over the course of my campain and humbled by the overwhelmingly positive responses I've received from all types of people about the way I ran it. My heart is full as the result of all of the new friends I've made, and I'm truly excited to get back to work.