In warfare, there are strategic battles and there are tactical battles. My loss in the 23rd Legislative District Position 2 is a tactical-battle setback. The larger issue are the strategic issues I raised over the current legislators’ failure to fully fund education, to care for the 21,000 backlogged developmentally disabled and to deal with the mental-health crisis facing Olympia.

Soon the ringing political cliches will be forgotten and the last echoes of Happy Days are Here Again will fade. Going forth, voters must bird-dog their legislators to insure the looming problems facing  us are dealt with, the vulnerable cared for, and our First and Second Amendment rights protected from governmental intrusion.

I want to thank my talented wife for her creativity on campaign videos and her diligent work as treasurer. Also sincere thanks to my other family members for their understanding of my tremendous dedication of time to the campaign.

Also Bravo Zulu to my campaign supporters, well-wishers, advisors and  helping hands. Campaigns are grueling logistical challenges especially when done on a salt-of-the-earth budget.

My campaign was based on principled issues of limited government, rule of law, Constitutional respect and a sincere belief that Real Reform is overdue for Olympia.  I commit to you all I will not run from the fight on these issues. The problems facing us will not solve themselves or with the current legislators’ indifference.

In conclusion, I paraphrase World-War II five-star general and field marshall of the Philippine Army, Douglas MacArthur, spoken to the people of the Philippines “Whence I came, I shall return.” Tonight, I repeat those words: I shall return! I, too, shall return. God Bless and thank you.

James M. Olsen

Bainbridge