On Election Eve

Dear Friend,

It has been my privilege and a joy to be in this race for the 5th District Senate seat in 2012. Last November, getting to this point may have seemed like a long-shot, but your increasing support has made a victory likely today. And as the flurry of events have unfolded in this race, you've helped me remain focused on the reason why I started in the first place; our families need for jobs, and our responsibility to provide our children the best possible education we can give them.

The politics of diversion run rampant in our day. Claims that have arisen during the campaign have served as distractions from our most pressing challenges. This is why it remains incumbent on political leaders to show the way to a better future. I believe this means fostering a more effective partnership between the public and private sector rather than the central planner's futile attempts at managing us. And it also means renewing our promise to educating our children, which includes trusting voters with the truth about funding and ceasing the attacks on those who call for reform.

Jobs

In order to solve the crisis of getting our families back to work, we must improve the small business climate in Washington State. A stable state budget combined with tax and regulatory reform should be the first priorities in order to make this happen. Organizations like the Association of Washington Business, and the National Federation of Independent Business are committed to bringing prosperity back to our state, and they have endorsed me as the one who understands the needs of the business climate in Washington.

Education Funding

We must follow the directive of our state constitution and utilize the first dollars of the budget to fund our education system. The money is in the budget to fully fund public education right now, but over the past decade the legislature has siphoned off this money for other non-essential services. We must reward districts that keep administrative overhead low and get the most money to the classrooms. There are districts in our state that are pushing seventy cents of every dollar spent to the classroom; this must be among the legislature's adopted metrics for effective funding of education.

Leadership

During this election season, I have taken the initiative to publish my views in this newsletter and in our local blogs so that you, the voter can be informed about your choices. I paired this with a defined commitment to draw distinctions with my opponent on policy views, but refrain from impugning his character. Doing this was intended to bring clarity on issues, and encourage you to hold me accountable for how my campaign is run. I have taken on my own party against a sitting incumbent and withstood vicious attacks on both me and my family. I have been asked why I would do this, in the age of diversion politics. My answer is this: Participating in the process that will shape the future for our children is worth the sacrifice to me. I know it is to you as well.

You are asking leaders to seek the public good over party influence and migrate away from single party-rule in Olympia. I have done my best to heed your call by standing up to both my own party and the Democratic establishment. It has not been easy. This is the last newsletter before Election Day. I hope that I will be able to continue them as more than a candidate. Jill and I are grateful for your support: it will be an honor to serve you as the next Senator from the 5th District, and so it is with sincere enthusiasm that I ask for your vote.

Thanks for reading,

Brad Toft