The miracle of our American democracy is that when the elections are over and the votes are counted, we accept the results and move forward together.

For thirteen months I have traveled the roads of Tennessee, taking a message of fiscal responsibility, less government and more freedom to the voters. We have talked about the need for a return to government that honors our values and respects our voices.

I am very proud of path we chose to take in this race. We took a leap of faith that we could run a positive campaign, focused on issues and stay away from the mudslinging and harshness that has poisoned not just our politics, but our entire culture. Tonight I will look at our kids and know I can tell them we conducted ourselves with honor.

To each Tennessean who entrusted me with your vote, thank you. I sincerely hope I made you proud. To each of our county chairs and to my wonderful staff, each of whom has become family over these months, you have my unending thanks. Your dedication to this effort is more than I could have hoped for when we began.

Most of all, I want to thank my family. You are the rock that has anchored and sustained me through weeks of brutal attacks and negative campaigning. There are no words adequate to describe what your love and support has meant over this long journey.

While this campaign ends tonight, my work for a better America does not. Over the past twenty years, I have contributed to the conservative cause without the need of a title. That does not change with this result. Only by pulling our country back from the dangerous path of liberalism can we restore the values that have made this the greatest nation in the history of man.

I have absolute faith that together we can restore those values and they will lead us to a brighter future.