I realize that there has been a previous diary on this subject, but that "diary" was only 3 sentences long and it spelled Rosalind Kurita's name wrong.
Here's the text of the letter that State Senator Rosalind Kurita sent to supporters today:
Dear Friend & Supporter:
Today, I have advised the Coordinator of Elections for the State of Tennessee that I want to remove my name from the ballot in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for the United States Senate this year.
For the last year and a half, I have traveled across the state and met wonderful people. I have been to strawberry festivals and bean suppers. I've been in parades, cafes, museums, nursing homes and schools speaking to the people of Tennessee.
My travels across Tennessee have given a new depth of meaning and urgency to my work on issues of importance to real people and families.
I have observed first-hand how important it is that we help our children reach their potential and I feel strongly that more of Tennessee's children need to go to college. We've got to work to make that happen.
Also I have come to a new level of awareness of the importance of jobs and economic development. We must have a real strategy to keep jobs in Tennessee. I have been to communities that have been devastated by the loss of local employers. And, in most cases, the families that lose their jobs also lose their healthcare insurance.
In this campaign, I have been able to hold the hands of senior citizens in nursing homes and look into incubators of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. I have been able to visit clinics run by student nurses and see Red Cross workers comfort refugees of disasters. Healthcare is an issue that impacts us all and we must find a way to make it accessible to those who need help.
I want you to know that I've never forgotten that this all started when I went to my children's school and discovered they didn't have a lunchroom. It wasn't easy, but we got that lunchroom built. That's when I first realized that one person could make a difference. That experience led me to this life of public service and I promise to continue my work for the people of Tennessee.
The reward is in the journey. I want to thank all of those who supported me with their time, their talent and their money. I have made many new friends and met so many people who share my vision for a better Tennessee and a better America.
I feel confident that my journey in public service is not over. There are other fights to fight, other roads to travel and many ways to make a difference.
Again, thank you all for your support over the last few months and for your commitment to making a positive change in Tennessee and America. I continue to believe that I am my brother's keeper and that each of us has an obligation to make a positive difference in the world.
Sincerely,
State Senator Rosalind Kurita