I apologize for the delay in this message.  I was enthralled with history.  Last night was a special occasion for all of us.  We embarked on a new era.  Together we stand on the doorstep of a world of hope and opportunity.  Barack Obama is ready to lead us and open the door.

Before I say anymore, I want to thank some people for making this election season one that I will never forget.  First and foremost to my opponent, Senator Breslin, I wish you the very best in your new position as a member of the majority.  May you take this opportunity to bring home Albany’s fair share of funding.  Thank you for the respect you showed me during the race and I look forward to speaking with you soon. 

Next to my wife, Kim, I could have never have done this without you.  You are my rock.  And, to my son Drew, thanks for all of the motivation that I will ever need to try to change the world.  I love you, guys.

Now to Tony and Rob, you two were there every step of the way with me and I will never forget it.  What you did for me goes beyond the call of any friendship.  I will never forget what you did. 

To Richie Stack, the Conservative Party Chairman, I truly appreciate your faith me.  Though some of our philosophies differ, we all want a better world for our kids.  To Lisa, Heather, Eric, Craig, Terry, Sue and Johnsie, you guys are the real Super Friends.  Keep going.  You can change the world the way you guys work.  Thank you.

To Billy Boy, Andy, Mike, Bill, Jerry, Jack, Johnny M, Jackie H, Jennifer, Steven, Ray, Judy, Mark, Pat, John, Peter, Claire, Jody, Mike, Matty, Scotty R, Otto J, Janet, Jay, Jack O, Brian F and Katie and all of the rest of you that were so generous to support our cause, I cannot thank you enough. 

To the few dozen other volunteers that helped out over those eight months, thank you.  Thank you for taking the time away from your family to help us.  Thank you for caring about your community enough to give up your time.  Thank you for being great examples of people wanting change.

If you have no idea about my campaign, you are probably saying, “What the hell is this guy doing thanking all of these people?  He lost by 80,000 votes…”  True but that’s not the story. 

These dedicated friends helped us get most votes ever on the Conservative line in Albany County.  That wasn’t very easy.  Neil Breslin had three party lines on the ballot and classifying me as a Conservative is a stretch.  Regardless, these people helped motivate more than 10,000 voters to vote for me.  For that, I will always be grateful.  I will always be proud of what we did and you should be, as well.

I thank you all.  But, this is not good bye for me.  I believe that now more than ever we have to stand up for what is right.  We have an obligation to help President Obama execute his plans for change.  It is now that Americans have to stand up and say, what can I do?

For the time being, I will re-do http://www.demandmorealbany.com/ and http://www.charlievoelker.com/.  I will continue to blog about a variety of subjects and I will continue to stand up for change.  I will continue the fight for a better world.

I said to someone today that we are on the cusp of opportunity with the Democrats controlling all three branches of the United States government.  Will the Democrats use this power to push through an agenda that will change the world?  Or, will they follow the example of other times in history and use this power for greed and exploitation.  I believe that Barack Obama will lead us in the right direction.

I ask the same question about the New York State government.  Can Governor Paterson lead us to prosperity?  Can he put New York on its feet again?  Or will those that have waited so long for their share of the pie spoil the harvest? 

Just to let you know, we can’t let them spoil it.  We have to do our part and stand up for what is right.  We have to make our voices heard because our children can’t.  We owe it to them.

Thanks again and stay with me.  We will continue to do our part.  Have fun.