Oops!

Thank You

November 29, 2010

As we wrap things up and close the books on the campaign I want to say one last "thank you" to all who helped me on this grand adventure. I announced my candidacy for Congress on October 1, 2009, and campaigned until the results came in on election night on November 2, 2010. It was a long and winding road. During the last eight months alone I put over 32,000 miles on my red Ford 150 pickup traveling around the Kansas' Big First. I learned a lot about myself, others, and the democratic process that has been part of our country's unique heritage for more than two centuries. All of my individual skills and life experience came into play at one time or another. My staff and I gave it our very best, and I am very proud of our efforts.

There are too many people to thank individually in this short space. But I do need to single out Mom and Dad, Richard, Jeff, Shirley, Marilyn, Shawn, Karen and Kay. Among the highlights of a campaign are the many new friendships forged. And these we will carry forward. There were certainly memorable moments - shared laughs, late nights in the office, the trip to the border, and meals at all times of the day and night across the street from headquarters at Martinelli's.

In defeat I take some consolation over the fact that we were endorsed by every newspaper that offered endorsements in our race - those in the five largest cities along with those in Wichita and Marysville. It was great to, at least for a time, have been at the forefront of the many debates over the major issues that define our times. Those debates go on, and we will continue to participate.

In closing I would like to share a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that was sent to me the day after the election by a friend in Garden City. In a speech at the Sorbonne in 1910 Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic who counts . . . The credit goes to the man who is actually in the arena . . . who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Thank you,

Alan Jilka

Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson:

"As Vice President of his family business, Alan has an acute understanding of the obstacles that small businesses struggle with each day, and is committed to furthering our economic recovery for working-class Kansans."

Read the entire endorsement

The Wichita Eagle:

"Alan Jilka is narrowly the better choice because of his balanced view on issues and his ability to work with others to get things done."

Read the entire endorsement

The Hutchinson News:

"Alan Jilka would be the better and more moderate choice to replace Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan."

Read the entire endorsement

The Hays Daily News:

"Jilka is the only candidate in the mix who already represents mainstream Kansans."

Read the entire endorsement

The Salina Journal:

"(Jilka) is the kind of moderate Kansans should send to Washington. Problems are never black and white, and Jilka shows he understands the various shades of important issues. He is the best choice for voters."

Read the entire endorsement

Kansas State Rep. Dan Johnson (R-Hays):

"As a Dole/Eisenhower Republican, I can honestly say that Alan Jilka is the best person to carry on the tradition of moderate representation in the First District."

The Marysville Advocate:

"If Kansas wants the effectiveness it had in the U.S. House with Bob Dole, Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, Big First voters should look to Jilka. He is far more likely to listen to constituents and cross the aisle to build real solutions."

Read the entire endorsement

Kansas National Education Association President Blake West:

“Kansas NEA teachers interviewed Alan Jilka and we found him to be a thoughtful, reasoned man. He is a true centrist; looking to reach across party lines to do what is best for Kansas and Kansas children. When it comes to our schools, students and teachers, Alan Jilka is the right candidate.”

The Garden City Telegram:

"(Moran's) open seat should be filled by someone who would continue a tradition of moderate leadership in the First District.

While we usually would be eager to support a candidate from this part of Kansas, the ultra-conservative approach of Tim Huelskamp, a Fowler Republican and state senator, alienates not only Democrats but moderate Republicans, as well.

The best candidate would be Alan Jilka, the Salina Democrat.

Upcoming Events

Follow Alan's Events on Facebook

Reception/McPherson | Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Date:  Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Time:  11 a.m. to noon
Location:   The Well, 101 N. Main, McPherson
Description:  Please join us for a reception with Alan Wednesday morning from 11 a.m. to noon at The Well, 101 N. Mian, McPhertson
RSVP via Facebook

LWV forum/Salina | Thursday, October 21, 2010

Date:  Thursday, October 21, 2010
Time:  
Location:  
Description:  
RSVP via Facebook