Personal Note From Christopher Ruddy
Dear Newsmax Readers:
I want to drop a note to you all about the recent Florida election.
I was honored to join Bill McCollum on election night in Orlando. Bill did not win, but in my book, he did not lose, either.
When you fight a good fight against a candidate with an overwhelming bank account, and you don't have the establishment media in your corner, it is an uphill battle.
As Theodore Roosevelt once remarked, the credit always goes to the "man in the arena" fighting for what he believes in against the odds.
Bill was that man in the arena.
As you know, Newsmax rarely endorses candidates in primary elections. However, I found Bill to be a man of remarkable integrity who has a tremendous record of service to his country.
I am glad Newsmax supported him and befriended him during this campaign.
I also am glad I befriended Bill's supporters and his campaign team, who were excellent, extremely responsive, and hard working.
Their priority was to make Florida a great state and to continue the conservative legacy of Jeb Bush in Tallahassee, a legacy that has helped Florida avoid the fiscal problems now plaguing states such as California and New York.
Also, I appreciate that Jeb Bush, Dick Morris, Mike Reagan, Mike Huckabee, Steve Forbes, Adam Hasner, John Stemberger, and many other conservatives took a courageous stand and backed Bill McCollum.
This election was actually quite close. As it turned out, a little-known third candidate in the race drew a surprising number of voters.
In my opinion, this led to the surprise result.
Well, I am sure there will be other victories ahead for all of us because we believe in doing what is right.
Thank you.
Yours,
Christopher Ruddy
Newsmax CEO and Editor