John Tedesco Expresses his Sincere Thanks | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

Faith & Works - Thank you all.

    I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you; so many of you made a difference in big ways and small for our campaign. We ran a true grassroots campaign, pounding pavement, making calls, sending emails, knocking doors, and more for nearly a year across 100 counties. It was truly an honor to be our nominee. We earned nearly 2 million votes and while we came up a bit short in our run for North Carolina's Superintendent we can all be proud that we ran an honorable campaign. We raised many important issues in our call for an improved education system for the 1.5 million children in North Carolina.

    Experts say the power of incumbency is a tough one to overcome. Having already established resources, organization, campaign infrastructure, and years of name ID, puts one far ahead of the curve in a statewide race. This advantage is especially stronger lower down the ballot during a very tight national race in our state. In NC all incumbents running for our Council of State executive posts retained their seats last night. New to the Council will be our new Governor, Pat McCrory (http://www.patmccrory.com/ ), and Lt. Gov., Dan Forest (http://www.danforest.com/ ). We are very proud of both of you and know you will lead us well.

    Throughout this year I had repeatedly noted my respect for my opponent and her long standing service to our state. Last night, I called Ms. Atkinson to congratulate her and wish her continued success in her third term. I informed her that I was here to help in any way I can, whether it be from my post here on the Wake County Board of Education or as a vocal advocate for better schools across our state. My lifelong passion of helping our children is rooted in who I am and will always remain.

    While this has certainly been a very challenging year for me and my family, it was an incredible blessing at the same time. My family has sacrificed much, endured much and worked tirelessly as I ran hard across NC for nearly a year during 3 distinct statewide campaigns - a primary, a run-off, and the general election. We trusted in our faith and committed all we had to press forward.

    At the same time we met so many amazing people across North Carolina; people who want better for their community and their children; people who have also worked so hard and sacrificed much. As I have logged over 50,000 miles I have seen nearly every beautiful corner of North Carolina. I have heard your stories, your hopes and your dreams. I have been deeply touched by each of you who would sacrifice as you did to help me.I remain humbled and awed by your support and prayers.

    Jenni and I have made many new friends for life. We are thankful to our family, friends, and so many volunteers across North Carolina - from the mountains to the coast. Words cannot express our grateful appreciation for each and every one of you, so I will simply say thank you.

    Now, I believe there is no authority given to man except by God. At the same time I know that "faith without works is dead" - so we worked tirelessly; as did so many others across NC on our behalf. We have no regrets having left it all on the field. In the end we left it in God's hands knowing we have done all we can do with what we had.

    I am a firm believer in prayer. So please pray for me and my family in these days ahead. While this is not my time to lead in this particular role, I pray God grant guidance and wisdom as me and my family move forward to discover a new path. Sometimes when you lose yourself in the service of others you actually find yourself.

    One of the greatest joys of this campaign was sharing my personal testimony and hearing how God has worked in so many people's lives. It was an opportunity that would renew me time and time again as I would tire. On the road I listened repeatedly to a song called"Learning to be the Light" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bRMemJf5EQ )(click the link to hear the song) The song reminded me that this campaign was an opportunity for continued reflection of where God's blessings have brought me, and how God's Grace continues to carry me. It was a chance to share what the power of a loving God can do, and that in itself is a victory.

    Thank you all,

    John Tedesco

    Thank you from Jenni & John

    www.Tedesco4kids.com

    Paidfor by Tedesco 4 Kids Campaign Committee

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    Garner, NC 27529
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