Dear Friends,

I apologize for taking a few days to sort out my thoughts before releasing a statement regarding the Primary, but felt it was prudent given the nature of this primary and the implications it has on the future of the 4th District and our nation. I left a voice message for Steven Palazzo the night of the Primary to congratulate him and wish him luck in November and we spoke Wednesday morning.

My heart is so full with love and gratitude for the people who have supported me and worked so hard on our campaign. The care and concern shown to me and my family is evidence to me of the graciousness and heart of the people of Mississippi and I truly am a better person having been associated with each of you. I thank all of you who worked for our campaign and took time to vote on Election Day.

I never imagined when we came to Mississippi that I would run for Congress or become actively involved in politics. I knew from the outset that the fact I was not a native son would be difficult for many voters to look past, but I was not about to sit back and do nothing at a time when our country desperately needs citizen leaders, not politicians. We have worked tirelessly for over a year to reach people and I have no doubt if we had more time, we would have garnered the support we would have needed to win. Grassroots takes time to build and this small setback will not stop us from continuing forward to engage people in the process and work to restore our voice at all levels of government. We will take a short break over the next few weeks and then discuss as a campaign how we can continue to grow our organization to mobilize and inspire people to get involved.

I know many of you are trying to decide on the best course of action moving forward and who you will support in November. This is an extremely important decision and one that I will not make lightly. Many of you will remember that I stated I would support Mr. Palazzo after the Primary as long as there was nothing in his conduct that would prevent me from doing so. Over the next few weeks I will weigh what I know about the candidates, speak to a few of them, seek Divine guidance, and make a decision as to who I will support. I will not discuss this publicly. I am no longer a candidate or public servant and as such, I do not feel compelled to share my position on the matter. If I ever run for office again, then I will answer if asked. I encourage each of you to take the necessary steps to make a decision on the matter and vote your conscience. The agenda being driven by the Nancy Pelosi controlled Congress is helping destroy our country and she must be stopped. The sad reality is that this cannot be accomplished without the majority shifting to the Republican Party, regardless of who the candidates are. This is the state of politics in America and is what will ultimately drive good people out of hiding to engage in the system and break the cycle of corruption. I am still determined to do my part, my resolve is firm.

Dutifully Yours,

Joe Tegerdine