Ciro Out, Ciro In

As you are no doubt aware by now, Ciro Rodriguez (D-San Antoinio) got out of the race for CD-23 earlier this week. Then, on Friday, he got back in at the request of constituants in his district.

His remarks from a Friday press conference are below the jump:

I want to thank you for being here today.
This had been an emotional two (2) days for me and my family.

We all know that running for Congress takes considerable resources.
On Wednesday, I considered whether I should continue this race.
Let me say that, since then, I have been humbled by the out pouring of support.
Since Wednesday night, my phone has not stopped ringing.
People have been dropping by the headquarters to offer their kind words, their encouragement, and their financial support.

These constituents have been asking me to continue and be their voice, to stand with them again, as I always have.

The people here today, and the people across the 23rd district who called to say that they want me to continue in this race are standing with me.

They are grassroots people who don’t have much money to give, but they have given me their time, kind words, energy and commitment.

It is for them, and for those who want a choice —

Those who have said they want a representative to speak for them, it is for them that I declare that I am fully committed to continuing this campaign.

I may not be a millionaire, or funded by DC lobbyists, but I have resources at my disposal more important than money.
It is the people of the 23rd district.

It is for them that I have agreed to continue our campaign for the 23rd congressional district.

This is about representing the struggling working families who get up every day and go to work to make ends meet.

This is about giving a voice to our community.

This is about bringing back America and addressing issues such as:  The war, terrorism, gas prices, health care, veterans, social security, and education.

The 23rd district constituents and those who have said they have “had enough” and want CHANGE.

As long as I have the support of the people I will continue this campaign.

I want to thank them for standing with me and together we will make a difference

And we will bring the change to Washington that the people in this “new” district are calling for.