I found myselve to be referenced an excessive number of times in that speech, and I think it might have something to do with that heated PM exhange a few nights ago.
You shoulda ran agin.
Being in the RPP was actually probably my favorite experience in my nearly five years here, if I had to pick. I wish it was under better circumstances, obviously. The "in the trenches" nature of those many months were dark, for all involved, but being invited into a strange family I didn't belong in was sketchy for awhile. But then, everyone there made me feel like I belonged. Crazy, right?
If you believe in something, stick to it, and there will always be a home for you somewhere. You don't have to get ahead in this game by manipulating people, nor do you have to suffer being manipulated. You don't have to build yes-men surrounding yourself, you can be your own man and still get ahead if you give it the best you've got. Most importantly though, do everything you do for the right reasons and you may just end up building some great bonds with people you never thought you'd create bonds with. When Duke and I ran against each other so long ago in June, 2009, it was vicious and looking back on the RPP board archives, he didn't like me much. But I grew up and eventually recognized what a cock we can all end up being sometimes, and now I consider him a close friend around these parts.
There was a desire by some to scrub the place down aggressively, however I considered that unnecessary, especially if it was to be a serious attempt at building trust.
I am glad you were able to feel so welcomed in our outfit.
I'm flattered by the comparison to Purple State.
Red NY avatar, centrism (at least for a long while), and focused on reform.
Nah, don't see it, Marokai.
I am glad someone else has stated that publically. 
