PRESS RELEASE
"It was a wild ride, and a terrific experience," Dr. Peter D. Ferguson commented after losing the House seat November 3 to a 26 year Republican incumbent in Ohio.
"We pulled 65,000 votes - but we just didn't have enough funding to get our message out." Ferguson enjoyed record financial support from the chiropractic profession, but at about $1.25 per chiropractor it wasn't enough. Local fundraising efforts were extensive, with events sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats, but paled against the easy money raised by the incumbent.
"A good House race generally costs between $500,000 and $850,000 - and we ran our campaign on a mere fraction of that. We made record inroads against the incumbent, pulling a third more votes than any challenger ever has."
Ferguson expressed optimism about the future. "No chiropractor has ever gone this far, and been this effective against such a well-entrenched incumbent. We learned a lot, and we're well positioned for the next race."
Citing experience gained in fundraising, "stump" speaking, scheduling, and advertising, Ferguson affirmed his satisfaction with the initial run. "We secured endorsements from the unions for two of the largest employers in the area, steelworkers and the Hoover plant. We also pulled the police and trial lawyers endorsements, which means our message was heard across all economic and educational lines."
Ferguson swept the primary race, uniting district Democrats behind his message which focused on health care rights for patients.
"Funding limitations kept us from being able to illuminate the rest of our plan, which included emphasis on social security, early childhood education, worker safety, sanctity of pension plans, and stewardship of environmental resources," he observed. "Building a stronger campaign organization can overcome some of the dollar crunch, but we'll also need to broaden the contributor base."
What was most exciting and rewarding about the campaign? "For me, as a doctor in practice for over 25 years, it was the unqualified support of chiropractors in Ohio and around the nation. I heard from one young doctor who had been in practice just eight weeks, and sent a small contribution with a note saying he wished it was more, but he understood the importance to the profession of having a chiropractor on the inside in Congress."
Another contributor did the same. "He had lost his practice of 35 years and his family, but still sent a contribution along with his belief that this is the future for our profession."
It's just beginning for Ferguson. After a well-deserved rest, he will be preparing the groundwork for the next election cycle. "I am both humbled and empowered by the faith people have shown in me. Our day was not today, but the sun will rise on the dream and I intend to make it happen."
Supporters can contact Dr. Ferguson at P.O. Box 224, Middlebranch, OH 44652-0224, (330) 493-7970, or E-mail: Pete4U@neo.Lrun.com
Questions about this release? Contact Donna M. Liewer (970) 724-9626
November 4, 1998
