Friends,

I cannot thank you enough for your support over these past several months.

The result tonight did not turn out the way we had hoped, but the work of protecting Virginia's families and building a safer Commonwealth goes on.

A short time ago, I called Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli and congratulated him on his victory.

I pledged to him as I pledge to you that I will work to make Virginia a safer place to live, work, and prosper – and I will work with him to make that a reality.

This campaign was never just about me. It was about the mothers and fathers in this Commonwealth who worry about their children being safe. It was about working to end gang violence, prevent drunk driving tragedies, and protect children from sex predators.

Those are the reasons I ran, and those are the issues we must continue to work on.

Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli deserve a chance to govern effectively, and I will offer my assistance in any way I can.

This is the obligation we take in our democracy. Today, all of you participated in our electoral process – and I will not forget your efforts on my behalf.

Thank you all for your hard work and your perseverance. I could not have been more proud of the voters I met on the campaign trail – proof that our Commonwealth's strength is truly our people.

Thank you,

Steve Shannon