This election is historic because the voters reaffirmed President Obama’s vision of an America where "no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, you can make it if you try."

While not every race was a victory, Democrats here in Sarasota County did their part. I believe the tide of fear and division has been turned, and America will move forward. We can’t stop now. We will build upon America’s strengths and continue the work that has been started. As President Obama said during his final campaign appearance in Iowa:

 "As long as there’s a single American who wants a job but can’t find one, as long as there are families working harder but still falling behind, as long as there’s a child still in Des Moines, anywhere in Iowa, anywhere in this country languishing in poverty, barred from opportunity,our work is not done."

In fact, our work is just beginning. Americans must move forward together to deal with the problems and the opportunities facing us as a nation, a state and in our local communities.

It is the greatness of the democratic vision of this country that our giant leaps toward a better world are made by countless small steps by individuals. We are those individuals -- each of us. We care. We voted. And we must continue to work every day for our values and our vision of what America can be, because together we can make this a better world.