Dear editor,

Congratulations to John Deffenbaugh, District 1’s newly elected state representative. John is a wonderful man and has been a classy and worthy opponent in this year’s race. I think I can speak for all the citizens of District 1 in wishing John the very best success as our newly elected state representative. And special congratulations are in order for being Dade County’s first elected state representative in more than 40 years.

I want to thank the more than 5,000 voters in District 1 who cast their votes for me. It is indeed an honor to have had so many around our area do so. This past year has been my first political campaign, and it has been a wonderful experience meeting so many of you, and I look forward to continuing to develop the many new relationships that have been forged over these past few months. I remain as committed to re-building an effective two-party system here in northwest Georgia now as I was before the election, and the push to do so by no means ends with this election; it merely begins.

I also send congratulations out to tonight’s winners in other area state races. To State Sen. Jeff Mullis and State Rep. Jay Neal; I hope that as you add to your years of service on behalf of Georgians in our area, that you assist John in any way you can as he makes the adjustment into being our new state representative.

Finally, congratulations and thanks go out to all local candidates in Dade and Walker counties. I salute all who put forth the time and effort to serve your respective counties, and extend best wishes to Tuesday’s winners as our counties move forward into the future.

Again, thank you for your consideration, and God bless our state and nation.

Tom McMahan, Rising Fawn, Ga.