Participation and excitement within the Democratic Party is at an all time high. The vigorous race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continues to invigorate the party, and draw new members.  Participation in local Democratic District meetings, caucuses, and primaries has exploded. States which normally enjoy no influence in nomineee selection are suddenly meaningful, and excited. Meanwhile, voters get the benefit of learning more and more about both candidates each day. Remind me again why this is damaging the Democratic Party? At least, this is the reason most often cited why Clinton should drop. 

It is not surprising this pressure comes almost exclusively from Barack Obama's campaign and supporters. What is surprising is that a constituency so focused on promise and hope would be urging someone to quit, because it's hopeless.

Perhaps a wonky winner, I've always considered it a letdown to claim a victory due to forfeit. And we're talking about the Presidency of the United States--it is not like asking someone to step aside politiely in the line at the bank.

Hillary has earned about half the popular vote, routinely exceeds her opponent and the GOP candidate in daily electoral math, and has a following just as strong and passionate as her opponent. She has won all the deep blue states despite being outspent and maneuvered in caucus states that will never elect a Democrat President.

And if any damage is occuring in the party, it is not because 2 great candidates are running. Democrats themselves, individually, are accountable and need to own their beliefs & behavior.

Each and every individual participant contributes to the spirit of this primary season, and to the level of divisiveness. Instead of finding reasons to win by default, step aside and understand the gift of having two great candidates. Let it play out. We don't have to tear down one candidate to support the other. It is up to us to stop making it black or white--this is a process and it is healthy.

We the undersigned believe the contest for the Democratic Nomination, between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, should continue. We believe as many states and voters as possible should be heard in this very close race.

We understand that neither candidate will earn the requisite 2025 pledged delegates to win the nomination outright. We understand both candidates need to earn the support of Super Delegates to win, and if this does not bring them to 2025 it will be decided another way.  It is not a contest of plurality.

Additionally, we appreciate and recognize the invigoration and unprecedented levels of participation this primary season has drawn for the Democratic Party. We understand that the facts contradict those, almost invariably supporters of Barack Obama, who say this is bad for the Democratic Party.

Half of Democrats Nationwide support Hillary Clinton, and are weary of our candidate being pressured to "quit because it's hopeless" by a campaign and constituency supposedly driven by hope and promise. The contradiction is not lost on us. For every negative comment we hear--for every subtle or overt pressure placed--we work harder. We are tirelessly committed, and relentlessly optimistic. We are not quitters, and neither is our candidate. We won't apologize for not making the nomination for the Presidency convenient to acquire for her worthy opponent. The very quality revealed by Hillary not quitting is merely showcasing why she is the best choice for President.

Thank you for signing this petition to keep Senator Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic Nomination.