I can't say that I was always a Democratic activist.  In fact, I don't think of myself as one now.    I worked with non-profit organizations for the past eight years.  I adopted highways.  I dished out meals.  I built houses.  I donated to the United Way.  In general, I felt like I made a difference in my world.  I didn't, however, vote.  The road of my life has drifted over the past eight years, but where I stood yesterday was no where I ever envisioned I'd be.  That journey was important, and I think it's one many of you are taking as well.  In several ways, my journey ended Saturday morning with a Senate candidate sleeping on my couch, but a new one is about to begin.  I'd like to share with you