In 2004, my wife ran for State Representative as the Democratic candidate in a district that has consistently voted Republican for a century. Afterwards, people would ask if she won, and I'd always reply, yes, she won. She didn't get elected, but she won. I would then go on to outline the many ways her campaign helped the community we were living in at the time.

Now, I am running for State Representative against a seven term incumbent. Some people believe I have little chance of winning, but I've already been wracking up a great collection of victories as I talk to voters in the district and encourage them to become more involved in their community and become better connected to their government.

Last night, I scored another great victory in this area. Last night, I attended the Connecticut Community Providers Association's candidate forum. I went mostly to hear what members of the association had to say, as well as to get more practice at speaking in candidate forums.

I sat with four other candidates, all of them either current or former state legislators. They, and the audience, were bright, and passionate about the issues that face our state, particularly in terms of addressing the needs of underserved populations in our state. I walked away with a few business cards. These were not people who will be able to vote for me next month. Instead, they were people that I look forward to staying in touch with and working with, whether or not I get elected.

It is customary for all candidates to declare victory after a debate or forum, and in some senses, this is no different. Yet I'm counting on this victory being of a more lasting kind.

Now, I just have to keep contacting voters, talking about the issues, and waiting to see if these victories will also add up to me being elected which I hope will end up being a victory for everyone that cares about this state.