David Hahn says, "Thank you, Nebraskans."

My sincere thanks go to every Nebraskan who participated in our recent elections.

Many of you ere excited about the ideas that were the foundation of my bid for the governorship, ideas like real and immediate property tax cuts, quality Internet service statewide, realistic help for our family farms, ranches and small businesses, support for the middle class and an innovative energy policy.

Together, we can create a brighter future for all generations of Nebraskans.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

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The above ad (or a close approximation thereof) ran in today's Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal-Star, well-sized and prominently placed. It may have appeared in other newspapers as well. From the perspective of a campaign manager or a political strategist, this sort of spending by an underfunded candidate 12 days after losing a race that wasn't even close would pretty much speak for itself.

But, personally, I think this is one of the classiest moves I've ever seen by a candidate for public office. Who knows what, if anything, the ad foretells of Hahn's political future, but there is something so honorable and so dedicated in its ego-free focus on the ideas that guided Hahn's campaign that it is truly awe-inspiring. Even having lost the election, Hahn has proven once again how good a fit he is for Nebraska and how vital a voice he can still be in shaping a positive agenda for Nebraska's future.

Last week, Hahn also mailed letters of thanks to those who donated their time and money to his campaign. Some would no doubt look at all those stamps and all the printing costs and say this is a man who does not understand campaigning and who had no business running for Governor. But, what I see is a man whose campaign was never about a single vote. . . a man who knew he had something to offer Nebraska and who hasn't given up his struggle for the people and the state he loves.

Campaigns fade. Vote counts are forgotten. But, Hahn's message and his vision aren't going anywhere. He had the right ideas to move Nebraska forward. Although they may have failed to capture the public's attention and imagination in 2006, there are many voters and policy-makers who were intrigued by Hahn's candidacy and who will not let those ideas die.

Take another look at the agenda that fueled Hahn's campaign. Any way you look at it, his was a substantial and impressive contribution to debates on a whole assortment of issues that Nebraska will be dealing with for years to come.

An election may be over but not the fight. David Hahn understands that and continues to sacrifice under this progressive ideal. The New Nebraska Network salutes that passion, thanking Hahn for all he has done and will do to - at last - move our state into the 21st century.