Editor, Times-Union: I was honored when I was asked a few weeks ago to consider running for Republican County Chairman. It had been a topic of discussion among certain leading Republicans for several months. They wanted a choice. Many felt left out of the “inner circle”. There were complaints that there were too few meetings for Precinct Committee persons to get to know each other, and to work for the party. I agreed with much of what I heard, and that the voters were entitled to a choice. However, I was not sure it should be me. I was pre-diagnosed with prostate cancer last June. A biopsy showed I didn’t have cancer. Then in July I was told that I had three masses on my right lung that were most likely malignant. This by a lung cancer surgeon and a lung cancer specialist. My wife and I were told that with surgery, chemo and radiation, maybe I would have five years. Last July 25th, I had major lung surgery. They removed all three masses and part of my right lung. No cancer. However, while in recovery from the surgery I had a heart attack. Hours later, my kidneys and pancreas were failing, and my digestive system was shutting down. My life was on the balance. I was in intensive care for twelve days. Then just two months later, last September 25th, I had a four way bypass and in intensive care for another week. I get released from the hospital, and ten days later I am back in intensive care for four days with pneumonia. With a lot of prayers, the hands of wonderful surgeons, and cardiac rehab, I have been on a remarkable recovery. Only a few months after this extensive ordeal, I decided I felt up to running. During this run, I met with, and talked to, almost every Precinct and Vice Precinct committee person. We have many wonderful people and a terrific representation in our Republican Party. Although the end result was not what we wanted, we waged an honorable campaign, (as did the Girod camp). The voters had a choice. We presented ideas that many liked, and hopefully will be considered. We again proved that our process works. Thanks to all that supported me, those who encouraged me to run in the first place, your hard work, and most of all, my ever supportive beloved wife, DeAnna. I am so blessed and grateful. Mike Ragan Warsaw, via email
