Posted on 06/21/2012 7:37:40 AM PDT by Gopher Broke
Dear
In April, I announced that I would not seek another term in elected office in order to focus on rebuilding my marriage and my family. That remains my highest priority, and I have concluded that the time has come for my family and me to leave public life. Therefore, earlier today, I submitted to the House Clerk, the Speaker, and Governor McDonnell my resignation from the House of Delegates, effective August 31. To ensure the best possible stewardship of taxpayer resources, I also conveyed my hope that Governor McDonnell will schedule the special election to coincide with the general election on November 6.
Serving the people of the 45th District has been one of the great honors of my life. Shayna and I are so incredibly grateful to the many people who have supported and been a part of our political efforts over the years. We will never forget all of those Team Englin volunteers who knocked on doors or filled our home for hours on end, fighting to move Virginia forward, and we are proud of what so many of us working together were able to accomplish.
Because we have lived such a public life these past several years and invited people so freely into our home and our family, a great many people have been curious for details about our relationship, our family, and our future. While we understand the interest, we hope others understand and respect that leaving public life means living life more privately. We do appreciate the kindness and support of so many well wishers, and we want people to know that this is a glad occasion for our family, as we look forward to a happy life as private citizens.
With today's announcement, Democrats in the 45th District will have just a few weeks to nominate my successor. As one of the most progressive communities in the Commonwealth, the 45th District should be represented by somebody who is willing to stand up without fear to the anti-gay, anti-woman, anti-immigrant extremist social agenda being foisted by House Republicans. That representative must not hesitate to voice the progressive ideals of the district in all matters before the House. Any candidate who enters this race as a stepping stone to statewide office will be too concerned with how his votes, positions, and agenda will play with future voters elsewhere who don't share our community's progressive values. The people of the 45th District deserve a Delegate who is totally devoted to fighting for what's right and not distracted by future political ambitions. Karen Gautney will be that Delegate, and she has my endorsement and my unqualified support.
Karen Gautney and her partner of 23 years are longtime Alexandria residents, and she has a distinguished record of service to our community. Her leadership roles include chairwoman of the Alexandria Commission on Human Rights, president of the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association, and diversity trainer for the domestic violence and sexual assault programs. Karen's early professional experience was in law enforcement as a special agent with the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which gives her insight into the challenges of first responders as well as military service members and veterans. Her promising career as a federal law enforcement officer was cut short unjustly because of her sexual orientation, driving her strong desire to defend the right of all people to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect. She went on to a graduate degree in family therapy and a second career as a non-profit executive in a mental health association. She is passionate about creating policy that helps, not hurts, the healthy functioning of all of Virginia's diverse families.
Karen's diplomacy, wit and tough-minded integrity make her uniquely qualified to break through the disfunction in Richmond and deliver results. I urge everyone who has stood with me over the years as your Delegate to stand with Karen Gautney now and do everything you can to ensure she is the Democratic nominee for this seat. (Learn more about Karen and sign up for her email list at http://www.KarenGautney.com)
Karen faces an uphill battle and needs your help right now. Please click here to contribute to her campaign so she has the resources she needs to be our strong, progressive voice in Richmond.
Thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve, and best wishes for the future.
Sincerely,
OMG....
The boobs in Alexandria continue to amaze...govt boobs all.
No excuse for this and Moron as a rep....
Thank you for NOT posting a picture..
What a warped gang of weirdos the democrats have become.
Sick,he must be drinking the democrats kool-aid..
Sick,he must be drinking the democrats kool-aid..
Why would people be "curious" about their lifestyle? I live in western Fairfax County, and I haven't heard anything about this guy.
My plan to retire to the Commonwealth of Virginia is unraveling.
The malignant NoVa cancer is metasticizing at a furious rate.
I was hoping I could add my conservative votes to the Commonwealth but it sounds like Virginia’s liberal transformation is outpacing any likely influx of new conservative voters. I guess that is to be expected when the DC Fed Gov employee rolls swell to ever lofty heights.
The People's Republic of Northern VA is an aberration, most of VA is more conservative than those that suck off the govt. teat........
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