Steering Committee:

I write this email with much regret yet much hope.  Last week, I was told that my Delegate, Kris Amundson, had decided to withdraw from her race for the House of Delegates, and that the House Caucus was very interested in me taking up the flag.  After discussing it with my wife, I have decided to declare as a candidate for Delegate in the 44th District of the House of Delegates. 

I am hereby tendering my resignation effective at midnight tonight.

This was not an easy decision.  While running for office is time-consuming, expensive, and stressful, most of my concerns surround leaving my position at FCDC.  While we battle amongst ourselves from time to time, I truly enjoy ruddering this ship.  FCDC has so much potential.  I did not choose to run for Chairman of FCDC on the assumption that I would not serve out my term.  I thought the 2008-2009 election cycle created a perfect opportunity for us to build a permanently vibrant, energetic, and unbeatable Democrat electing machine in this County.  Many of you made commitments to run for your positions only if I would agree to be Chairman.  Those commitments weigh heavily on me.

However, we also cannot afford to have one of our safer Democratic seats become competitive in the last year before redistricting.  I believe I have a lot to offer to the 44th District.  The 44th District has a candidate who has been running for two months, has raised money, and is running hard.  Kris’ resignation came as a complete shock and surprise to me.  No one had any idea it was coming.

We also cannot wait until July 28 to determine a method of nominating a candidate which we are required to do by state law.  Therefore, in my last act as Chair, I hereby call a special meeting of the Steering Committee for this Friday, June 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. to determine the method of nomination for our new candidate for the 44th House of Delegates seat.  I have discussed our options with the DPVA Counsel, the DPVA Vice Chair for Rules, the State Board of Elections, and the Fairfax County Electoral Board.  Although I believe state law permits the Steering Committee to actually select the candidate, I believe in an open process and I intend to draft a proposed call for an unassembled caucus to take place in over two weeks. 

Also, according to the Bylaws, I believe the election of a new chair may only take place at the July 28 FCDC meeting.  In the meantime, Lola Quintela is required to assume the Chair’s duties pending the election of a new chair.  You will be in good hands.

I appreciate all we have accomplished over the last 18 months.  Fairfax County is a better place because of what you have done.  All of the success we have achieved has come due to the fact that FCDC has assembled a terrific team right now.  It all proves that we are strongest when we all work together towards a common goal. We have two Republicans to beat, three open seats to defend, 13 incumbents to protect, and three statewide officers to elect.  There is no time to take any breathers.

Thank you again for all of your hard work and support.  I look forward to watching FCDC continue to strive to be the best local committee in the Commonwealth and the country.

Scott A. Surovell
Chair, FCDC