Newscoma

In it’s entirety.

Dear Representative Armstrong,

I hope this finds you and your family well.

Reading the Nashville press has been quite the adventure this summer:  A trooper making unauthorized background checks; the buyout program not producing as many funds as we needed; revenues still falling behind estimates and our Majority Leader indicating a desire to be Speaker.

According to at least three press stories dating back to June, Representative Odom apparently has decided to challenge Speaker Jimmy Naifeh for Speaker of the House after the November elections.

Since Leader Odom has made his intentions clear, I write today to let you know I intend to run for Democratic Majority Leader.

At a time when what we need is a united front, I regret we have this split among our leadership.  Lack of communication within our leadership is limiting Democrats’ influence and giving the opposition opportunities for success.  Lack of cooperation within our leadership emphasizes our differences resulting in legislation that is not all that it could be.  The time to end these petty power struggles and work together building a better unified coalition of democrats who pass strong, well-considered, thoughtful legislation is now.

What kind of Majority Leader do I intend to be?  I intend to do it the same way that I have led over the last six years as Assistant Majority Leader and Majority Whip:  Listening to you without preconceived notions, caring about you and your constituents and thoughtful consideration and discussion.  Every voice will be heard:  urban and rural; conservative and liberal; East, Middle, and West.  As Majority Leader, I CAN work side by side with you, our Governor, our Speaker and other elected leadership members to ensure that the legislative priorities of our caucus and the lives of our constituents come first, not personal agendas.

The bottom line is that I want to be YOUR Majority Leader and I can serve YOU effectively.

Today, our purpose is clear.  We must elect Democrats in November.  For some that may mean fund raising, for others that may mean campaigning but for all of us that certainly means working to help each other.  If you do not have an opponent, I encourage you to seek out a candidate near you and volunteer to help.  If you do have an opponent, then don’t be shy about asking me or others to help.

When it comes to this fall’s caucus election, I want to count on your vote for me.  I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Mark Maddox