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Dear Executive Committee members,

After the 2010 election cycle, we saw good friends and solid Democrats turned away by what

most political pundits claim was pure anger. I think it is clear that such anger was

manufactured by a desperate Republican party without an agenda but with a knack for

exploiting fear. Fear was the most powerful political force employed by Republicans ...again.

Concerned for the health of our party but hopeful for its future, I ask for your vote as I seek

the chairmanship of the Tennessee Democratic Party.

As Democrats, what we offer is a plan to continue fixing our ailing economy: a plan that

provides hope, not fear , and above all unity. We need to communicate that plan more

effectively. Through years of hard work, we have been the party that has built up our middle

class, protected jobs, and taken over the bold task to protect people over special corporate

interests.

What makes us Democrats is no mystery. It is on the mind of the elderly voter who, amidst a

clamoring Tea Party, chose to vote Democrat in 2010. It is in the heart of the Democratic

student at college who had to make it to the polls to secure the same opportunity for others.

We are Tennessee Democrats looking out for the single mother, the working father, and the

most dispossessed of our communities. We are Democrats because we give everyone a reason

to hold out hope for the future.

The previous election cycle suffered from a lack of a clear-cut message from Democrats.

More often than not, voters were distracted by the screaming antics of a right-wing sideshow.

When they heard a Democratic message in Tennessee, they heard little more than a faint

noise. I will work to improve our messaging and the way we and others talk about Tennessee

Democrats.

Another great obstacle that we have always faced is achieving unity out of our diverse

communities, circumstances, and backgrounds. We need someone who can build productive

coalitions, execute sound judgment, and understand the complexities of our state, both rural

and urban. It is not enough that we have incorporated new technology and tactics in our

efforts to win elections; the results of the last cycle prove that. We must rebuild the

institutions that made our party strong, collaborate with Democrats of all perspectives, and

learn from experienced local voices like yours. I am dedicated to bringing together all of the

stakeholders in the Democratic Party as we make critical changes to our statewide strategy.

I am from rural Sumner County—a place not unlike the places where you live, but a place that

has changed tremendously. I have worked with Democrats in our rural counties and thriving

cities, and I know our core Democratic values can unite our party. It must be preached and

proven that we are the party best-suited to move our state into a future where our children

and grandchildren can receive a solid education and good jobs locally.

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As our economy slowly recovers and Tennessee Democrats are no longer in the majority in the

Legislature, our state party will have to work harder than ever to raise the funds necessary to

wage quality campaigns in 2012. Just as families across our state are tightening their belts,

our party chairperson must become a better steward of donors’ contributions. The expenses

of the past two years have been redundant and wasteful. I will limit the costs in Nashville to

make sure our money is spent reaching voters in your districts.

Our party will be defined by the decisions we make following the recent elections. The

current chairman’s defensive responses and dismissive attitude towards his critics reveal a

leadership response that is at best half-awake to the present realities we face. Aside from

the recent legislative defeats, he is incapable of uniting our party. I respect his service as a

loyal and faithful Democrat, but I disagree with his request to seek an extension.

I have been listening to members of the committee who live in the places where our

Democratic losses have mounted over the last decade. As your chairman, I promise I will

spend my time working where you work. I will listen to your ideas for building up our party

following this recent, disastrous election season. If you give me the opportunity to serve youand our party, then rest assured, you will see me in your districts. You are the voice and soul

of our party and have valuable insight into how we can rebuild. You can ensure our state

moves forward with the Democratic principles and values we hold dearly.

In the weeks leading up to this election, I want to hear from you and tell you about myself 

and the plans I have for our party. I look forward to talking with you and earning your

friendship and respect.

If you give me the opportunity to help rebuild the Tennessee Democratic Party, I will make

sure we do it with diplomacy, unity, and sound judgment. Thank you for allowing me the

opportunity to share with you my hope to become the next chairman of the TennesseeDemocratic Party.

Faithfully,

Wade Munday

(615) 477-2009