Fifteen months ago, when Governor Beshear asked that I serve as the Kentucky Democratic Party Chair, I welcomed the challenge and was appreciative of the opportunity to work with you. Traveling from Fulton to Pike Counties and everywhere in between, I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the Democratic Party across the Commonwealth.
As I prepare to return full-time to my law practice in Louisville, I have reflected on all we have accomplished together the past 21 months during my tenure as KDP Chair and Vice Chair. Together, we took part in an astounding renewal of the Kentucky Democratic Party. We helped elect Governor Steve Beshear, won five of seven special elections, and maintained every Democratic seat in Congress and picked up seats in the State House and State Senate. I believe firmly that we are now positioned to take back Senator Wendell Ford's seat in 2010.
Together, we did so much more than campaigns as usual. We concentrated on building the party from the ground up. We increased the number of Democrats who participated in the reorganization of the party from the precinct level to State Central to more than 5,000, many of whom are new to the party. We hosted a free training for all Democratic candidates, county chairs, and activists. We devoted a substantial amount of money to developing one of the best voter files in the country and providing that as an in-kind contribution to all Democratic candidates, a program unheard of in other states. We focused on being a party of inclusion by communicating regularly through our weekly email blasts, monthly electronic newsletter, talking points to elected officials and party leaders, and our redesigned website. And, in order to accomplish all of this, with your help we raised more than $3 million since December 2007.
We could not have done any of this without your leadership and the dedication and commitment of our Governor, Vice Chair Nathan Smith, elected officials, county chairs, and the entire staff at KDP. I have witnessed a desire for change that has made being your Chair one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I will treasure my time serving as KDP Chair and Vice Chair, and I owe a special thanks to our Governor for having the confidence in me to serve as his administration's first party chair. I look forward to continuing to work with you to elect Democrats for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Jennifer A. Moore
