Burnt Orange Report

Texas Dem Chair to Resign

By Byron LaMasters

Here is the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sean Michael Byrne
September 16, 2003 (512) 478-9800

Malcolm to Resign as TDP Chairwoman

AUSTIN – Saying she “can no longer devote the necessary time and attention this job requires,” Texas Democratic Party Chairwoman Molly Malcolm informed the State Democratic Executive Committee today that she is resigning her post to focus on her family responsibilities.

“As I said several months ago, I intended to fulfill the remainder of my third term as Chairwoman of the Texas Democratic Party,” Malcolm wrote (attached). “There were important projects to complete, and I wanted to pave the way for the next Chair.

“However, family comes first. My obligations at home are now such that I can no longer devote the necessary time and attention this job requires,” she stated.

Malcolm wrote that she leaves with “many warm memories” and ticked off a list of accomplishments, including:

Achieving financial security and erasing the party’s debt
Improving communications and party message
Re-establishing the state party as a player in the national party
Creating a Veterans Caucus
Initiating a grassroots training program
Recruiting young people in to the party

Malcolm’s resignation is effective October 25. That same day, the 64 voting members of the SDEC will meet and hold an election for a new chair.

Malcolm’s letter is below:

September 16, 2003

Dear Friend:

As I said several months ago, I intended to fulfill the remainder of my third term as Chairwoman of the Texas Democratic Party. There were important projects to complete, and I wanted to pave the way for the next Chair.

However, family comes first. My obligations at home are now such that I can no longer devote the necessary time and attention this job requires.

In accordance with the rules of the Texas Democratic Party, this letter serves as written notice that I am resigning as Chair, effective October 25. On that date, the State Democratic Executive Committee will meet in Austin and hold an election for a new chair.

This has been a very difficult decision. Serving as the TDP Chair has been a tremendous honor. I take comfort in the fact that we have an extremely able and experienced staff that can provide a smooth transition for the next chair.

I leave this post with many warm memories. During my five and a half years, the Party has achieved financial stability and is no longer in debt. We vastly improved our communications and delivered a message that sharply contrasted with the Republicans’ hard-hearted, extreme conservatism. I also am proud that we were able to re-establish the state party as a key player in the national party. Plus, we created the Veterans Caucus, initiated a new and improved grassroots training program, and successfully recruited young people into the Party.

Thank you so much for your help. Thank you for the honor of serving you. I’m not going away completely. I’ll continue to serve our Party, only now in a way that does not conflict with my family responsibilities.

Proud to be a Democrat,
Molly Beth Malcolm