Robin Smith is resigning as chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, saying she is weighing new opportunities.
Ms. Smith, who is from Hixson, is expected to announce soon that she is running for the Third District House seat now held by Zach Wamp.
Here is her letter:
May 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
Earlier today in a conference call with members of the State Executive Committee, I announced my intention to step down as Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party effective May 30, 2009.
As I turn the helm of our great party over to new leadership, I leave with enormous pride in the accomplishments of the past two years. In August of 2007, I stood before our Executive Committee and declared that I wanted my term as Chairman to be one of servant leadership and that my driving goal would be to "Take the Hill." Today, all Tennessee Republicans can declare we contributed to reaching that goal, but our work is not finished.
Over the past few months, I have received a great deal of encouragement to assess how I can be most effective as an advocate for Tennesseans moving forward. I feel that I owe those who have contacted me a thoughtful consideration of all options. There should be no question of my dedication to the work of the Tennessee Republican Party during this process and the groundwork we have laid together allows me to step aside at a strong moment for our party, ensuring a successful transition to the next Chairman.
Working together, Tennessee Republicans made history by putting forward a message of freedom and limited government that rejected the national shift toward unchecked liberalism and delivered the first Republican majority in the Legislature since Reconstruction. I am resolute in my belief that the next Chairman will also make history by electing a Republican governor, expanding our legislative majority and electing true conservative leadership in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
I am forever indebted to the supporters, volunteers and staff of our party. I thank each of you for your encouragement, faith and prayers. You have made it an honor to lead the Tennessee Republican Party.