News Blog
Warner may withdraw from Democratic chair race
Ken Warner may be ending his controversial bid for chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee.
Today, Warner sent an e-mail to at least some committee members announcing his decision. He's retiring from Unicon, a collaboration of the local construction industry and building trades, at the end of the month. And he says in his e-mail, which was obtained by City, that he's been offered "a truly great opportunity outside of Democratic politics" that's "an offer I can't refuse."
Last month, Mayor Lovely Warren sent a letter to some Monroe County Democratic Committee members urging them not to vote for Warner as chair. She said he was a divisive candidate who campaigned against her after she won last year's Democratic mayoral primary; Warner campaigned for former Mayor Tom Richards on the Independence Party line after he lost to Warren in that primary.
Warner could not immediately be reached for comment. The text of his e-mail appears below:
Today, Warner sent an e-mail to at least some committee members announcing his decision. He's retiring from Unicon, a collaboration of the local construction industry and building trades, at the end of the month. And he says in his e-mail, which was obtained by City, that he's been offered "a truly great opportunity outside of Democratic politics" that's "an offer I can't refuse."
Last month, Mayor Lovely Warren sent a letter to some Monroe County Democratic Committee members urging them not to vote for Warner as chair. She said he was a divisive candidate who campaigned against her after she won last year's Democratic mayoral primary; Warner campaigned for former Mayor Tom Richards on the Independence Party line after he lost to Warren in that primary.
Warner could not immediately be reached for comment. The text of his e-mail appears below:
Happy Primary Day! —
These are exciting times for the Monroe County Democratic Party. By day's end, much will be decided about the direction in which we will be headed and the opportunities we will have to bring government in our community back to the people.
I want to thank you for the time you have taken out to meet with me in my quest to lead the Democratic Party. And for all your effort on my behalf. This has been a truly great experience and I really appreciate all the time, consideration, and support that so many have given me as I crisscrossed the County learning about the needs and direction people want for MCDC.
But, in a strange turn of events, I have recently been offered a truly great opportunity outside of Democratic Politics. I thought about it long and hard over this past weekend and have decided to accept it. When I resigned from my position as Executive Director at UNICON, what I didn't realize is the number of doors that would open for me, and — this one in particular, which begins after the New Year — is an offer I can't refuse.
Consequently, I am withdrawing my name for consideration as Party Chair. I wish you all the luck with the 2015 elections that we talked about and shared hopes for. We are fortunate to have so many great people who care about the Democratic Party and its future.
Again, thank you for all your efforts and I hope to see you soon.
regards,
Ken Warner
