Dick Cranwell Decides to Stay on as DPVA Chair: Reaction by Kaine, Warner, Webb

From the DPVA:

Kaine, Warner, Webb Comment on Cranwell Announcement
DPVA Chair Plans to Stay for Second Term

RICHMOND - Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman C. Richard Cranwell announced Wednesday that he plans to run for re-election at June's State Central Committee meeting.

"I made this decision because we are at a critical time in Virginia's history," Cranwell wrote in a letter Wednesday to the DPVA's State Central Committee. "My decision is a reflection of stability within the party and confidence in our message and values rooted in the middle-class."

Cranwell was elected to a four-year term as Party Chairman in June 2005. During Cranwell's term, Democrats have won the Governor's election in 2005, picked up two U.S. Senate seats, gained three U.S. House seats, and taken control of the State Senate.

During Cranwell's tenure, the Republican Party of Virginia has had five chairs: Kate Obenshain Griffin (2004-2006), Ed Gillespie (2006-2007), Interim Chair Mike Thomas (2007), John Hager (2007-2008) and Jeff Frederick (2008-present).

Governor Tim Kaine, Senator Jim Webb and Senator Mark Warner released the following statements Wednesday on Cranwell's decision:

Governor Tim Kaine:
"I was very excited to hear that Chairman Cranwell plans to stay on as Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia for a second term. Dick is a good friend and has provided tremendous leadership for the Commonwealth as a leader in Virginia's General Assembly and as Chairman of the Democratic Party since my campaign in 2005.

"Under Dick's stewardship as Chair, we've seen the Democratic Party in Virginia thrive: taking back the state senate, winning a congressional majority, taking both U.S. Senate seats, and winning the presidency for the first time in 44 years.

"Dick is a thoughtful public servant and I look forward to working closely with him to elect common-sense, results-oriented leaders across Virginia."

U.S. Senator Jim Webb:
"The Democratic Party of Virginia has achieved extraordinary gains under the leadership of Chairman Cranwell. We recaptured the Virginia Senate, added to our numbers in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and put Virginia in the Democratic column in a presidential election for the first time since 1964. I am very pleased that Chairman Cranwell will continue to serve the Party as Chairman, and I look forward to continued gains in the years ahead."

U.S. Senator Mark Warner:
"I appreciate Dick's willingness to continue his service as our Party Chair. Dick always speaks with a strong, clear voice, and he's been especially effective at strengthening the Party's successful efforts to build at the local level. I look forward to continuing to work with him."

The full text of Cranwell's letter is below.

Please see the comments section for Dick Cranwell's letter.