Friends --

Over the past couple weeks, I've been surprised at how many times I've been asked what the Frederick family is up to, and gotten "we haven't heard from Jeff in a while". Surprising too are those that think I'll be on the ballot next month.

Well, back in late July, I sent a letter to thousands of people who have supported my efforts in politics over the years, and stuck by me through the highs and lows (if that's not you, please disregard this message). It was mailed via the U.S. Postal Service, but apparently a number of folks didn't get it.

For those that didn't, you can read it below, which sums up well my current status. My apologies if you should have gotten this in your mailbox as a hard copy but for whatever reason did not.

Aside from the below letter, here's the most recent update: we're all doing great. We've been crazy busy, which has been a bit of an astonishment given our hopes and expectations for a slow summer (and now fall), and the fact we aren't campaigning for anything this year. Yet, we consider the abundant activity to be a blessing.

I've spent considerable time trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up, and in the process have done some grassroots/grasstops public affairs work (some say I know a thing or two about that); have done some technology projects; and am on the verge of starting up a real estate investment firm. I'll fill you in on more of that at the appropriate time. Lots of balls in the air, but I guess that's just me being me.

Amy got a nice promotion at work is busier there than she's ever been. Lately, it's been working to stop a government takeover of our health care system (you haven't heard anything about that, have you?). Gracie started school (well, Montessori school) and hasn't looked back. While some kids get a little teary eyed on their first day, Gracie ran right in with a quick "bye mom". Izzy is not even a year old yet and is almost walking.

I gave up my X3 and we finally succumbed to getting a mini van. It's a cool one, though -- a new Honda Odyssey with all the bells and whistles (movie time on the way to grandma's!).

And finally, we are planning a move to a great single family home with an beautiful wrap-around porch right on Lake Montclair (we're just waiting on the seller's bank to approve the sale).

Anyway, I hope and trust you and your family had a wonderful summer and are having a great fall.

We're blessed to be able to call so many great people our friends. One of the (few) downsides of not campaigning this fall is not being in as close touch with folks as we have been over the last several years. Then again, I'm not calling you asking for money either! :-)

-JMF.

*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'*'
Jeffrey M. Frederick
House of Delegates | Fifty-Second District
Commonwealth of Virginia

http://va52.com | http://votejeff.com
delegate@va52.com | jeff@votejeff.com

July 15, 2009

Dear Friends:

          It has been the greatest honor of my life to be able to serve and represent the citizens of eastern Prince William County in the House of Delegates, especially as the first Hispanic to ever serve in elected Virginia government.

          While it hasn't made me the most popular person in Richmond, I've always put principle over politics and partnered with anyone willing to place the people ahead of the special interests. I have worked day and night to provide honest, pro-active, responsive, and accessible representation to better the lives of those I represent – as well as all Virginians.

          And, I’ve doggedly kept my promises and have done what I said I’d do, even when it’s been difficult.

          As you likely know, last year I was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. I ran for this position to rebuild and reshape my Party into an organization that operated similar to the way I have served the people of the 52nd District: a Party that brings new people into the process; does what it says it will do; and works to make Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

          In seeking that job, I promised that I would not seek re-election to the House if I were to win the Chairmanship. I did win that job, and as you may have heard, earlier this year, I announced that I would not run for a fourth term in the House of Delegates.

          Of course, as you may also know, the Chairmanship thing didn’t work out so well. After I overwhelmingly defeated the Republican establishment last year in a statewide convention to win the job, a small group of Party insiders immediately began working to overturn that election. They were finally successful this past spring. I am no longer Chairman.

          But that’s okay.

          I learned quite a bit as a result of my experience as a chief partisan – among the lessons, it turns out, is that I'm not that great of a top party cheerleader. In my time running for and in public office, I have had to be the non-partisan, mostly because of the composure of my district (but I have been able to do so without compromising my principles – not one bit). I’ve realized that being a “conservative” is much more in my nature than being a “Republican”, and some of my missteps as Chairman (particularly in the press) highlighted my discomfort in campaigning for Party versus ideas. I need not be loyal to a Party label, but rather to what that label is supposed to represent. It is the principles and values I am committed to, not politics.

          Notwithstanding recent events, however, I am still keeping my promise not to run for re-election to the House. Having immersed our life into Virginia politics over the last 8 years (which started before our daughters were born), Amy and I are very excited about the prospect of taking a break from public and partisan office.

          Although rest assured, God willing, it won’t be a long sabbatical.

          Yet, almost everyday now, we’re introduced to incredible new opportunities (both professional and personal) that we would not have been able to take advantage of had I still been Chairman or if I was seeking re-election this year.

          So, even if I never seek office again, we’ve had a great run and made a difference – which would not have been possible without the help, support, encouragement, and prayers from so many.

          Amy and I thank you for your help. We’re grateful for it. We won’t forget it.

          We have been humbled and inspired by the people we’ve met and the relationships we’ve built over the years. We look forward to those relationships continuing.

          Our very best wishes are with you. We hope you will keep in touch, and we will make an effort to do the same.

Sincerely,

Jeff Frederick