August

24, 2013 Mr. Gabriel Albornoz, Chairperson Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Regarding: The District 15 Maryland Legislative Senate Vacancy Dear Chairperson Albornoz: Several weeks ago many leaders of underrepresented communities from around Montgomery County met to voice our concern that the selection of a replacement for outgoing Senator Robert Garagiola appeared to be a foregone conclusion. The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) has the important job in the event of a vacancy in Montgomery Countys delegation to Annapolis, to vet candidates through a very thorough, public and democratic process. The members of the Committee have been heavily lobbied from the time Senator Rob Garagiola announced his intention to step down from his seat before the end of his term. The above activism as well as my own communications forced me to acknowledge that commitments were made prior to concluding the official vetting process. The leaders of the underrepresented communities believed that it was important to offer a qualified candidate from these communities to participate in the MCDCCs process for choosing a candidate for either one of the following options: (1) the remainder of Senator Garagiolas term who would run in the June primary election, or (2) the remainder of the term who could serve as an interim Senator and would not run in the June primary election. We offered Option 2, of an interim Senator to enable District 15 voters to choose their candidate in the June primary; this also would have energized the grass roots through engagement of new volunteers. Moreover, such an appointment would have brought onboard for the first time in history, a member of an underrepresented group. The leaders of underrepresented communities in Montgomery County are painfully aware that never in the history of Montgomery County has even one of the countys eight state senate seats been held by a senator representing an underrepresented community. This historic inequity was highlighted by the

2010 census, which confirmed what many had suspected for a long time: most residents of the county are racial minorities. However, relative to their numbers, underrepresented communities have remained marginalized in Montgomery County's political life. After the census, the states Redistricting Advisory Committee (GRAC) proposed a map that had only two out of the eight legislative districts where the minority population exceeded 50 percent. In addition, lines were drawn that watered down the influence of underrepresented communities; these lines were drawn over the objections of our community leaders. Underrepresented communities believed that the opening up of a Senate seat in District 15 offers an opportunity to level the playing field in light of the redistricting decisions that set our communities back. This appointment also could help close the demographic disparity between representatives and whom they represent. I believe that my involvement in the District 15 vacancy process has been an important step forward for underrepresented people and also for the Democratic Party in Montgomery County. The discouraging electronic traffic on my candidacy has illuminated for all of us, the fact that we have a long way to go to change the mindset of those who are apprehensive about inclusion. Having spent many years participating, volunteering and raising money for candidates, it is clear that these underrepresented communities must organize themselves for the future of the county that we all love so much. As you are aware, the submission of my application generated a flurry of questions, emails and concerns about my motivations for running and I was discouraged or urged to withdraw by various individuals including elected officials. I would like to be clear that the reason that I sought the position was to bring my expertise to the Maryland legislature and to enable the voters in district 15 to cast their vote next year. After going through interviews with four state legislative districts and after consulting with leaders of underrepresented communities in Montgomery County, I believe that the best course of action for our community is to remove myself from the process and from consideration for the District 15 vacancy. Please refer to the attached endorsement letters and my website at www.BilalAyyub.org to note the breadth and diversity of my supporters.

I am also withdrawing because I would like to put to rest all of the expressions of fear and anxiety that have been conveyed because I became a competitor in the legislative race. I believe that our Party has always been enriched by competition, because competitive races have produced new acquaintances and beneficial contacts. Also, we are strengthened as Democrats by the additional grassroots engagement from underrepresented communities that these contested races generate. I want to thank those Committee members with whom I interviewed before today. I also would like to acknowledge the respectful manner in which I was received; my interaction with the members during the interviews was very constructive. However, based upon my phone calls and communications, it is clear that early endorsements have impacted the decisions. In light of the early District 15 Caucus endorsement, I urge all facets of the Democratic Party to approach the anticipated District 15 delegate opening in an independent and transparent manner. The process should allow all interviews to be conducted, permit all recommendations to receive ample consideration and I hope there will be a thoughtful discussion of all candidates qualifications before any endorsements or decisions are reached. Finally, this Party has grown from welcoming those from outside of the party establishment. I am proud of my attempt to bring my strong track record of community service along with my professional qualifications and my diverse background to the Senate delegation and proud of my efforts to challenge the status quo. Underrepresented communities are unwavering Democratic voters; yet, when these voters look at the Maryland legislature they do not see a reflection of their County. Montgomery County must address this historic inequity in the State legislature. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Bilal M. Ayyub