February 8, 2010Keith WrightChair New York County Democratic Committee461 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10016Dear Keith:I am writing to inform you that I am weighing whether to attend the executive committeemeeting of the County Committee scheduled for February 11

2010. While I would verymuch like to explain to the county leaders the agenda and vision of my campaign, I believe that the process you are engaging in is a mockery of democracy. I am asking thatyou postpone any endorsement vote for the U.S. Senate seat until a later date—after atransparent and honest process takes place.Recently, at your invitation, my opponent, the appointed senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, wasgiven a forum at the executive committee meeting to discuss her agenda with countyleaders. As you know, I requested a similar forum, in the interest of open and fair debate.Instead, last week, I was informed that the Executive Committee had scheduled anendorsement vote on the race, with each candidate—including candidates who have noteven declared their intention to actually run in the race—being given FIVE minutes to“speak and answer questions”, according to an email from one of your aides.Over the past few days, I have had a number of conversations with Democratic districtleaders, as well as other leaders, including party state committee members. They weresurprised to hear about the proposal for the consideration of the endorsement in theSenate race; some did not even know such a vote had been schedule. The majority of the people I spoke to were, in fact, dismayed, that such a vote was being held so early in the process.