In 2003, one of my last classes at the University of Phoenix was State and Local Government. One of my projects was to attend a local political meeting, and I found the 46th LD meeting just up the road. That was May, 2003, a meeting that will live in infamy. LaRouche supporters standing on chairs singing protest songs until the police came to take them outside. I couldn’t wait to get involved.

I was elected as an At Large member in 2005, KCDCC Male Rep in 2007 and Chair in 2009. It has been a lot of work, and a lot of fun.

In 2009, my youngest son moved up from California to live with me. He is a great kid. I have tried my best to find a balance between my family and my political activism, and it’s a very hard balance to find. I’m afraid searching for that balance is outside of my technical and leadership skills that have served the district so well over the past 10 years.

The June meeting of the 46th District will be my last meeting as Chair. I am not abandoning the ship, I’m simply asking for someone else to step forward to take the captain’s chair. Shea starts high school in September, and I want to give the new chair the time to learn the details in time for us to have a successful election, helping President Obama and all of our statewide candidates win state-wide majorities with the help of the strongest and most capable Legislative District in the State. I’m VERY proud of this district and the many people who work so hard to keep it together. The Eboard is ready to help a new chair get the job done.

Can you believe that 128 people filed to be PCOs?! The next highest number was the 36th and 34th, which were tied at 111. Scott and his team are continuing to call new people to ask them to step up, and we appoint new PCOs at every meeting. That’s the kind of strength I’m talking about.

The June meeting will be at Aljoya, and I’ll be talking about how the District Organization operates, how people can get involved, and we’ll also do a PCO training to show Votebuilder and how we can be most effective for the Primary and General Elections.

Thank you for the past 10 years. I couldn’t have done it without the examples of our former chairs.

Chad Lupkes

Chair, 46th District Democrats

Resignation from King County Democrats

Dear Steve,

I want to thank you for your leadership of the King County Democrats over the last two years.  You stepped forward to lead when it was needed.

At this point in time I need to step back.  My son, Shea, begins high school in September, and my activities in politics over the last 3 years have been at the expense of my family.  I have come to the point where I need to make a choice.  And the choice was easy, once I realized that I was unable to continue to do both.  Family comes first.

I hereby resign my position as 3rd Vice Chair of King County.  I know you will find someone to take the position and help you lead the party through the end of the cycle.

Leadership comes from example, and it is time I be a good example for my son.  Good luck.

Chad