Dear friend,

Today I am announcing that I plan to retire at the end of my third term, January 9, 2013.

Margie and I have been talking about this over the past three years. I have been doing much soul searching. It’s a bittersweet decision. I have much love and respect for this office, for this state, for its people – like you, and a deep appreciation for the wealth of opportunities given me to provide leadership on matters so important to our state’s citizenry.

Fortunately, this isn’t because of my kidney cancer. I’ve been given a clean bill of health. And, while I will be turning 72 the day after leaving office, it isn’t age either. I come from a family of longevity that has worked into their 80s and even 90s. It’s truly because I’ve come to feel that it’s time to step down and turn the office over to a new political generation.

As you would expect, however, I don’t plan just to fade away. Through the next 18 months, I plan to have a vigorous and robust finale to my years of public service. After leaving office, I will stay deeply involved in public life through volunteerism, via board service, and on special projects. I plan to particularly focus on civility and moderation in politics and on heritage projects. I have been an active volunteer all my life, enjoy it immensely and know that a person with my experience can make a significant difference.

Believe it or not, at the end of this term, I will have served as an elected official for 35 years! It would not be possible without you and other friends and supporters like you around the state. Since I am not independently wealthy, I had to rely on my friends and political allies to help me get elected all eight times. I can’t express how much your generosity with your time, your talents, your brainpower and your resources mean to me. Plus, after getting elected, you have given me your advice, counsel, encouragement, criticism and insights.

If you’d like to see and hear a video of my announcement, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GckfBnV3G2o.

Margie and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is people like you who make it possible for people like me to serve in public office.

I look forward to representing Washington and strengthening the office under your direction for the duration of my term. It is an exciting time with great promise to further improve the divisions and programs under the Secretary of State. For more information, please visit www.sos.wa.gov or contact me at sreed@sos.wa.gov.

Yours in gratitude,

Sam Reed
Secretary of State