May 27, 2010

Hon. John S. Friscia

Chairman

Richmond County Republican Committee

471 Bement Avenue

Staten Island, New York 10310

Dear Mr. Friscia,

I am writing to advise you that I will not participate in tonight’s candidate nominating convention of the Richmond County Republican Committee. Instead, I’ve decided on a much fairer forum, foregoing your nomination process, and taking my candidacy directly to the Republican voters in a Republican Primary in September.

To say that the recent week in Staten Island politics has been “dysfunctional at its best” would be an understatement. In fact, most would never believe it if it had not happened before our very eyes. I can not in good conscience take part in a sham convention that already has its “marching orders” for a pre-determined outcome. The charade is not one in which I want to be a part of or associated with.

The voters in the 13th Congressional District deserve better and you as Chairman of the Richmond County Republican Party should have ensured a fair process where candidates could debate the issues and committee members could have made choices based on their beliefs. Instead, you have made a mockery of the selection of our candidate for Congress and seem intent on returning a Democrat to represent us in Washington.

What has been witnessed in the last week is exactly what makes voters so angry about the political process. The people are fed up with the “business-as-usual” politics you seem so intent on practicing and so am I. They want an end to the corrupt political culture that permeates both Washington and Staten Island, and that is why I am running for Congress.

The people of Staten Island deserve better than the games you insist on playing and they will get it with a Republican Primary. As an outsider I entered this race with absolutely no ties or allegiance to the old regime, its games or insider mentality - the go along to get along tactics. I will be very proud to be the People’s Candidate and not that of the corrupt establishment that has consistently deprived the good people of this district of leadership, fairness and a party they can be proud of.

Sincerely,

Michael Grimm