Statement from Chairman Alex-St. James
on the Retirement of Virginia Delegate Winsome Sears

March 11, 2003

"Winsome was the African American Republican Leadership Council's very first Black Conservative we ever helped. I remember that race very well. Winsome called us saying she could win. She had such passion that the people in her district deserved better and that she felt it was the Lord's will that she entered that race. With no money and no campaign experience, I was reluctant to step up. So I did a little checking on the numbers about the district. It was heavily majority-minority. We concluded that Winsome would need a certain percent of GOP vote to bag it. So the very next Saturday, I drove down to Norfolk and met the candidate.

"I soon realized that this lady was going to win because she had the right attitude to learn on the quick so to speak. We did a man on the street quick poll of the residents and it became clear that the district was her's for the taking. Never mind that there was no money in the campaign coffers, Winsome knew she would have to walk the leather out and I still remember the leather hightop she wore that day. She was eagar to learn and was like a sponge (and it was raining that day, come to think of it).

"She took our advice and beat the long time held liberal Democrat that had written her off, with exactly the percentage we predicted she needed. Winsome Sears won that race. She did it through her commitment to her fellow residents and listening to the calling from the Man upstairs. Here again, Delegate Sears, not a typical politician by any stretch of the word, is bowing once again to the Man upstairs words.

"Delegate Sears has a bright future in the GOP and for certain she is an invaluable asset the party needs. And I suspect it will tap her for help in breaking the liberal democrats stranglehold over Black America. She been there, done it and knows how to get Black Liberals to vote for a Black Conservative and harken to Republican common sense public message.

"Delegate Sears, the Spirit of the Lord is with you. Thanks much to you, your girls and Mr. Sears, who was so often referred to as the Delegate and you the wife of the representative. The rest of us will continue to support you as your larger extended family embraces you and prays God's speed. Thanks for standing for our people. I am sure you will not forget them and they likewise. Now let's do all we can to keep the district Republican to insure all your hard work continues to grow."

--Alex-St. James