Sen.

Dave Schultheis Announces Decision to Forgo Second Term

After considerable deliberation, I have decided to forgo running for my second and
final four-year term as a Colorado State Senator representing Senate District 9. I
will, however, continue to serve out my current term, which culminates at the end
of 2010, concluding ten years of political service for the citizens of Colorado.
This has been an extremely difficult decision for me, as I love the challenge of
serving the best interests of my constituents on legislative matters, by
steadfastly advocating for traditional, conservative values, which I know to be
the best overall values for the citizens of Colorado and the nation.

After much prayer and discussion with family members and close friends, I have
come to this decision in order to spend more time with family, including my five
rapidly-growing grandsons. As is common knowledge, the responsibilities of
political office are extremely demanding on one’s time and schedule --- often to
the detriment of time spent with family and friends.

Having served to the very best of my ability since 2001, first in Colorado’s House
of Representatives for six years and now in the Colorado State Senate, I have
consistently attempted to uphold Conservative principles to the best of my
ability, even when it was difficult to do so. I remain convinced that those
principles are essential for a society whose citizens value freedom, liberty and
personal responsibility.

The citizens of Senate 9 District deserve a strong, unwavering Conservative to be

their Senator; it is an important responsibility that I have taken very seriously.
While I have been honored that the voters have had faith in me over these years,
it has always been my view that if there were others who could fulfill those
duties with the same level of passion for Conservative principles as I, then I
could direct my efforts to other areas; there is so much to do to reclaim the
vision of our Founding Fathers. There are now individuals standing in the wings
who can and will passionately and consistently carry that mantle.

During my years in the Legislature, I have purposely never sought a leadership

position, as I believed my role was to stand firmly against every temptation to
moderate my conservative views for greater acceptance by the caucus. As a result,
I felt free and unencumbered, to hold high the banner of each and every
conservative principle that Republicans say they believe in…and to do so without
compromise.

It is with a great deal of gratitude to the citizens of Senate District 9, and a

strong sense of personal accomplishment that I move forward to meet future
challenges.

God bless you, the citizens of Senate District 9 and of Colorado.