August 12, 2014

Dear Democratic Committee Chairperson Tobias,

I am running for Governor of New York, and I am writing to ask for your endorsement. I'm a law professor with a long
career in policy-making and Democratic politics. I have worked on death penalty cases, transparency in government,
financial reform, and I have a book on political corruption coming out in the fall. I am well-prepared to lead the New
York State Democratic Party, and to run New York State.

As you know, Governor Cuomo has tried to keep me off the primary ballot -- first by challenging my petition
signatures, and then by challenging my residency. Yesterday the judge ruled against him and in my favor. This
morning, The New York Times published an extraordinary editorial calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to back off
from political bullying and defend his first term in a series of robust debates in the weeks before the primary,
rather through the timidity of litigation.

As Im sure you are well aware, the Governor is currently under investigation by federal prosecutors, and he or his
close aides may soon be indicted for witness tampering, violating public corruption laws, or other possible criminal
statutes. Under these circumstances, nominating or supporting Mr. Cuomo when you have another option is
exceptionally risky for the Democratic Party.

I am running because I believe that our democracy and economy is becoming concentrated in too few hands. The
political corruption engulfing the Cuomo Administration is a symptom of this problem. Powerful corporations and their
lobbyists are getting special treatment from our government, and Im not just talking about getting subpoenas pulled
back. They are getting massive tax give-aways resulting in an unfair advantage over the smaller businesses
challenging them. I would make sure small businesses have access to markets, block the Comcast purchase of Time
Warner, and ensure upstate farmers can grow food without the threat of chemicals from fracking.

Up until now, most pundits and Democratic Party insiders have considered it a forgone conclusion that Governor
Cuomo will be re-elected. Last months revelations in The New York Times calls that assumption into question. Just
recently, the Governor was issued a stern warning about witness tampering by the federal prosecutor for behavior
towards commissioners. This story is not going away -- nor should it.

For the Democratic Party, this scandal is deeply damaging because it calls into question who and what our party
stands for. We want an economy and a democracy that works for all of us, not just wealthy and well connected
campaign donors. The Governors behavior suggests that there is a small group of powerful private interests who get
special treatment -- and its reflected in his record: tax cuts for banks and billionaires, refusal to ban fracking, and
support for Republican control of the state senate. Our Governor governs as if he cares more about his own
ambitions and the small group of powerful men that surround him and fund his campaigns than he does about our
core Democratic values.

As leaders of the Democratic Party, you have an important role to play. If the Democratic Party and its leaders stay
silent, whether it be out of loyalty or fear, it threatens to tarnish the Party and may have ramifications up and down the
ballot. The Governor, and his special interest fundraising machine, are becoming a liability. I have spent my life
studying and fighting against corruption in all its forms. I think I am the right candidate at the right time for New York
and the Democratic Party, and Id like you to consider supporting my candidacy. If you would consider endorsing my
campaign and would like to schedule a time for me to speak to your committee, please contact
liz@zephyrteachout.com.

Sincerely,

Zephyr Teachout
Candidate for Governor