The Tewksbury Republican Town Committee will have new leadership in 2013.

Don Ordway, who has become synonymous with the TRTC over the past quarter-century, announced recently he is stepping down as chairman.

In an e-mail sent to TRTC members and State Reps. Paul Adams and Jim Lyons, Ordway thanked local Republicans for their support, while alluding to disappointment over recent GOP losses locally and nationally.

"It has been a pleasure, honor and a privilege to serve in this and other important Republican capacities while attempting to do the right thing," wrote Ordway. "In life doing what is right does not ensure victory, however, it provides for a good nights sleep under the watchful eye of our Lord and Savior."

The TRTC will be meeting Jan. 7 to place names into nomination for its executive council. Elections will take place in February. Ordway said he will continue to serve until the new chairman is elected.

Below is a complete text of the e-mail Ordway sent to members of the TRTC:

Dear Representatives Paul Adams and Jim Lyons and especially TRTC Members and trusted Friends,

JoAnn an I hope that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and a outstanding New Year with many, many to follow.

The TRTC will once again meet on Monday Jan. 7, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the U.S. Bunting & Cricket Club. 749 Boylston St. Lowell,MA.

One of the reason for this letter is to thank all of you for your endless support as we have attempted to support all of you. The other reason is to announce my future intentions.

The pleasures of working with you and your staffs as they worked with all of us allowed certain victories to occur for our pleasures and the pleasures of the entire Republican Party. JoAnn and I have been faithful members of the TRTC for nearly a quarter of a century. At times the ride was a little rough, but we simply tightened our saddles and enjoyed the wonderful experience. 

I was a proud Conservative at birth making my entire life a dream to live out. A wonderful gift from my parents. It helped me through a few tough battles. There was never any hand wringing in this house. We  have remained prepared for difficult situations and attempted to face them head on. So far so good; and we did it without a government grant.

Being a former Vermonter the Green Mountain Boy's have always inspired and energized me.  Ethan Allen, Seth Warner are names that I remember well. 

At the Jan. 7th meeting we will nominate Officers for the Republican Town Committee and they will be elected in February.  I will serve until the new Chairman is properly seated and comfortable, however, my name will not be on the ballot. I will no longer be a candidate for this very important office on the Republican Town Committee.  It has been a pleasure, honor and a privilege to serve in this and other important Republican capacities while attempting to do the right thing. In life doing what is right does not ensure victory, however, it provides for a good nights sleep under the watchful eye of our Lord and Savior.

I thank all of you for being part of our dreams.

We also thank all of you for your efforts and love of Country.

God bless the United States of America and all that we stand for.  Do not shy away from success, fight for it, your Country needs you now more than ever before. Do not leave it to others they are waiting for you. 

I thank all members that have served as Selectmen, State Reps. Board of Voter Registrars, Library Trustees, School Committee, Screening Committees and for the difference they have all made. We can be proud of our contributions.  Being severely outnumbered has never prevented us from helping Tewksbury vote and think in a Conservative manner, This is a win/win.

P.S.  For those that do not know my heart; the first words uttered from my lips following the past election were "There is no time for tears or anger", we must fight smarter than we have in the past. Working day and night is not the answer; fighting the war of ideas is. We don't have to look any further than Washington to see the lack of ideas that is destroying America as we have known it. That must change.

A Friend for life,

Don Ordway