Thank you, Governor. I must admit that I am surprised by this announcement, but I nonetheless welcome the news
.
As of this time, I am still planning to run for election to the position in August, but as I have maintained in the past, I believe that the spheres of government and of electoral politics should remain separate. Thus I will not use this appointment to my advantage during the campaign.
Citizens of the Southeast, while you will be served by an executive team that you had no opportunity to elect, I hope that we will earn your trust over the next month. Together, we will accomplish great things for our region.
I look forward to working with Governor Bono and representing to the greatest of my abilities the people of our great region.
