Last week’s bombshell that Republican Rep. Jo Bonner of Mobile will be resigning his congressional seat to take a job with the University of Alabama system sent shockwaves through the political world on Thursday and has set up the potential for an interesting race with a crowded field for the Republican nomination in a special election.
Bonner’s decision did inspire a number of reactions from prominent figures involved in Alabama politics:
Gov. Robert Bentley
“Congressman Bonner has made a tremendous difference for the people of South Alabama. He’s worked hard on several major issues, including the ongoing recovery from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. He’s a devoted family man and a true friend. I wish him nothing but the best.”
.@repjobonner made a tremendous difference for the people of South Alabama. I’ve enjoyed working with him & wish him nothing but the best.
— Gov.Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) May 23, 2013
Sen. Jeff Sessions
“Jo is one of the most talented and hard-working members of Congress. I have deeply valued the opinions and insights of ‘my’ Congressman. He knows his district like the palm of his hand and personally knows an incredible number of constituents. He has served with wisdom, courage, and dedication, consistently supporting the highest Alabama values.
“Jo will do a great job as Vice Chancellor of the University of Alabama system. His gifts will be a perfect fit for them. He loves the University and will love the work.
“We had a great partnership and I will certainly miss his counsel.”
Rep. Martha Roby:
“Jo Bonner has been a dear friend and mentor to me since I first came to Congress. I have deeply appreciated and valued his discerning, deliberate and consistent leadership from day one. Though I will miss him as a member of Alabama’s congressional delegation, I’m proud and happy for Jo and his family as they begin this new chapter of their lives.
“Jo will be an invaluable asset to the University of Alabama System, serving the students and faculty with same distinction as he has his constituents and the State of Alabama during his time in Congress. To Jo – along with his wife, Janée and their children, Lee and Robins – Riley and I offer our best wishes on this new, exciting endeavor as well as our thanks for all you have given in your decades of service to our state and country.”
Hate to lose him in Congress but proud & happy for my dear friend & mentor @repjobonner on his new endeavors back home #ThanksJo #alpolitics
— Rep. Martha Roby(@RepMarthaRoby) May 23, 2013
Rep. Robert Aderholt:
“Jo Bonner is an esteemed colleague and friend. He is a dedicated public servant and incredible advocate for his district and the entire state of Alabama,” said Aderholt. “It has been a pleasure working with him over the years and his presence in Washington will be greatly missed. I wish Jo the very best and know he’ll continue his commitment to Alabamians in his next endeavor.”
Sad to see my friend @repjobonner leave Congress. He’s a dedicated public servant & will be greatly missed. #ThanksJo
— Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 23, 2013
Rep. Mike Rogers:
It has been a privilege to work with @repjobonner as both a colleague and a close personal friend.I will miss him greatly. #ThanksJo
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) May 23, 2013
Rep. Mo Brooks:
“It has been an honor to serve with Congressman Bonner in the U.S. House of Representatives. The State of Alabama and Congress were made better by his work. I appreciate his friendship and wish him the best in his future role as Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Economic Development at the University of Alabama. Jo’s retirement is Congress’ loss and the University of Alabama’s gain. Thank you, Jo, for your dedication to Alabama and our great Nation; we all wish you the best.”
Honored to have served with @repjobonner. His retirement is Congress’ loss and @uofalabama‘s gain. brooks.house.gov/press-releases… #ThanksJo
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) May 23, 2013
Rep. Terri Sewell:
“It has been such an honor to serve in Congress and the Alabama Delegation alongside Congressman Jo Bonner. Jo has always put the interests of his constituents ahead of partisan politics and I will miss the bipartisan town hall meetings we held together in Clarke County. Since his election in November 2002, Jo has left an indelible mark on Alabama’s First Congressional District and this nation. Jo and his wife Janée have been dear friends and I wish them the best in the next step of their lives. I know The University of Alabama System will greatly benefit from his leadership and that he will help the State of Alabama continue to move forward. I’m very sorry to see Congressman Bonner leave the Alabama Delegation and the House of Representatives.”
Former Rep. Artur Davis: “Jo is the single best public servant I met in politics, in addition to being my best friend in Congress. His departure is a loss to anyone who values civility and statesmanship.”
It has been such an honor to serve in Congress & the AL Delegation with @repjobonner. He will be missed… on.fb.me/10AwSDg #ThanksJo
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) May 23, 2013
Speaker of the House John Boehner:
Grateful for @repjobonner‘s service and friendship. When he leaves, the House will lose a statesman. #ThanksJo
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) May 23, 2013
Speaker of the Alabama House Mike Hubbard
.@repjobonner is a first-class person and his strong voice and character will be greatly missed in the AL Delegation #alpolitics
— Mike Hubbard (@SpeakerHubbard) May 23, 2013
What else is going on?
1. Handicapping the Upcoming Congressional Race in AL01
2. Jo Bonner to leave Congress, take job at Univ. of Alabama System
3. Hobby Lobby Continues Fight for Religious Liberty
4. AEA Plans to Hire Obama Political Operation for 2014
5. Bentley Signs Gun Bill into Law
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