U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner Resigns
U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, announces his plans to resign from Congress to accept a position with the University of Alabama System Thursday May 23, 2013, at his offices in the RSA Battle House Tower in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Brantley/mbrantley@al.com)
MOBILE, Alabama -- U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, has chosen to leave Congress for the "opportunity of a lifetime," after nearly a decade serving as the representative for Alabama's 1st Congressional District.
"I would not have left Congress mid-term just for a job," 53-year-old Bonner told reporters at a press conference today. "We packed about 20 years of work in 10 years."
Bonner said he was contacted by Chancellor of the University of Alabama System Robert E. Witt less than a month ago.
"No one was more surprised than me," Bonner said. "In my view, education and economic development go hand-in-hand. This is an opportunity to put two of my passions together."
His last day in Congress will be Aug. 15.
Bonner, who graduated from UA in 1982, said the job was independent of his older sister, Judy Bonner, who was named president of UA last fall.
Fellow lawmakers have expressed sadness and excitement for the new stage in Bonner's career, including Gov. Robert Bentley.
.@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
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
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
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
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
In another tweet, Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, added that Bonner "will be an invaluable asset to the UA System, serving the students [and] faculty [with] the same distinction as he has his constituents."
Legislators from other states have also shared reactions over Bonner's departure.
"Jo is one of the hardest working legislators and a close friend for whom I have a great deal of respect," said Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who worked with Bonner on issues affecting the Gulf Coast region. "I will miss his commonsense approach to legislating and his unquestionable integrity."
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., highlighted Bonner's work as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and expressed hope for the person who takes his spot in Congress.
"Jo Bonner has been a dedicated and incredibly hard-working member of Congress," Walden said. "I wish Jo and his family all the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives."
It will be up to Gov. Robert Bentley to set a special election for Bonner's seat.
Check out live tweets from Bonner's press conference:
Reporter George Talbot contributed to this report.
Theresa Seiger is on Facebook and Twitter.
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