[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              DAVID WILKINS NOMINATED AMBASSADOR TO CANADA

  Mr. DeMINT. Mr. President, I rise today with bittersweet news for my 
home State. One of South Carolina's most distinguished native sons, 
State House Speaker David Wilkins, has been nominated by President 
George W. Bush to be the United States Ambassador to Canada.
  I just spoke with David this morning, and let him know that while we 
are sad to lose his leadership, we are extremely proud of his 
appointment.
  Both David and I are natives of Greenville, SC, and graduates of 
Clemson University and have been friends for a long time.
  I have long admired his courage and determination to fight for family 
values and individual freedom. He also possesses a keen understanding 
of the need to create an economic environment that gives businesses and 
workers a chance to thrive.
  In addition to the talents David brings to this position, his 
greatest help will come from his lovely wife Susan, who represents the 
best of South Carolina. Together they have raised two fine sons, James 
and Robert.
  Speaker Wilkins is a legendary public servant. He has served in the 
South Carolina State House of Representatives since 1981 and led as 
Speaker for more than a decade.
  David is widely respected by all parties for good reason, because he 
works passionately to better the lives of all South Carolinians. The 
President could not have chosen a better man, and he will represent our 
nation well.
  I look forward to welcoming David to Washington for his confirmation 
hearings. I promised him I would work hard to make sure my colleagues 
know of his exceptional abilities that make him more than qualified for 
this job
  He enjoys the full confidence of the President of the United States, 
and the support of South Carolinians. I am sure he will have no problem 
being confirmed quickly, so he can begin working on behalf of all 
Americans.

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