For months that have turned into years now, there has been a push for my dad to run for governor of Alabama. Yesterday was a big day for my family in that he made his formal announcement to the state that he would not pursue political office at a very emotional press conference. For me to say that so many are very disappointed is an understatement. While we know that Jack Hawkins could've won the 2010 election by a landslide, it just is not a fight to which he's willing to submit my family. It would have been really ugly and the things that would be said about each of us is not worth the end result, even if my dad had won. People can be so mean and heartless - we learned that through the message boards' postings about my sister during her Miss Alabama years. The good my dad has done for over 4 decades in this state could be underminded in one swift blog posting or article publishing. He knows better than to subject our precious family to that evil.
Thank you all for your support. The emails I have received and phone calls you have placed have been much needed. I have been very emotional this week because while I didn't WANT my dad to run, at some level I still thought that he SHOULD have run because he has such an incredible gift of leadership and could have made such a great difference for the state of Alabama. But, I am relieved that he made the decision that he did because now, we can have our dad's undivided attention and won't have to share him with the entire state! And now we don't have to wake up to read untrue and horrible headlines about our family everyday between now and November 2010 and beyond.
Here are some of the things that are being said and circulated in Alabama today following his press conference yesterday. And I am also posting my father's press release.
Statement of Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.,
Chancellor of Troy University 25 March, 2009
"Over the past year, I have been paid a supreme compliment by many of my fellow Alabamians who have encouraged me to seek the office of Governor. While I have never said I wanted to be Governor. I have said I am interested in good government.
The encouragement to run has been humbling, and I appreciate the expressions of support and financial pledges I have received. I have given the matter a great deal of thought and prayer.
In the final analysis, I decided to follow the advice of my late father, who counseled me to "measure twice and cut once." After measuring the possibility of a gubernatorial campaign, I have decided I will not be a candidate for Governor of Alabama in 2010.
This decision was difficult, for the idea of serving all the people of Alabama intrigued me. I love Alabama and I love Troy University, where I have spent 20 years as Chancellor. Upon reflection, however, I decided I am far more passionate about Troy University than I am about being a candidate for political office.
Troy University is emerging as Alabama's international university. This is an exciting dimension of higher education and has implications culturally and economically for our state. There are many important developments within Troy University to which I am committed expanding our academic programs. building new facilities on each of our campuses and growing the worldwide enrollment.
As I have discussed Alabama's needs with those who have encouraged my candidacy, it has become obvious to me the next governor of Alabama must continue Gov. Bob Riley's focus on education, economic development and ethics.
Although we are currently in an economic downturn it is clear Alabama has benefited from its position in the global economy. Our next governor will be advised to make a commitment to the globalization of education and economic development while moving into the future with a strong moral compass in hand.
In making this announcement I thank those who demonstrated their faith in me by considering me worthy of the office of Governor of Alabama. I thank community leaders. elected officials and thousands of university students who encouraged me to run. I thank those who have been generous in their expressions of financial support. And, most of all, I thank my family and friends who offered support, counsel and prayers during this time of decision."
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090325/NEWS/90325052
http://www.eufaulatribune.com/euf/news/opinion/columnists/article/hawkins_ideal_candidate_for_governor/31523/
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