JACKSON (March 27, 2009) — Following today’s appointment of former Gov. Ray Mabus to the position of Secretary of the Navy by President Barack Obama, the following statement was released by state Democratic Party Chairman Jamie Franks:

“America should be proud to have someone of Gov. Mabus’ intellect and abilities serving in this most important position, and the people of Mississippi should be proud that our president saw fit to choose a native son for such an honor,” Franks said.

“Gov. Mabus will do an excellent job as the Navy secretary. Given this state’s strong Naval connections — especially with our shipbuilders on the coast — it is a blessing to this state to have our former governor as the Secretary of the Navy.”

Gov. Mabus served as Mississippi’s governor from 1988 to 1992. Under the Clinton Administration, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Since leaving public service, he has served on several charitable and corporate boards.

He returned to the political world in 2007 when he endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama for president. Mabus worked as a senior advisor and campaign speaker for President Obama during the 2008 election.