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WAFF 48 | Rep. Bonner resigns for position with UA System

May 23, 2013

Rep. Bonner resigns for position with UA System
By Adam Henry | WAFF 48 | May 23, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. -

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner announced on Thursday his resignation from Congress, stating he would be taking a new position with the University of Alabama System.

Bonner's last day in Congress will be August 15, when he will take a position as the vice chancellor of government relations and economic development over the three colleges within the UA System, a new post created for his appointment.

"Jo's extensive government experience and outstanding economic development record make him ideally suited for this important new position," UA System Chancellor Robert Witt said in a statement.

The Republican congressman has served six terms representing Alabama's First District. Most recently he served as chairman on the U.S. House Ethics Committee.

Many political leaders throughout Alabama and in Washington both congratulated Bonner on his new position and thanked him for his service.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, the nine-term congressman from Alabama, called Bonner "an esteemed colleague" and "a dedicated public servant." Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) called Bonner "one of the most talented and hard-working members of Congress."

Rep. Mo Brooks, a Republican serving Alabama's 5th Congressional District, said the resignation of Bonner is "Congress' loss and the University of Alabama's gain."

In 2012, Bonner earned his honorary doctorate from the University of Alabama because of his public service record, according to his official website.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley will call a special election to replace Bonner. In a statement released this afternoon, Bentley said Bonner "has made a tremendous difference for the people of South Alabama."

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