Mark Schweiker in The Test of our Times

On Principles & Values: Oct. 2001: Became governor when Tom Ridge entered Cabinet

[In September 2001, upon accepting a Bush Administration post], I asked the state's lieutenant governor, Mark. Schweiker, to come to the Erie Room in the governor's residence. Schweiker had been my running mate in both gubernatorial elections, but had no inkling of what had happened. It had been important to keep it all under wraps because the announcement to the American people had to come from the president himself, not from the news leaks.

I considered Schweiker an ideal successor. As former county commissioner and director of PEMA, as well as an experienced businessman, he had experience dealing with crises.

That afternoon, I said, "Mark, you've been a valued and trusted partner, and from my point of view you'd make a great governor, and that's a good things, because as of October 5 you will be."

As I told him why, his reaction was subdued. He didn't show any sense of satisfaction or delight because of the sobriety of the moment. He shook my hand and wished me the best.

Source: The Test of our Times, by Tom Ridge, p. 23 Sep 1, 2009

The above quotations are from The Test of our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again, by Gov. Tom Ridge. Click here for other excerpts from The Test of our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again, by Gov. Tom Ridge. Click here for other excerpts by Mark Schweiker. Click here for a profile of Mark Schweiker.
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