November 13, 2011

Manchin Introduces Governor Earl Ray Tomblin at Inaugural Ceremony

Charleston, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today introduced Governor Earl Ray Tomblin at his inaugural ceremony at the West Virginia State Capitol. 

Manchin’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below: 

“Today is a very proud day for me, to stand with all of you and my dear friend, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. 

“We stand together on this day as leaders of a great and strong state. A state that truly stands out in our great nation in these challenging times. 

“A state that doesn’t cut the vital services to those in need; 

“A state that sets its priorities based on its values: taking care of our children, taking care of our elderly, and taking care of our veterans; 

“A state that continues to confront its challenges head-on by bringing all sides together to support commonsense solutions;

“A state that has a budget surplus; 

“A state that has a credit rating that was increased three times in the past three years; 

“A state that simply lives within its means. 

“And because of all of that, we are a state that succeeds. 

“I’m proud of the legacy that my Administration built as Governor. But make no mistake: No one person – not even a Governor – can accomplish all this alone. There are so many people who are responsible: friends, foes and allies who fought for the future of our state instead of their own agendas. We didn’t always agree, but we always put our state first. And one of those people who made this team so strong is Earl Ray Tomblin, a true public servant who will take our state into the future.

“Public service should be the noblest of all professions and it should truly be about serving others and not yourself. Unfortunately, this is not what we are seeing in Washington. But I know that we can change government, which is not working in Washington. And the reason that I have so much faith because we did it together in West Virginia. 

“Our differences didn't divide us, they became our starting point. We never fixed a problem by blaming others. Instead, we worked together, we put politics and partisanship aside, and we did what was right for our state. And, we will continue to do this with Earl Ray Tomblin leading our state.

“The powerful example of our state’s success – whether it’s balancing the budget, reforming major programs like workers’ comp, taking care of our citizens – this is West Virginia’s story of success, and it is just beginning. 

“I’ve always said that I believe in you more than you believe in yourself. But just look at what happened when we all started believing in ourselves. 

“And I believe Governor Tomblin will be a leader who will bring people together. He will be a leader who will make decisions on what is best for our state. And Governor Tomblin will lead our state into a better future because West Virginia’s best days are still ahead of us. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce the right leader at the right time for all of West Virginia’s future, the Governor of our great state: Earl Ray Tomblin.”