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Press Release of Senator Feingold

Remarks of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold Introducing Ambassador Dan Speckhard, Nominee to be the Next U.S. Ambassador to Greece

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Thank you Senator Casey for chairing this hearing and thank you to all the witnesses for your willingness to serve the U.S. government overseas. These are challenging positions, and I have great admiration for those who are willing to spend years abroad serving as the eyes and ears – and sometimes mouth -- of the US government.

Senator Casey, I am pleased today to introduce Ambassador Dan Speckhard, nominee for the post of Ambassador to Greece. As I am sure you will know from his resume, Ambassador Speckhard and I share a number of commonalities – we are both Wisconsinites, we share the same alma mater, and we believe we can serve U.S. citizens by working in the federal government.

Ambassador Speckhard – it is good to see you again. Mr. Casey, I had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Speckhard when I traveled to Iraq in 2006. As always, I was pleased to encounter a Wisconsinite so far from home. But I was even more pleased to know that Ambassador Speckhard was following a long and proud tradition of Wisconsinites committing their lives to public service.

Senator Casey – I don’t know whether you have ever visited Wisconsin, but if you have, your time was most likely spent in Madison or Milwaukee. Ambassador Speckhard grew up in Wausau, a north-central town that is a little less known than those two cities. Wausau is not only one of the most scenic towns in our state; it is also vibrant and eclectic. Members of the Wausau community strongly believe in the importance of community service and understand the impact world affairs play in their day to day life. I am proud that the Wausau community has generated such a committed and dedicated public servant.

Given his long history with the Department of State, serving in a range of offices and embassies, I am confident Ambassador Speckhard will dutifully and effectively represent our interests in Greece. Thank you, Ambassador Speckhard for your ongoing commitment to public service. I would also like to thank your family for the sacrifices they have made to support you and your career.