clearly that he had no intention of going into complete retirement.
A single, career, as brilliant as it was, was not enough for a man
with the vigor, the zeal and the passion for public service, of Luther
Hodges. And so, he chose, as we know, another career in politics.
Without the support of the Democratic Party "regulars" of his State,
he ran for the Lieutenant Governorship of North Carolina and won
in 1952. He succeeded to the Governorship in 1954, and two years
later was elected to a full term as Governor by the largest majority
ever given to a candidate for that office in his State.

This "business man turned politician, " as he was described in one
magazine article, became renowned for many of his achievements, but
the eyes of the nation turned upon him primarily for the success he
achieved in the economic development of his State. During his six
years as Chief Executive, he was able to lure to North Carolina, in-
dustrial plants valued at many hundreds of millions of dollars, gen-
erally outstripping his competitors in this field. As Governor, he
personally led task forces into other regions, exhorting and cajoling
factories, mills and business establishments to come to the promised
land of North Carolina.

One story about him is that when he ventured out on these expe-
ditions, the governors of the invaded states would wire mayors of
towns and cities: "Lock up your factories; this man Hodges from
North Carolina is headed this way. " Not content with what he
found on this side of the Atlantic, he moved his task force into Eur-
ope to woo industry—to Amsterdam, to Paris, to Stuttgart, to Munich.

One magazine article wrote this about him:

"When the future historians and educators put their heads to-
gether to find the South's most striking example of leadership, they
will look long and hard before they surpass the business Governor. "

It was no surprise, then, that when it came time for President Ken-
nedy to select the head of the Department of Commerce, he chose
this businessman-statesman. We are all pleased that he has elected
to remain at his post.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure and an honor to present
to you the honorable Luther H. Hodges, our Secretary of Commerce.

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