University of Virginia Library

Shannon, Godwin Mastermind Political Role Exchange

President Resigns Position
For State Gubernatorial Race

By BILL SPONG

CD/D.Alan Williams

President Shannon: 'Toughest Decision I've Ever Made'

University President Edgar
F. Shannon announced last
night that he resigned his post,
effective today, in order to
enter the Democratic primary
as a candidate for governor.

Mr. Shannon will make a
formal announcement speech
today during Founder's Day
ceremonies.

Today is the deadline for
filing in the Democratic
primary, and as an announced
candidate, Mr. Shannon is
ineligible to continue as
President of the University
according to Virginia law.

Mr. Shannon's
announcement startled
political observers in the Old
Dominion. He has never run
for any elected office in the
past, and has had no formal
political experience.

"My lack of experience is
my greatest benefit," said Mr.
Shannon. "Innocence is a rare
quality today in political life,
and I expect the voters of this
great state to respond."

Mr. Shannon said that
leaving the President's post to
enter the political arena was
the "toughest decision I've ever
made." He expressed "deep
concern and sympathy" over
his own resignation.

Gov. Linwood Holton, a
former fraternity brother of
Mr. Shannon's at Washington &
Lee College, said he was
"shocked" at Mr. Shannon's
announcement.

"I never knew Edgar had
any political ambitions," said
the governor.

Sources in Richmond said
Mr. Holton was "outraged" at
Mr. Shannon for leaving the
President's post, which was
immediately filled by Mills
Godwin. These sources said
that Mr. Holton expected Mr.
Shannon to remain as President
at least until next year.