Former Rep. Tom Perriello Appointed Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Congratulations to former Rep. Tom Perriello on his appointment by Secretary of State John Kerry as “Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa.” Every time I see Tom get another important job, it reminds me of three things: 1) that he is one of the sharpest people out there; 2) that he was a huge asset to Virginia’s 5th CD and to Congress more broadly; and 3) that the voters of Virginia’s 5th CD, in their infinite wisdom, made a huge mistake in downgrading from Tom Perriello as their representative to the mindless right-wingnut (Robert Hurt) they’ve got in there now. Heck, Hurt probably can’t even name the U.S. Great Lakes, let alone the countries in the Great Lakes region of Africa (let alone co-author the latest Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review)! Heh. Anyway, congratulations to Tom Perriello, and good luck in your important new job!