Martin, Praised by Bush, Is Sworn In as Labor Chief

Illinois Republican Lynn Martin was sworn in Friday as labor secretary, and President Bush said she would become “a powerful force for good” in the American workplace.

“I know that Lynn Martin is also committed to reaching out to America’s workers,” Bush told hundreds of Labor Department officials and Republicans who turned out for the ceremony.

Martin, 51, a former congresswoman from Rockford, Ill., promised to do “the best job I know how.” She thanked Bush for naming her to his Cabinet after her loss to Democrat Paul Simon in last fall’s Senate race.

“You have my friendship because you’re a doggone good friend, and I’m sure glad you’re mine,” she said.

“I also want to thank Paul Simon, without whose help I would not be here,” she joked.

The onetime schoolteacher also noted that protocol now places her ahead of her husband, U.S. Judge Harry Leinenweber of Chicago, who administered the oath.

“But he says that he has a lifetime appointment,” she added.

Bush mentioned the growing number of people from Illinois in his Cabinet, including Transportation Secretary Samuel K. Skinner and Rep. Edward R. Madigan, agriculture secretary-designate.

“It’s getting to be a cabal,” Bush said. He did not mention Veterans Affairs Secretary Edward J. Derwinski, another former Republican congressman from Illinois.