Lt. Gov. Takes The Helm As Hogan Prepares For Cancer Treatment
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Governor Hogan prepares for cancer treatment, putting Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford at the helm of Tuesday's Board of Public Works meeting.
Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from lawmakers.
In the middle of the aftershock of Governor Hogan's cancer diagnosis, the state is moving on. On Tuesday, the second-in-command took the helm.
The shock of Governor Hogan's announcement is still in the air.
"A few days ago, I was diagnosed with cancer," he said Monday.
He also announced that at times should he not be available, the state is in the hands of Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford.
"Boyd has my back. There's no question about that. He's the most capable guy to ever serve as lieutenant governor. He is going to step up and do even more. He's going to fill in at the Board of Public Works," Gov. Hogan said.
And less than 24 hours later in the same room, he was there for the governor.
"He was talking about coming back and doing the Board of Public Works today," the lieutenant governor said. "He could have done it, but it wouldn't have been as fun as what I'm going to have."
Couched in the well wishes for the governor were other votes of confidence in Rutherford's extended role.
"As the governor goes through his treatment and his recovery, I am comforted to know that more of the day-to-day operations of state government are in the hands of Boyd Rutherford," said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.
"I will say on behalf of myself and my family, none of whom to my knowledge voted for the governor in November, that we are with him completely," said Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopf.
"Thank you. And since I'm sitting in for the governor, he would probably say would they tell you if they did vote for us?" said Lt. Gov. Rutherford.
The Board of Public Works is one of the most powerful agencies of the state. It allocates all of the funding that is put into the budget for projects in the state.
Governor Hogan will be hospitalized for four days in intensive care for chemotherapy.
