COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton says he picked Dick Riley to head his Education Department because of the former South Carolina governor's belief in expanding education opportunities for everyone.
Clinton says he saw Riley's commitment to education while the two served as Southern governors and wanted him to bring those talents to the Cabinet level.
The former president spoke to more than 600 attendees Monday at a reception to officially open Riley's special collections. The event was held at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
Riley served two terms as South Carolina's governor before chairing Clinton's presidential campaign in the state and serving as secretary of education during all eight years of Clinton's administration.
RELATED COVERAGE: WATCH: Full Remarks from President Clinton, Governor Riley at USC
Follow Kinnard on Twitter at @MegKinnardAP.