How to address a Governor of a US State (original) (raw)


ON-LINE GUIDE TO FORMS OF ADDRESS * * * BLOG: Robert HIckey Answers Questions From On-Line Users * * * VIDEO of Robert Hickey * * * About the book: HONOR & RESPECT Abbess, Christian Orthodox Abbot, Christian Orthodox Accountant Acting Official Adjutant General Admiral, Rear Alderman Archbishop, Catholic Archbishop, Christian Orthodox Archdeacon, Episcopal Archimandrite Architect Archpriest Ambassador to the U.S. from a foreign country Ambassador of the U.S. American Indian Chief Assemblyman U.S., State / or Assemblywoman Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice of a State Supreme Court Attorney Attorney General Australian Officials Baron, Baroness British Officials, Royalty, Nobility Brother, Catholic Brother, Christian Orthodox Bishop, Catholic Bishop, Christian Orthodox Bishop, Episcopal Board Member Boy Brigadier General Canadian Officials Candidate Captain, USA, USAF, USMC Cardinal Chairman Federal Reserve Chaplain in the Armed Services Chaplain of Congress Chargé d’Affaires Chief Executive Officer Chief Judge Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, of a State Supreme Court Chief of Police Chief of Staff Chief Operating Officer Child Clergy & Religious Officials Colonel, Kentucky Colonel, USA, USAF, or USMC Congressman, U.S. Congresswoman, U.S. Consul and or Consul General Commissioner Corporate Executive Councilman Councilwoman Counselor (Diplomat) Countess Couples Curator Dalai Lama Deacon Dean, academic Dean, clergy Deceased Persons Delegate, U.S., State Dentist Deputy Chief of Mission Deputy Marshal Designate, Elect, Pro Tempore Diplomats District Attorney Doctor of Dentistry Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Doctor of Osteopathy Doctor, Other Disciplines Doctorate Earl Elect, Designate Pro Tempore Eminence Etiquette Excellency First, Second, Third_, etc._ First Lady, Spouse of the President of the United States First Lady, Member of Her White House Staff First Lady, Spouse of a Governor or Lt. Gov. First Lieutenant Flag Protocol Former Officials Geshe General USA, USAF, USMC Girl Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Lt., Spouse Governor, Tribal Council Governor, U.S. State Governor, U.S. State Spouse of Governor's Staff, Member of Governors, Board of Honorable, The Honourable, The Indian Chief Introductions Invitations Writing & Addressing Invitations Military: Writing & Addressing Judge of US City or US Count Judge, US Federal Junior, Senior, I, II, III, etc. Justice, Associate Federal Supreme Court Justice, Associate State Supreme Court King Knight Late, The (deceased persons) Lawyer Lieutenant Lieutenant Colonel , USA, USAF, USMC Lieutenant General, USA, USAF, USMC Lieutenant Governor Major USA, USAF, USMC Major General, USA, USAF, USMC Man, business Man, social Marquess or Marchioness Married Women Marshal for a Judicial District, U.S. Mayor of a U.S. City Medic Minister, Protestant Clergy Miss Monk, Christian Orthodox Monsignor Most Reverend, The Mother Superior Mr. Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. / Couples Ms. Name Tags Nobility, British Nobility, Other Nun, Catholic Nun, Orthodox Nurse Officer, Police Pastor, Christian Clergy Patriarch, Christian Orthodox Patriarch, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople People with Two Titles Petty Officer Physician PhD Place Cards Police Chief Police Officer Pope, Catholic Pope, Coptic Postmaster General Post-Nominal Abbreviations Presbyter, Orthodox President, corporate President of College or University President of a US State Assembly President of the U.S.A. President of the U.S.A., former (President of the U.S.) Member of The White House Staff President of the U.S., spouse of President-elect of the U.S. Priest, Catholic Priest, Christian Orthodox Prime Minister Professionals & Academics Professor Pro Tempore, Elect, Designate Queen Rabbi Ranger, Texas Representative, U.S., Federal Representative, U.S., State Resident Commissioner Retired Officers Armed Servicese Reverend, The Right Reverend, The School Board Member Second Lieutenant Secretary, U.S. Department, Member of the Cabinet Secretary of Defense, U.S. Secretary General of the U.N. Senator, U.S., Federal Senator, U.S., State Senator, Canadian Senior, Junior, I, II, III, etc. Senior Judge Sergeant Sergeant at Arms Sheriff Sister, Catholic Solicitor General Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Specialist Spouse of the President of the U.S. Spouse of the Vice President of the U.S. Surgeon General Texas Ranger The Honorable Tribal Officials US Federal Officials US State Officials US Municipal Officials Venerable, The Veterinarian Very Reverend, The Vice President of the U.S. Spouse of the Vice President of the U.S. Vice President-elect of the U.S. Viscount and/or Viscountess Warrant Officer Widow White House Staff Woman, business Woman, social How to Address a Governor of a State of the United StatesNote: The Honorable is the most frequently used courtesy title for governors. However, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and South Carolina officially and traditionally address their governor as _Your Excellency._Envelope, official: The Honorable (Full name) Governor of (state) (Address)Letter salutation: Dear Governor (surname):All about The HonorableLink to Q&A just on officials in the U.S. addressed as The Honorable FYI, here is what's come in to the Blog that relates to this office/rank. For recent questions sent in, check out Robert Hickey's Blog. For specific offices/ranks, check out Robert Hickey's On-Line Guide. How Do I Address an Acting Governor? We don't have a Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey. When the Governor is away we have an Acting Governor. How do you go about introducing an Acting Governor? How about a former Acting Governor? Is the Acting Governor only the Acting Goveror when the elected Governor is out of state? Or is h or she introduced as an Acting Governor all the time? -- FG, New Jersey Hi FG in New Jersey: The role of Acting Governor is filled by the President of the New Jersey Senate. He or she is the Acting Governor when the elected Governor is out of state or incapacitated. New Jersey doesn't have the electe office "Lieutenant Governor" like many states do ... but beginning in 2010 that will change and there will be a Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey. When introducing the President of the Senate as the Acting Governor say: “May I present the Honorable (full name), Acting Governor of New Jersey.” Don’t directly address an Acting Governor as "Governor (name)". The rule is "address by rank, identify by office" -- so address as "Senator (name)" and identify as the Acting Governor. While he or she is not directly addressed as "Acting Governor (name)" one might refer to him or her as that in the third person. "Acting Governor (name) will be arriving in 20 minutes." A former Acting Governor is not addressed as such either ... because Acting Governor is a role ... not an office. But you could note that the individual served as the acting governor at some point. "It is my pleasure to introduce The Honorable (full name), former President of the New Jersey Senate. Senator (last name) served as Acting Governor of New Jersey on numerous occasions during the (name of the elected Governor) administration. -- Robert HickeyHow to Address a Governor-elect? How do I address a letter salutation to a Governor-elect? -- Gayle P. Dear Gayle, I have that form of address on page 190 of my book. A governor-elect is immediately The Honorable (Full Name) ... since he or she has been elected in a general election. And in the salutation use the honorific ... Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname): ... whatever he or she would be entitled to -- prior to the election. Use of Governor as an honorific is reserved for the current ... singular ... official. One might identify him or her as The Governor-elect ... but it's not actually a title or office or position. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Letter to a Former Governor? Dear Mr. Hickey: What is the proper form of address when writing a letter to a former Governor? When he calls, he says "This is Governor (surname)” even though he is no longer the Governor. I have made it “The Honorable (full name)” in the letter's address block, and “Dear Governor (surname)” in the salutation. Sound right? --- Lonnie Sue ReardonDear Ms. Reardon: In the letter’s address block a former governor is The Honorable (full name). In the saluation use: Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./General/Judge/Senator/etc. (name): Former office holders go back to whatever they were before they were governor. Only a Governor in office is formally and officially addressed as Governor (name). The reason? There is only one Governor at at time, and it's not respectful of the current office holder to refer to former office holders as it they were still in office. I know we hear newscasters referring to former governors as "Governor." But officially is incorrect. *-- Robert Hickey* But in this case I know he still want's to be addressed as "Governor"? --- Lonnie Sue Reardon I wonder if he calls the current governor and identifies himself as "Governor"? If we met and you introduce yourself as Monsignor Lonnie Sue I would think hummmm, a monsignor is Catholic priest and is always man. So I would think it is unlikely you are a monsignor. And you are just using your given name ... like Cher, Fabian, or Sting ... which also strikes me as a bit odd for a monsignor. But, I'd call you Monsignor Lonnie Sue in you presence. You say it's your name and it's not up to me to decide what your name is. If I knew this former governor wanted to be addressed as "Governor" I'd do it for him, however I wouldn’t think he changed what was correct. *-- Robert Hickey* NOTE: I got an interesting e-mail from H.D. aboutmy advice on addressing Monsignor Lonnie Sue. Click here to read his note. How to Address a Former Governor in Conversation? I read a story recently which said that the organizers of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin’s book tour have asked the public to address her as “Governor Palin” at her book signings. Is that proper? -- William PerryDear Mr. Perry: It's not traditionally correct. Officially is back to Ms. Palin. She is not correctly addressed as Mayor Palin because Wasilla has a new mayor, and she is not addressed as Governor Palin because Alaska has a new governor. Here is the tradition behind this: Jobs of which there is only one at a time ... Governor, Mayor, President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Chairman of a Board, .... do not continue to be directly addressed in writing or conversation by their former "office" because it is not respectful to the current office holder and confusing to those in the (organization/state/whatever) as to who is currently in charge. Jobs of which many hold the same office at the same time DO continue to be addressed by their former honorific ... Senator, Judge, Captain, Admiral, General, Professor .... after leaving their position. Having worked with many 'formers' I find that 99% of the time they know their correct honorific. But the handlers may not know what's correct and encourage the reference to the former position -- which I suspect is the case here. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Former Governor? Former Mayor? Good morning Robert: I'm writing to inquire into an apparent discrepancy between Judith Martin's writing on former titles and the position you put forth in you wonderful book (let's not even discuss Letitia's written position.) Specifically, Miss Manners writes about the One At A Time Rule (OAAT Rule) applying only to the President and that title holders revert back to their prior highest official title held. You write that the OAAT Rule refers to all exclusive positions (Gov/Mayor.) which there is only one office holder at a time. How does the lay person make sense of what looks like inconsistency within our field? Many thanks for you help, Robert! -- Susan , Graduate, The Protocol School of WashingtonDear Susan: If Judith Martin says a former governor is formally addressed as "Governor" and a former mayor if formally addressed as "Mayor" ... then I would disagree with her and would not agree it is historically based. Formally they are "The Honorable" and revert back their highest former title that wasn't a O-A-A-T office. I see my book as a listing of the most formal forms of address, figuring that 'informal' is 'free style" and easier: everyone can do it. But I do get people who disagree. Nixon's post-presidential staff addressed him as "Mr. President." I've had e-mails from readers in Annapolis saying they always called former Maryland governors "Govenor (Name)". I read that Sarah Palin's publishing publicist directed people to call her "Governor Palin' when she was on her book tour. And I've seen Newt Gingrich addressed as "Speaker Gingrich" on TV by George Stefanopolis. Former vice presidents, prime ministers, chief justices, chairmen, and chancellors, get the same treatment. But everytime I have directly asked a current or former "o-a-a-t" office holder ... be they a mayor of a city or president of the country club .... they confirm the "o-a-a-t rule" is correct -- having been in the situation of being 'current' and dealing with 'formers.' The point is not denying the former official of his or her history .... or dishonoring their service ... but in honoring our system that elects just person one at a time to certain high offices .... and being clear who speaks for the authority of the office. Re consistency .... I always insert the "most formally" phrase because people do realized that what they hear on TV is narrative in the third person. A newscaster referring to President Clinton and Secretary Clinton in a story ... is not a direct forms of address. I also find that asking the question "in your club or association, is the former president addressed as 'President'?" That question gets their affirmation that having multiple presidents -- or multiple mayors -- or multiple governors -- is confusing. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Former Governor Who Held Other Positions? My former boss passed away last week. He was a U.S. Senator and a two time Oklahoma Governor. He was a Governor, Senator, then Governor. We are debating how to refer to him in programs and announcements -- as Senator -- the higher office or as Governor -- the last office? Thanks! _-- Just Wondering in Oklahoma_Dear JWIO: Think about it in the most formal way: would a former governor be called Governor (name) in the presence of the current governor? He would not. Former governors are not 'officially' addressed as Governor (name) because there is only one Governor of a state at a time ... and doing do is not respectful of the state's current governor. This holds true for other offices where there is a single office holder ... The Speaker of the House ... the Mayor of a City .... the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. WHEREAS there are many senators, admirals, judges, ambassadors at a time ... so calling a former office holder by one of those titles is not in conflict with a current office holder. So most correctly he is addressed by his highest, non-exclusive honorific: Senator (Name) a man who served as Governor twice ... When Dwight Eisenhower left the presidency he went back to General Eisenhower. That's also what Albert Gore has done ... he's back to Senator Gore, because he can't be Mr. Vice President. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush don't have a title to go back to so they are both "Mr." ... and Colin Powell is not longer Mr. Secretary or Secretary Powell ... He's back to General Powell. -- Robert HickeyRobert Yea! I knew it! In Oklahoma, every person who is a former governor is called governor by those who address him in every social setting I am attending. Do the Okie's just not know any better? They are not doing this in front of current Governor, just in the addressing of any former governor. So, if I see former governor what do I call him? It's not just the Okie's ... it just people repeating what they hear the newscasters say. If you had been President of some local club ... there would doubtlessly be someone who would continue to call you President (Your Last Name) just to flatter you. Not technically or traditionally correct ... but it happens. I have seen hosts of the Sunday morning programs interview Newt Gingrich and call him Speaker Gingrich ... it's not right, but when I observed, he did not correct them on air. I see people doing lots of ill advised things ... that they do them -- doesn't make them right. They are either lazy or don't know any better. If you meet a former governor and call him "Mr." it won't offend him ... because he will know what's right. -- Robert Hickey How to Address the Wife of a Governor? I am writing a letter to the wife of the governor of my state. Do I address her in the salutation as Dear Mrs. Jindal: or is there another title I should use? I am inviting her to an event at my school, and I want to make sure I use the correct language in the letter. Thanks for your help. -- Sarah Elizer, Parkview Baptist School, Baton Rouge, LouisianaDear Ms. Elizer, Yes ... she is addressed in a salutation most correctly as Dear Mrs. Jindal: Look at the form I give for the First Lady of the United States ... you can modify it. You don't use her first name ... at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, there is only one Mrs. Jindal. When she visits your school have everyone address her as Mrs. Jindal. Then, when you introduce her the assembled students say .... May I present Supriya Jindel, wife of the Governor of the State of Louisiana. You can ask if she likes to called the "First Lady of Louisiana" ... if she does (Maria Shriver in California likes First Lady of...) ... then you could say ... May I present Supriya Jindel, First Lady of the State of Louisiana. Reason for using "State of Louisiana"? It's a bit more formal than saying just "Louisiana." -- Robert HickeyHow Do I Address the Wife of a Governor Who Uses A Different Last Name than her Husband?Thanks for your informative web site, which I visited via Google. I couldn't find an answer to my question" -- that of how to address a letter to Maria Shriver. I am not sure what the protocol is for a governor's wife, and, in this case, a governor's wife who, I believe, uses her maiden name. I'm stuck!? _--- G. Persis_Dear Ms. Persis: Maria Shriver presents herself as Maria Shriver: she established herself professionally with that name prior to marriage, and has not chosen as First Lady to be Mrs. Arnold Schwarzenegger. So normally I would address a letter to her as: Ms. Maria Shriver State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 However, the state website (http://www.firstlady.ca.gov/contact/ ) says letters should be addressed to: First Lady Maria Shriver State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 The site is using First Lady as an honorific like Mayor, Bishop, Captain or Dr. "First Lady" isn't typically or traditionally an honorific for the wives of elected officials. Recent First Ladies in Washington have requested to be introduced as First Lady Laura Bush or First Lady Hilary Clinton ... but these are forms for an introduction .... not as a written form of direct address. But back to California .... in spite of the fact that First Lady Maria Shriver is unusual, you should address your letter to First Lady Maria Shriver as the website suggests, because it's courteous to follow the preference of the individual. Write the salutation: Dear Ms. Shriver. And close with: Sincerely,. -- Robert Hickey All information on www.formsofaddress.info is copyright © 2011 by Robert Hickey.The Protocol School of Washington® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.Honor & Respect is dedicated to Dorothea Johnson, Founder of The Protocol School of Washington®

ON-LINE GUIDE TO FORMS OF ADDRESS * * * BLOG: Robert HIckey Answers Questions From On-Line Users * * * VIDEO of Robert Hickey * * * About the book: HONOR & RESPECT Abbess, Christian Orthodox Abbot, Christian Orthodox Accountant Acting Official Adjutant General Admiral, Rear Alderman Archbishop, Catholic Archbishop, Christian Orthodox Archdeacon, Episcopal Archimandrite Architect Archpriest Ambassador to the U.S. from a foreign country Ambassador of the U.S. American Indian Chief Assemblyman U.S., State / or Assemblywoman Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice of a State Supreme Court Attorney Attorney General Australian Officials Baron, Baroness British Officials, Royalty, Nobility Brother, Catholic Brother, Christian Orthodox Bishop, Catholic Bishop, Christian Orthodox Bishop, Episcopal Board Member Boy Brigadier General Canadian Officials Candidate Captain, USA, USAF, USMC Cardinal Chairman Federal Reserve Chaplain in the Armed Services Chaplain of Congress Chargé d’Affaires Chief Executive Officer Chief Judge Chief Justice, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, of a State Supreme Court Chief of Police Chief of Staff Chief Operating Officer Child Clergy & Religious Officials Colonel, Kentucky Colonel, USA, USAF, or USMC Congressman, U.S. Congresswoman, U.S. Consul and or Consul General Commissioner Corporate Executive Councilman Councilwoman Counselor (Diplomat) Countess Couples Curator Dalai Lama Deacon Dean, academic Dean, clergy Deceased Persons Delegate, U.S., State Dentist Deputy Chief of Mission Deputy Marshal Designate, Elect, Pro Tempore Diplomats District Attorney Doctor of Dentistry Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Doctor of Osteopathy Doctor, Other Disciplines Doctorate Earl Elect, Designate Pro Tempore Eminence Etiquette Excellency First, Second, Third_, etc._ First Lady, Spouse of the President of the United States First Lady, Member of Her White House Staff First Lady, Spouse of a Governor or Lt. Gov. First Lieutenant Flag Protocol Former Officials Geshe General USA, USAF, USMC Girl Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Lt., Spouse Governor, Tribal Council Governor, U.S. State Governor, U.S. State Spouse of Governor's Staff, Member of Governors, Board of Honorable, The Honourable, The Indian Chief Introductions Invitations Writing & Addressing Invitations Military: Writing & Addressing Judge of US City or US Count Judge, US Federal Junior, Senior, I, II, III, etc. Justice, Associate Federal Supreme Court Justice, Associate State Supreme Court King Knight Late, The (deceased persons) Lawyer Lieutenant Lieutenant Colonel , USA, USAF, USMC Lieutenant General, USA, USAF, USMC Lieutenant Governor Major USA, USAF, USMC Major General, USA, USAF, USMC Man, business Man, social Marquess or Marchioness Married Women Marshal for a Judicial District, U.S. Mayor of a U.S. City Medic Minister, Protestant Clergy Miss Monk, Christian Orthodox Monsignor Most Reverend, The Mother Superior Mr. Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. / Couples Ms. Name Tags Nobility, British Nobility, Other Nun, Catholic Nun, Orthodox Nurse Officer, Police Pastor, Christian Clergy Patriarch, Christian Orthodox Patriarch, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople People with Two Titles Petty Officer Physician PhD Place Cards Police Chief Police Officer Pope, Catholic Pope, Coptic Postmaster General Post-Nominal Abbreviations Presbyter, Orthodox President, corporate President of College or University President of a US State Assembly President of the U.S.A. President of the U.S.A., former (President of the U.S.) Member of The White House Staff President of the U.S., spouse of President-elect of the U.S. Priest, Catholic Priest, Christian Orthodox Prime Minister Professionals & Academics Professor Pro Tempore, Elect, Designate Queen Rabbi Ranger, Texas Representative, U.S., Federal Representative, U.S., State Resident Commissioner Retired Officers Armed Servicese Reverend, The Right Reverend, The School Board Member Second Lieutenant Secretary, U.S. Department, Member of the Cabinet Secretary of Defense, U.S. Secretary General of the U.N. Senator, U.S., Federal Senator, U.S., State Senator, Canadian Senior, Junior, I, II, III, etc. Senior Judge Sergeant Sergeant at Arms Sheriff Sister, Catholic Solicitor General Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Specialist Spouse of the President of the U.S. Spouse of the Vice President of the U.S. Surgeon General Texas Ranger The Honorable Tribal Officials US Federal Officials US State Officials US Municipal Officials Venerable, The Veterinarian Very Reverend, The Vice President of the U.S. Spouse of the Vice President of the U.S. Vice President-elect of the U.S. Viscount and/or Viscountess Warrant Officer Widow White House Staff Woman, business Woman, social How to Address a Governor of a State of the United StatesNote: The Honorable is the most frequently used courtesy title for governors. However, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and South Carolina officially and traditionally address their governor as _Your Excellency._Envelope, official: The Honorable (Full name) Governor of (state) (Address)Letter salutation: Dear Governor (surname):All about The HonorableLink to Q&A just on officials in the U.S. addressed as The Honorable FYI, here is what's come in to the Blog that relates to this office/rank. For recent questions sent in, check out Robert Hickey's Blog. For specific offices/ranks, check out Robert Hickey's On-Line Guide. How Do I Address an Acting Governor? We don't have a Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey. When the Governor is away we have an Acting Governor. How do you go about introducing an Acting Governor? How about a former Acting Governor? Is the Acting Governor only the Acting Goveror when the elected Governor is out of state? Or is h or she introduced as an Acting Governor all the time? -- FG, New Jersey Hi FG in New Jersey: The role of Acting Governor is filled by the President of the New Jersey Senate. He or she is the Acting Governor when the elected Governor is out of state or incapacitated. New Jersey doesn't have the electe office "Lieutenant Governor" like many states do ... but beginning in 2010 that will change and there will be a Lieutenant Governor in New Jersey. When introducing the President of the Senate as the Acting Governor say: “May I present the Honorable (full name), Acting Governor of New Jersey.” Don’t directly address an Acting Governor as "Governor (name)". The rule is "address by rank, identify by office" -- so address as "Senator (name)" and identify as the Acting Governor. While he or she is not directly addressed as "Acting Governor (name)" one might refer to him or her as that in the third person. "Acting Governor (name) will be arriving in 20 minutes." A former Acting Governor is not addressed as such either ... because Acting Governor is a role ... not an office. But you could note that the individual served as the acting governor at some point. "It is my pleasure to introduce The Honorable (full name), former President of the New Jersey Senate. Senator (last name) served as Acting Governor of New Jersey on numerous occasions during the (name of the elected Governor) administration. -- Robert HickeyHow to Address a Governor-elect? How do I address a letter salutation to a Governor-elect? -- Gayle P. Dear Gayle, I have that form of address on page 190 of my book. A governor-elect is immediately The Honorable (Full Name) ... since he or she has been elected in a general election. And in the salutation use the honorific ... Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname): ... whatever he or she would be entitled to -- prior to the election. Use of Governor as an honorific is reserved for the current ... singular ... official. One might identify him or her as The Governor-elect ... but it's not actually a title or office or position. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Letter to a Former Governor? Dear Mr. Hickey: What is the proper form of address when writing a letter to a former Governor? When he calls, he says "This is Governor (surname)” even though he is no longer the Governor. I have made it “The Honorable (full name)” in the letter's address block, and “Dear Governor (surname)” in the salutation. Sound right? --- Lonnie Sue ReardonDear Ms. Reardon: In the letter’s address block a former governor is The Honorable (full name). In the saluation use: Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./General/Judge/Senator/etc. (name): Former office holders go back to whatever they were before they were governor. Only a Governor in office is formally and officially addressed as Governor (name). The reason? There is only one Governor at at time, and it's not respectful of the current office holder to refer to former office holders as it they were still in office. I know we hear newscasters referring to former governors as "Governor." But officially is incorrect. -- Robert Hickey But in this case I know he still want's to be addressed as "Governor"? --- Lonnie Sue Reardon I wonder if he calls the current governor and identifies himself as "Governor"? If we met and you introduce yourself as Monsignor Lonnie Sue I would think hummmm, a monsignor is Catholic priest and is always man. So I would think it is unlikely you are a monsignor. And you are just using your given name ... like Cher, Fabian, or Sting ... which also strikes me as a bit odd for a monsignor. But, I'd call you Monsignor Lonnie Sue in you presence. You say it's your name and it's not up to me to decide what your name is. If I knew this former governor wanted to be addressed as "Governor" I'd do it for him, however I wouldn’t think he changed what was correct. -- Robert Hickey NOTE: I got an interesting e-mail from H.D. aboutmy advice on addressing Monsignor Lonnie Sue. Click here to read his note. How to Address a Former Governor in Conversation? I read a story recently which said that the organizers of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin’s book tour have asked the public to address her as “Governor Palin” at her book signings. Is that proper? -- William PerryDear Mr. Perry: It's not traditionally correct. Officially is back to Ms. Palin. She is not correctly addressed as Mayor Palin because Wasilla has a new mayor, and she is not addressed as Governor Palin because Alaska has a new governor. Here is the tradition behind this: Jobs of which there is only one at a time ... Governor, Mayor, President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Chairman of a Board, .... do not continue to be directly addressed in writing or conversation by their former "office" because it is not respectful to the current office holder and confusing to those in the (organization/state/whatever) as to who is currently in charge. Jobs of which many hold the same office at the same time DO continue to be addressed by their former honorific ... Senator, Judge, Captain, Admiral, General, Professor .... after leaving their position. Having worked with many 'formers' I find that 99% of the time they know their correct honorific. But the handlers may not know what's correct and encourage the reference to the former position -- which I suspect is the case here. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Former Governor? Former Mayor? Good morning Robert: I'm writing to inquire into an apparent discrepancy between Judith Martin's writing on former titles and the position you put forth in you wonderful book (let's not even discuss Letitia's written position.) Specifically, Miss Manners writes about the One At A Time Rule (OAAT Rule) applying only to the President and that title holders revert back to their prior highest official title held. You write that the OAAT Rule refers to all exclusive positions (Gov/Mayor.) which there is only one office holder at a time. How does the lay person make sense of what looks like inconsistency within our field? Many thanks for you help, Robert! -- Susan , Graduate, The Protocol School of WashingtonDear Susan: If Judith Martin says a former governor is formally addressed as "Governor" and a former mayor if formally addressed as "Mayor" ... then I would disagree with her and would not agree it is historically based. Formally they are "The Honorable" and revert back their highest former title that wasn't a O-A-A-T office. I see my book as a listing of the most formal forms of address, figuring that 'informal' is 'free style" and easier: everyone can do it. But I do get people who disagree. Nixon's post-presidential staff addressed him as "Mr. President." I've had e-mails from readers in Annapolis saying they always called former Maryland governors "Govenor (Name)". I read that Sarah Palin's publishing publicist directed people to call her "Governor Palin' when she was on her book tour. And I've seen Newt Gingrich addressed as "Speaker Gingrich" on TV by George Stefanopolis. Former vice presidents, prime ministers, chief justices, chairmen, and chancellors, get the same treatment. But everytime I have directly asked a current or former "o-a-a-t" office holder ... be they a mayor of a city or president of the country club .... they confirm the "o-a-a-t rule" is correct -- having been in the situation of being 'current' and dealing with 'formers.' The point is not denying the former official of his or her history .... or dishonoring their service ... but in honoring our system that elects just person one at a time to certain high offices .... and being clear who speaks for the authority of the office. Re consistency .... I always insert the "most formally" phrase because people do realized that what they hear on TV is narrative in the third person. A newscaster referring to President Clinton and Secretary Clinton in a story ... is not a direct forms of address. I also find that asking the question "in your club or association, is the former president addressed as 'President'?" That question gets their affirmation that having multiple presidents -- or multiple mayors -- or multiple governors -- is confusing. -- Robert Hickey How to Address a Former Governor Who Held Other Positions? My former boss passed away last week. He was a U.S. Senator and a two time Oklahoma Governor. He was a Governor, Senator, then Governor. We are debating how to refer to him in programs and announcements -- as Senator -- the higher office or as Governor -- the last office? Thanks! _-- Just Wondering in Oklahoma_Dear JWIO: Think about it in the most formal way: would a former governor be called Governor (name) in the presence of the current governor? He would not. Former governors are not 'officially' addressed as Governor (name) because there is only one Governor of a state at a time ... and doing do is not respectful of the state's current governor. This holds true for other offices where there is a single office holder ... The Speaker of the House ... the Mayor of a City .... the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. WHEREAS there are many senators, admirals, judges, ambassadors at a time ... so calling a former office holder by one of those titles is not in conflict with a current office holder. So most correctly he is addressed by his highest, non-exclusive honorific: Senator (Name) a man who served as Governor twice ... When Dwight Eisenhower left the presidency he went back to General Eisenhower. That's also what Albert Gore has done ... he's back to Senator Gore, because he can't be Mr. Vice President. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush don't have a title to go back to so they are both "Mr." ... and Colin Powell is not longer Mr. Secretary or Secretary Powell ... He's back to General Powell. -- Robert HickeyRobert Yea! I knew it! In Oklahoma, every person who is a former governor is called governor by those who address him in every social setting I am attending. Do the Okie's just not know any better? They are not doing this in front of current Governor, just in the addressing of any former governor. So, if I see former governor what do I call him? It's not just the Okie's ... it just people repeating what they hear the newscasters say. If you had been President of some local club ... there would doubtlessly be someone who would continue to call you President (Your Last Name) just to flatter you. Not technically or traditionally correct ... but it happens. I have seen hosts of the Sunday morning programs interview Newt Gingrich and call him Speaker Gingrich ... it's not right, but when I observed, he did not correct them on air. I see people doing lots of ill advised things ... that they do them -- doesn't make them right. They are either lazy or don't know any better. If you meet a former governor and call him "Mr." it won't offend him ... because he will know what's right. -- Robert Hickey How to Address the Wife of a Governor? I am writing a letter to the wife of the governor of my state. Do I address her in the salutation as Dear Mrs. Jindal: or is there another title I should use? I am inviting her to an event at my school, and I want to make sure I use the correct language in the letter. Thanks for your help. -- Sarah Elizer, Parkview Baptist School, Baton Rouge, LouisianaDear Ms. Elizer, Yes ... she is addressed in a salutation most correctly as Dear Mrs. Jindal: Look at the form I give for the First Lady of the United States ... you can modify it. You don't use her first name ... at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge, there is only one Mrs. Jindal. When she visits your school have everyone address her as Mrs. Jindal. Then, when you introduce her the assembled students say .... May I present Supriya Jindel, wife of the Governor of the State of Louisiana. You can ask if she likes to called the "First Lady of Louisiana" ... if she does (Maria Shriver in California likes First Lady of...) ... then you could say ... May I present Supriya Jindel, First Lady of the State of Louisiana. Reason for using "State of Louisiana"? It's a bit more formal than saying just "Louisiana." -- Robert Hickey**How Do I Address the Wife of a Governor Who Uses A Different Last Name than her Husband?**Thanks for your informative web site, which I visited via Google. I couldn't find an answer to my question" -- that of how to address a letter to Maria Shriver. I am not sure what the protocol is for a governor's wife, and, in this case, a governor's wife who, I believe, uses her maiden name. I'm stuck!? _--- G. Persis_Dear Ms. Persis: Maria Shriver presents herself as Maria Shriver: she established herself professionally with that name prior to marriage, and has not chosen as First Lady to be Mrs. Arnold Schwarzenegger. So normally I would address a letter to her as: Ms. Maria Shriver State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 However, the state website (http://www.firstlady.ca.gov/contact/ ) says letters should be addressed to: First Lady Maria Shriver State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 The site is using First Lady as an honorific like Mayor, Bishop, Captain or Dr. "First Lady" isn't typically or traditionally an honorific for the wives of elected officials. Recent First Ladies in Washington have requested to be introduced as First Lady Laura Bush or First Lady Hilary Clinton ... but these are forms for an introduction .... not as a written form of direct address. But back to California .... in spite of the fact that First Lady Maria Shriver is unusual, you should address your letter to First Lady Maria Shriver as the website suggests, because it's courteous to follow the preference of the individual. Write the salutation: Dear Ms. Shriver. And close with: Sincerely,. -- Robert Hickey All information on www.formsofaddress.info is copyright © 2011 by Robert Hickey.The Protocol School of Washington® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.Honor & Respect is dedicated to Dorothea Johnson, Founder of The Protocol School of Washington®