Advertisement Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson appointed to White House position Former State Auditor Crit Luallen to replace Abramson in Frankfort Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson is resigning from his post next week to take a job at the White House.Mobile videoAbramson made the announcement at the state Capitol in Frankfort Thursday morning.He said he was contacted about two months ago by White House officials about the position.Abramson said when the president called, he knew he couldn’t say no."I was surprised when I got the call saying, 'Would you be interested?' Because I already have a job. I’m working diligently for the people of Kentucky, but the more I listened and the more they kept talking to the opportunities to add value around the country, I thought this was the time and my wife was supportive, which was really important and that gives me the chance to do it," Abramson said.Abramson will be the deputy assistant to President Barack Obama and director of intergovernmental affairs in the White House."I'll be the liaison between the White House and the mayors, the city councils, the county executives, the magistrates, the governors, lieutenant governors and state legislators throughout the U.S. working on the issues that are so important to this president and this country in terms of the domestic agenda," Abramson said.The issues include public transportation, job training, infrastructure, the minimum wage and affordable housing.He'll also help coordinate with states on the upcoming second open enrollment under Obama's health care act."Jerry knows the challenges confronting state, county and city governments better than almost anybody, so it's no surprise President Obama and his advisers recognized that expertise and stole him away from me," Gov. Steve Beshear said.Beshear praised Abramson's enthusiasm, integrity and accomplishments in office.Beshear said the resignation was bittersweet, but added he was thrilled to have a Kentuckian in the West Wing.Abramson called the job a new adventure he's excited for, but added it will be a sacrifice.His wife will remain in Kentucky, while he moves into an apartment in Washington, D.C."Having said that, it's the president of the United States and an offer to be at the policy table on domestic issues with the president of the United States. Madeline turned to me and said, 'We've got to do this,'" Abramson said.The governor stated his search for a new lieutenant began and ended with former State Auditor Crit Luallen."And we sat down together, and he laid out the opportunity and it took me about 30 seconds to say yes because I see this as a great way for me to continue to serve Kentucky," Luallen said.Luallen has served in the administrations of six governors.She told reporters she was honored to accept the job"It will be my personal goal to help the governor end his term in office with the state in as strong a position as possible, to take advantage of the opportunities that the future presents," she said.Abramson's resignation will be effective at 5 p.m. Nov. 13. Luallen will be sworn in at that time at a private ceremony.A public swearing-in will be held on Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. on the Capitol Rotunda.