02-16-2012, 10:53 PM
Lux Interior wrote:
[quote=Grace62] They refer to Romney as "Governor" which is also incorrect. Santorum is correctly referred to as "Senator."
Maybe the commentators think that distinction is unfair.
Why is it okay to call an ex-senator by his old title but not an ex-governor?
A few offices keep their titles after the person retires: senator, ambassador, general, for example.
For jobs which can be held by only one individual at a time: including president, speaker of the house, governor, and representative of a specific congressional district, after the person leaves office they are addressed in writing as "The Honorable" or if referred to in a report: former (title) or (title) 2001-2009 and in person as Mr/Ms/Dr. so-and-so.
So, if you're moderating a debate, it's Mr. Gingrich, Mr. Romney, Senator Santorum, and Congressman or Representative Paul, depending on which he prefers.
This guy is a protocol expert and the go-to person for questions about forms of address and titles:
http://www.formsofaddress.info/FOA_home.html