The "Experienced Appointment"

     The problem of a President is to "get a hold on the government" - or to know how to operate the "levers" of government.  Talking about government as a candidate in one thing, running the government as President is another.  There are powerful forces in each separate part of the government with well directed agendas - not necessarily those of the President and his White House.  Incoming President's who choose officials who have been in government can smooth that out and speed up getting control.  A very difficult time - such as the one Obama inherited - requires such appointments.

    Other Presidents - such as Truman - Nixon, Johnson and the first Bush - were long time political pros - and brought almost complete "governments" with them.  Bush II and Clinton brought much of their state governments from their governor days with them -and it took way too long for them to get the government in tow.  Alexander Haig was one of those White House appointments who was invaluable because he knew how to make the government work.  02-22-10

Major Nominations Expected this Week

The President is likely to make major nominations to be sent to the Senate for confirmation this week.  The idea is to round out the major task of filling key jobs which change with administrations - US Marshals - US Attorneys - Ambassadors and similar transition positions still unfilled.  The Senate returns from the President's Day holiday which means hearings on nominations should expand in the next few days. 02-22-10

The National Labor Relations Board is a Big Issue

The NLRB fight to get a new Board member is shaping up into a recess appointment.  The nominee was dumped because the GOP thought he was pro-labor.  02-21-10

CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEES

     In 1972, the Congress created the "Citizen Advisory Committee" legislation.  The idea was, and is today, to put citizens on non-paid committees to advise various agencies.  The program is managed by an agency that provides administrative to the average 1000 committees that exist most of the time.

     The President has directed that no paid lobbyists to appointed to those citizen committees.  01-14-10

Strategic Steps in Getting an Appointment

     1.  Prepare an excellent, comprehensive resume'.

     2.  Submit to White House address on appointments.

     3.  Send vita copy and brief letter to any Governor, Senator, Representative, Member of Democratic National Committee, State Chairman Democratic Chairman, or other politician to endorse your application.

      4.  Send vita other friends, associations, contacts, with brief letter asking for their endorsement for the job.

     5.  Call the White House and work your way through the phone system to try to find a live person in appointments area to send application to that person's desk, and try to get contact number and any advice you can about who to contact.

     6.  Study the internet carefully to be sure you know everything possible about the job, policy, and President's policy on the job you want to have.

     7.  Renew your inquires to political contacts often - talk to assistants and office staff - persistence counts!

     8.  Be willing to take a position different than you originally sought if the Administration offers it. 9-24-09