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Ron Kirk, former mayor of Dallas, was endorsed by the Senate Finance Committee today as the US Trade Representative.
The endorsement ends a potential embarrassment for the Obama administration, over Mr. Kirk’s tax record. Finance Committee investigators had found that due to some errors over deductions for Dallas Mavericks tickets, and donations to his Alma mater, [...]
Scientific Community Waiting for Removal of Stem Cell Ban
By Paul Amy
Published: February 19, 2009
In Obama’s first week in office, he issued a number of executive orders, ordering the closing of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility, making government more transparent, among others. But many are wondering when he will lift the ban on stem cell research.
The ban, put in place by President Bush in 2001, restricted research to stem [...]
Kansas Governor Leading the Pack of Possible HHS Nominees
By Paul Amy
Published: February 19, 2009
While no decisions have been made, a top-contender for Health and Human Services Secretary has emerged in Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
Sebelius, a Democratic governor working in a heavily Republican state, has a strong bipartisan record, having had Republicans as her running mates for both of her terms in office. That experience in partisan politics will [...]
Senator Gregg Withdraws as Commerce Secretary Nominee
By Paul Amy
Published: February 13, 2009
In another blow to the Obama administration, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) has withdrawn as the nominee for Commerce Secretary.
If Gregg had been approved by the Senate, President Obama would have had more Republicans in his cabinet than any other Democratic President in history. His withdrawal, however, leaves Obama with two holes in top cabinet positions, [...]
Obama Seeks Middle-Ground on Abortion Issues
By Paul Amy
Published: February 5, 2009
President Obama’s message of cooperation and compromise is being put to the test by one of the most divisive issues in the country: abortion.
So far in his Presidency, Obama has lifted a ban on U.S. funding for international programs that provide abortions, and has had the House Democrats drop a family planning program from the [...]
Obama Announces Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
By Paul Amy
Published: February 5, 2009
President Obama announced an Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships today.
The new office will be tasked with legal review of church-state separation issues, as well as manage federal money allocated to religious organizations. The Washington Post reports:
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Capital Hilton in Washington this morning, Obama said the goal of [...]
Gregg Nominated as Commerce Secretary
By Paul Amy
Published: February 4, 2009
President Obama officially named Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) to be his Commerce Secretary.
Mr. Gregg joins Robert Gates and Ray LaHood as the third Republican in Obama’s cabinet. He will also likely become the most dissident voice in the administration. And that seems to be a factor that Obama is counting on. Mr. Gregg, the senior [...]
Killefer and Daschle Withdraw from Consideration
By Paul Amy
Published: February 3, 2009
Citing reluctance to distract from President Obama’s agenda, Nancy Killefer and Tom Daschle have withdrawn themselves from consideration for top positions within the administration.
Killefer, Obama’s pick for White House performance officer, withdrew from consideration early today. President Obama accepted her withdrawal with reluctance. Just yesterday, however, he had expressed his unwavering support for Mr. Daschle, [...]
Republican Senator Judd Gregg Obama’s Top Choice for Commerce Secretary
By Paul Amy
Published: February 3, 2009
In a signal to the change he promised during his campaign, President Obama is set to nominate Republican Senator Judd Gregg to the vacant cabinet spot of Commerce Secretary.
If he accepts, Mr. Gregg, Senator from New Hampshire, will join Ray LaHood and Robert Gates as the third Republican in Obama’s cabinet. Early on, some Democrats [...]
Holder Confirmed
By Paul Amy
Published: February 3, 2009
The first black Attorney General was confirmed by the Senate yesterday, and sworn-in today.
Eric Holder Jr., deputy attorney general during the Clinton administration, is one of the most credentialed lawyers ever to take the top law-enforcement position. He has previously served as a public corruption prosecutor, US attorney in DC, and a Superior Court judge. [...]