Now it's time to explore our candidates for Secretary of Homeland Security. It's a diverse department - responsible for everything from FEMA to Immigration. It's also perhaps the most dangerous department in the hands of a fascist - or even a closet fascist. So while I appreciate the efforts of President-elect Obama to reach across the aisle - please, not for this position.
As I continue my research, let me give credit to Sven from My Silver State, who did an excellent similar series back in May. I can't have an unlimited list. The poll includes an option for "Someone Else," plus a request to specify in the comments.
Once again, poll and brief description of each candidate on the flip. I evaluate each option as best I can. (I had to research the credentials of a few.) I trust others will add more data, including why others would be great or awful. I may have missed a few excellent candidates, so please feel free to add your own.
Pimping previous diaries on the topic:
Cabinet Diary 1 - Secretary of State (with poll)
Cabinet Diary 2 - Secretary of the Treasury (with poll)
Cabinet Diary 3 - Secretary of Defense (with poll)
Cabinet Diary 4 - Attorney General (with poll)
The Department of Homeland Security is sort of a "catch-all" department; as suggested by Wikipedia, it is responsible for "protecting the territory of the U.S. from terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters." It includes the Customs Service, INS, Coast Guard, Secret Service, INS, ICE, TSA, FEMA, and more.
Gary Hart - It's almost as if he's been preparing for the Homeland Security job for his entire life. Former Senator from CO. Started working on a different model for US Defense policy back in the early '80s (less nuclear, more conventional forces). Co-chaired the Hart-Rudman commission - if anyone listened to them, I think their recommendations might have prevented 9/11. An old progressive. Campaign manager for McGovern back in '72. Early backer of Obama (in January, I think).
Richard Danzig - Perhaps the most prominent Obama supporter from the Defense establishment. SecNavy under Clinton. Interestingly enough, he cites "Winnie the Pooh" as a fundamental text on national security. Also a leading candidate for Secretary of Defense; some articles suggest that he prefers Homeland Security.
Bill Bratton - LAPD Chief. Former Commissioner NYPD, and Boston PD. Guiliani gets far too much credit for Bratton's work. Per the LA Times:
Bratton said he decided to assist Obama because "Democrats are much more supportive on policing issues. Republicans are just not good on local policing."
Tim Roemer - Former House member. 9/11 Commission member. Per Wikipedia, has done follow up work on the
Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism, a bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2007 as an outgrowth of the reforms put forth by the 9/11 Commission"
Jane Harmon - Through '06, ranking member, House Intelligence Committee. When we took over the House in '06, she was pushed aside for the chairmanship - some suggest due to political manuvering - or perhaps some questions on AIPAC influence.
Susan Collins - Ranking Member, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Republican from Maine, just re-elected. A D Gov would replace her.
Anthony Lake - NSA during the Clinton administration. Nomination for CIA director was withdrawn due to R opposition.
Bob Kerrey - Former Sen from Nebraska. President, New School. Awarded Medal of Honor. Member, 9/11 commission. Used President-elect Obama's middle name in a way perceived to be an insult.
Bernie Thompson - Chair, House Committee on Homeland Security. His nomination may be affected by some controversy, per Wikipedia.
James Lee Witt - FEMA director during the Clinton admin. In '96, per an editorial in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution stated, "FEMA has developed a sterling reputation for delivering disaster relief services," and it went on to extol Witt for having stopped the staffing of the agency by political patronage, removed layers of bureaucracy and instilled in the agency a spirit of preparedness, of service to the customer and of willingness to communicate with local and state officials to make the system work better.
Silvestre Reyes - Current chair, House Intelligence Committee. Former Chief Patrol Agent, El Paso Sector. Former chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Unfortunately, he endorsed "the surge".