So I had this crazy and probably ill-advised idea. With all the talk about a possible "shadow cabinet" for Kerry, and even the possibility of naming a VP early, I thought an in-depth discussion of each particular cabinet post would be helpful. There are, by my count, 21 weeks to go until the convention. Each week until then (on Saturday if I can help it), I'll focus on one of the 21 major cabinet/executive positions Kerry would need to fill, and try to spark some debate and discussion.
Of course, this is the ultimate example of counting one's chickens before they hatch. But what fun is politics without completely misguided speculation? The 21 positions include all of the official cabinet posts (VP excluded), as well as 6 of the most important policy-related positions that are not officially cabinet posts: EPA Administrator, NSA, UN Ambassador, National Economic Council chair, Drug Czar, and OMB Director. By the time the convention rolls around, we'll have a complete shadow cabinet ready to go for Kerry. I'll start with the non-cabinet positions and end with the most important cabinet positions (Defense, Treasury, State).
A caveat: the names I'll propose for each post will usually number around 5-7. Other suggestions and comments are welcomed. The idea is to pick the best candidate for each post (not the "most likely"), but also a candidate who might realistically be chosen by Kerry (i.e. Kucinich as Sec. of Defense or Nader at Justice are not likely).
I admit to not being an expert in many (if not all) of these areas, so suggestions and criticisms are welcomed. The idea is to get a realistic idea of what the next executive branch should look like.
So, on to the first position... EPA Administrator:
Kathleen McGinty, Dept. of Evironmental Protection Secretary (PA)
- Served in a couple of positions in the Clinton Administration, most notably as the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Basically, she was Clinton's primary environmental policy advisor towards the end of his presidency, played the same role in the Gore campaign and for the DNC, and was widely though to have been Gore's choice for EPA Administrator if he had won the election (she got her start with Gore as legislative assistant). Well respected by environmentalists and one of the most qualified candidates for the job.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senior Attorney, National Resources Defense Council
- The name alone is, of course, a big draw. RFK Jr. has been one of the most outspoken and visible critics of Bush environmental policy. His lack of administrative experience is made up for by his many legal victories against polluters in the Hudson Valley and Long Island Sound regions. He would be a strong (and publicity-getting) advocate for environmental issues. But he has angered some environmentalists he's worked with, and his conviction for heroin possession in 1984 may be a problem in Senate confirmation hearings. Endorsed Kerry for President in the primaries.
John Kitzhaber, ex-Governor (OR)
- While Governor of Oregon, Kitzhaber won praise for some of his land-use and environmental policies, but also drew criticism from environmentalists for favoring the timber industry. He actually co-authored a policy with current EPA head (and former Utah Governor) Mike Leavitt to restore "balance" to environmental policy - a plan accepted by the Western Governors Association. He has been a strong advocate of local solutions to environmental problems and, as such, may not be a good choice for federal administratior. His background as a doctor and backer of healthcare legislation as Governor makes him a good potential Sec. of H&HS as well. Interior or Energy are also possibilities.
Jim Jeffords, Senator (VT)
- Ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The possibility of becoming chair of the committee - along with his disgust at Bush's environmental policies - was one of the main reasons he quit the GOP. Even as a Republican, he won praise from groups such as the League of Conservation Voters for his voting record in the Senate. Jeffords is good on all of the issues and, as a nominal non-Democrat, would be a good non-partisan choice for the cabinet. Plus, it would open up a Senate seat for Bernie Sanders... or Howard Dean!
Mark Udall, Rep. (CO)
- Udall serves on the House Resources, Science, and Agriculture committees, and received a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters in 2003. His resume includes a stint as the Exec. Director of Outward Bound in Colorado. An avid outdoorsman and fierce critic of Bush on the environment. He must aspire to higher office in the future and this would be a good stepping stone. Also a possible Sec. of Interior or Agriculture.
W. Michael McCabe, ex-Deputy EPA Administrator
- Has worked for the EPA as a regional administrator, and was nominated and confirmed as Deputy Administrator of the EPA (the #2 position) in 2000. Supported Gen. Clark in his presidental run, and currently works in the private sector.
Other suggestions: write in below!
Next week... UN Ambassador