Following in the footsteps of Lincoln (Team of Rivals), President-Elect Obama has indicated his intention to include both Democrats and Republicans in his cabinet. You may or may not agree with this plan, but it has the potential for a hidden benefit
Given the likelihood that Democrats will hold 58-59 Senate seats, would a sitting Republican Senator accept an appointment to the cabinet? If so, which appointments would clear a path to 60 Democratic Senators?
The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments-the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, and the Attorney General. Under President George W. Bush, Cabinet-level rank also has been accorded to the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; Director, Office of Management and Budget; the Director, National Drug Control Policy; and the U.S. Trade Representative.
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