Mark Gearan mentioned for possible Kerry Cabinet Post
Kerry's Cabinet: Advisers, governors, Clinton returnees, a general, a Republican or two?
MARY DALRYMPLE, and
Friday, September 17, 2004
(09-17) 12:02 PDT (AP) --
NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Governors, campaign advisers and former presidential foes could end up in top Cabinet posts in a John Kerry administration, perhaps joined by a retired general and even a Republican or two.
Political and business insiders would be a good bet as in any presidential administration. And plenty of names from the Clinton administration, four years out of office and some of them itching to return, are being tossed around.
The Kerry campaign is keeping quiet so far about specific prospects for Cabinet positions if the Massachusetts senator should win the presidency in November. But that doesn't mean no one is thinking about it.
"If he's doing his job as a candidate, he should be already developing lists of names," said Paul Light, a New York University professor and expert in presidential transitions.
Kerry has been trying to lure undecided voters with a decidedly moderate message and has said he might appoint Republicans to important positions. But Shirley Anne Warshaw, a presidential scholar at Gettysburg College, said that might provoke tension in a new administration.
"It looks good on paper. It looks good to the public. It is not a strategy that works in reality," she said.
Among leading Cabinet prospects are those already advising the Kerry campaign, including men who fought him for the Democratic nomination, as well as present and former members of Congress and retired military leaders.
A "hideously convoluted process" of confirming Cabinet nominees favors officials who already have dealt with the lengthy and intrusive questioning, Light said.
"Past experience is a good predictor of future appointment," he said.
Here are some possible contenders for a Kerry Cabinet:
[Excerpt]
* INTERIOR. Mark Gearan, who held several posts in the Clinton administration including Peace Corps director, and Tim Wirth, once Colorado representative and senator, could be picked.
