Last month, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., and other former Peace Corps volunteers recommended that Obama designate Shays to head the 47-year-old agency, which has a $331 million budget and 7,876 volunteers in 76 countries. Congressman Chris Shays of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji in the 1960's.
U.S. Rep.-elect Jim Himes now lobbying President-elect Barack Obama to appoint Shays as director of the Peace Corps
Rival sees Shays in Peace Corps post
By Ken Dixon
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 12/18/2008 02:47:08 AM EST
U.S. Rep.-elect Jim Himes may have ended U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays' political career, but he's now lobbying President-elect Barack Obama to appoint Shays as director of the Peace Corps.
Himes, speaking with the Connecticut Post's editorial board Wednesday, said he's rounding up support from Connecticut's four other House members and will send a letter to Obama's transition team promoting Shays to take over the international service agency.
"As I've noted many times, Chris Shays is a man of grace and courage who served the 4th District well for many years," Himes said. "Though we disagree on some fundamental issues about the direction of our country, we both agree that American idealism and moral leadership is a force for great good in the world."
Shays' depth of experience gives him great credentials to take over the Peace Corps, Himes said.
"I believe Congressman Shays would do a wonderful job of representing our country to those nations of the world served by the Peace Corps," Himes said. "I'm proud to endorse him for that post."
Shays said late Wednesday night he is interested in the position, but hasn't asked anyone to push for his appointment.
"We'll see what happens," he said. "It's one of the great jobs in Washington. It's a phenomenal organization and a unique organization which does more to enhance what people around the world think of the United States in a positive way."
Shays served with the Peace Corps in Fiji from 1968-70.
"What's going to be exciting for whomever is director is President-elect Obama has a real sensitivity to Third World nations and emerging nations," Shays said.
Michael Fox, a friend of Shays, said Shays is interested in returning to the organization.
"He loves the Peace Corps and has tremendous passion for its mission," Fox said after speaking with the congressman.
Shays the Peace Corps will assume particular importance under Obama.
Last month, U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., and other former Peace Corps volunteers recommended that Obama designate Shays to head the 47-year-old agency, which has a $331 million budget and 7,876 volunteers in 76 countries.
- Ken Dixon writes for the Connecticut Post.
