Midnight political trivia question

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Only 1 CD in the nation voted for John Kerry in 2004 and John McCain in 2008. Any guesses?

On a related note:

There are only five House Republicans left representing districts that John Kerry carried in 2004, down from the pre-election total of eight.

The five left are: Reps. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), who survived a tough campaign against Democrat Dan Seals; Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), who narrowly defeated Democrat Darcy Burner; Charlie Dent (R-Pa.); Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and Mike Castle (R-Del.). - Politico

Does the Rumour Mill Change SoS?

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Recently, we polled on Hillary Clinton's future, and more than half of you said she should stay in the Senate and become the Ted Kennedy of our time. In addition, more than half of you felt that Bill Richardson would be the best choice for Secretary of State.

Does putting Hillary's name in the mix change your mind?

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Personally, I think that State is the worst possible location for Hillary Clinton. Of course, if that's the deal they cut at Dianne Feinstein's so be it. My thinking is similar, although not identical, to the logic in the LA Times op-ed. That piece is concerned with placing in the cabinet

[H]igh-profile individuals who have a national following and a constituency that extends beyond that of the president himself.

And then they ask:

But given how the distribution of power within the executive branch has changed over the years, would such individuals be well used in a Cabinet post? Would it be worth it to them to exchange their current roles in public life to assume a Cabinet post? Would the president be willing to sacrifice the level of accountability that is required of other Cabinet members to attract them to such a position?

That's the LA Times. I add to that the question of whether you put someone into State with policy positions very different, if not diametrically opposed, to those of the President. If they disagree, which will be the foreign policy of "the" administration?

Further, foreign policy has never been a major part of her issues set. Hillary Clinton is about law, and equal/human rights, health care, pay equality and other domestic issues. Placing her in this position could conceivably squander her talents which may be better spent in-country.

That doesn't even bring up the questions about Bill Clinton's relationships with certain governments and individuals around the world.

And finally, there is that form applicants have to fill out as part of the application to fill a high position in the administration. Even if potential Cabinet appointees don't have to fill out the form, it's likely those questions would come up at some point in the process. Especially this one:

Do you, your spouse, or any member of your immediate family, of business in which you, your spouse or immediate family have a substantial interest, have any relationship with any government, whether Federal, state, local or Indian or foreign through contracts, consulting services, grants, loans or guarantees? If yes, please provide details.

Secretary of State

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In the post just below, Ed has made his case for Bill Richardson as Secretary of State. Do you agree?

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The Case for Bill Richardson at Secretary of State

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As the Democrats look to build an administration composed of the best and brightest that the Party has to offer, the Obama Biden Transition Project should be considering New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for Secretary of State.

The former presidential candidate has more high-profile international relations experience than most. He can be an imposing figure both literally and figuratively; he stands at 6' 4" and is respected in both parties and around the world. And as one of the most prominent Latinos in the country would add diversity to the upper echelon of the cabinet.

Governor Richardson's endorsement of Barack Obama came at an integral time in the primary contest: right after the Rev. Wright news broke and just before the Pennsylvania primary. It came at a time when Obama needed the boost, when support from a former primary rival and a leading member of the Hispanic community helped to deflect the Wright controversy.

Though it's feasible that Vice President-Elect Joe Biden, with his extensive experience in foreign policy, will have some influence as to who is selected for the position at State. The most prominent name mentioned recently has been 2004 Democratic Presidential Nominee John Kerry, whom Biden probably has a better relationship with. Kerry certainly has the experience to do the job.

Yet as former United Nations Ambassador, Richardson isn't just someone who has experience in foreign affairs - he has a reputation that makes him a requested commodity among leaders of other countries. He has negotiated cease fires and the release of hostages in troubled regions around the world. In 2007, he worked with the Bush administration to work with North Korea in order to receive the remains of soldiers from the Korean War.

In full disclosure: I worked on Gov. Richardson's campaign for president this year. Though that doesn't change the fact that the man is uniquely qualified to lead the nation in foreign affairs and provide significant gravitas to the United States as we seek to repair our relationships in the world.