THE DAILY FED
Cabinet Candidates Emerging
The president has put off his family vacation to the Aloha State until he makes some decisions on Cabinet appointments. White House officials say Clinton will probably try to finalize his recommendations for the secretaries of State and Defense by Friday. Other agencies like Labor and Energy will most likely have to wait until Clinton returns to Washington after his vacation and a trip to Asia.
Former Democratic Senator George Mitchell of Maine is emerging as the top candidate to take over as Secretary of State for Warren Christopher. Mitchell and the president got to know each other in preparations for a presidential campaign debate, when Mitchell played the part of Republican nominee Bob Dole.
Director of Central Intelligence John Deutch is a leading candidate to take over the helm at DoD. His departure from the CIA could mean another retired senator from Maine, this time Republican William S. Cohen, may end up in the Cabinet of Clinton's second administration.
Clinton has suggested he is looking to appoint Republicans to his Cabinet. Some Democrats, including Jesse Jackson, are opposed.
Clinton may also have trouble making his second Cabinet "look like America." With Hazel O'Leary leaving Energy and the death of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown is the only African American left in the Cabinet. Both of the Cabinet's Hispanic Americans, Transportation's Federico Pena and HUD's Henry Cisneros, are expected to leave.
NEXT STORY: Quote of the Day