Daley to Cut Political Jobs

THE DAILY FED

Daley to Cut Political Jobs

At his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, Daley promised he would strive to depoliticize the department, which some Republicans say has become a Democratic stronghold. In addition to the job cuts, Daley's plans include suspending all trade missions for the next month to examine the make-up of the delegations. Republicans have suggested that during Ron Brown's tenure as Commerce Secretary, Democratic supporters were given priority when trade missions were organized.

"You have an additional responsibility to make sure that any taint of politicization or illegal behavior is eradicated as quickly as possible within your department," said Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., to Daley.

Daley said he would most likely eliminate deputy assistant secretary positions, which are not confirmed by the Senate. John Huang served as a deputy assistant secretary in the Commerce Department for 18 months before going on to become a Democratic fund-raiser. Huang is being investigated for allegedly giving campaign contributors access to the Clinton Administration.

Senate aides have said that Daley will have little trouble being confirmed.

To view the list of political appointees in the Commerce Department who now face losing their jobs, click here.