Whether it's Bush or Gore, some appointees will stay put

Once the election results are finally sorted out, the President-elect and his team can get on with the business of setting up their administration. That will mean making thousands of political appointments. But some appointees are going to stay right where they are regardless of who wins.

Here's a list of some influential federal leaders who won't be leaving Washington anytime soon:

Jane Garvey, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. Garvey, who took over the reins at FAA in August 1997, was the first administrator at the agency to win a five-year term under a law passed by Congress. FAA has recently weathered controversies about summer flight delays and lax airport security. But Garvey, who recently said she intends to stay until her term ends in 2002, has been praised for trying to modernize the agency and implement financial management and personnel reforms.

Charles O. Rossotti, IRS commissioner. Rossotti arrived at the IRS in 1997, having been appointed to a five-year term. A business executive recruited by President Clinton to help transform the IRS, Rossotti has focused on improving customer service, employee satisfaction and business results. Rossotti has been praised for tackling the challenges confronting the beleagured agency and for working well with the IRS' numerous stakeholders. Like Garvey, Rossotti has said he plans to stay until his term expires in 2002.

Greg Woods, chief operating officer of the Office of Student Financial Assistance Programs, Department of Education. Woods, appointed in 1998, is head of the federal government's first official performance-based organization. The office provides more than $42 billion a year to help millions of students pay for college. Woods has a five-year term that expires in 2003.

Louis Freeh, FBI director. The head of the FBI is appointed to a 10-year term, but Freeh-confirmed by the Senate in 1993-has not said whether he plans to stay until the end of his term.

William J. Henderson, postmaster general. The Postal Service's nine-member Board of Governors selects the postmaster general, who serves at the board's pleasure for an indefinite term. Henderson's current contract expires in May 2001.

Alan Greenspan, chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. President Clinton appointed the indefatigable Fed chairman to another four-year term in 2000. President Reagan first appointed Greenspan as chairman of the Federal Reserve in 1987. Since the mid-1990s, Greenspan has presided over the most prosperous economy in the nation's history.