OBAMA'S TRANSITION TEAM

OBAMA'S TRANSITION TEAM

I am really impressed with Obama's transition team, and the regulations that have been put on selections to fill positions that will be vacated by Republicans.  John Podesta, transition chief, announced that federal lobbyists will be banned from participating, saying "that the undue influence of Washington lobbyists and the revolving door of Washington ceases to exist."  Furthermore, lobbyists will not be allowed to work in the subject areas in which they have previously lobbied, and, if someone becomes a lobbyist after working on the transition, they will be prohibited from lobbying the administration for 12 months on matters on which they worked.  Podesta also said he expected the ban to remain in effect during the administration.  If this reduces the undue influence lobbyists have wielded on Congress and the Bush administration, this is a good thing.

Additionally, Obama has hired Sam Nunn to head the transition team at the Pentagon, and Warren Christopher to head the State Department team.  Nunn is respected by both parties for his knowledge and expertise of the military. 

This is a good start which should result in competent staffs in these areas.  No more "Brownies"!