Stirring up the Inslee Rumor Mill Some More
Update: This story from Arizona suggests Mike Thompson from California is the front runner and quotes Obama from an earlier story in which he said Obama guessed he’d probably want someone in Interior who had a fishing or hunting background. I know Inslee gets in the kayak, but I don’t know if picks up dinner while he’s out.
Later on Wednesday evening I spoke with Torie Brazitis, interim press officer for U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island. At issue was the discussion about Inslee as a possible Interior jefe.
She said he’s flattered and honored to be considered, but that the decision is ultimately Obama’s.
Brazitis did not say “honored to be among those people are talking about,” it was honored to be considered. When pressed on that point, though, she would not elaborate.
On some of your other comments, let me throw some counterpunches meant to keep the speculation open. Remember, I earlier said I don’t think he’ll get it, but I think it’s our fault for speculating.
On backing Hillary? I don’t think that will disqualify him. I’m guessing Gates backed McCain. Hillary backed Hillary.
On being a white man? It hasn’t been a disqualifier for Geithner, Jones, Summers, Orszag, or Gates. That said, the first name on the AP list is U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva.
On no executive experience? Inslee has shown philosophical leadership on energy and environment, though I don’t know how that translates into running an agency. (To expound: Philosophical leadership means environmental issues are at the top of Inslee’s work in Congress.)
On not being close enough to the center? I think on Interior and Energy Obama can go farther left than he could on security.
We are also having this discussion when I admittedly know little about the other nominees. And there is every reason to believe that Inslee would be in a better position than he has ever been to get his agenda done whether he’s at Interior, Energy or in his role as a Congressman.
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December 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
“On no executive experience? Inslee has shown philosophical leadership on energy and environment,”
What does ‘philosophical leadership’ mean?
December 5th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Jay who?
Judging by the bacon he has brought home to the 1st Congressional, Mr. Inslee has been anemic. Yes, he got some special stuff for special interests on Bainbridge but that still hasn’t brought in the bacon for BI.
Jay who?
December 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am
What bacon has Jay brought home? Well he kept Keyport and Bangor off Don Rumsfeild’s BRAC list. He helped get federal funding for ferry safety.
Don’t you care about the bases and ferry security James?