In every administration, there are projected possibilities for appointment in government. With the election wrapped and a long list of problems ahead of him, President-elect Barack Obama turns his attention to building his White House staff and Cabinet and his short list includes campaign officials and familiar faces from former President Bill Clinton’s administration, according to several political strategists.
Obama made his first appointment Thursday, Illinois Representative Rahm Emanuel, former political and policy adviser in the Clinton administration, CNN reports. Emanuel will be White House chief of staff, Obama confirmed in a statement.
“I announce this appointment first because the chief of staff is central to the ability of a president and administration to accomplish an agenda,” Obama said. “And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.”
Obama may tap Lawrence Summers, Clinton’s last treasury secretary, for the role again, notes Politico.com. John Podesta, Clinton’s former chief of staff, Obama Senate aide Pete Rouse and campaign adviser Valerie Jarrret are expected to lead his transition team.