They've Begged Off Obama List (But So Did Hillary)

Use a pencil in crossing Powell, McCaskill, Pritzker, others off administration watch list
By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 1, 2008 3:44 PM CST
They've Begged Off Obama List (But So Did Hillary)
Obama today announced his choice of many cabinet posts ... including Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, though she said three weeks ago she wanted to remain in the Senate.   (AP Photo)

There is a sizable list of qualified candidates who have expressed no interest in Obama cabinet positions—for now. Noting in the Washington Post that Hillary Clinton once demurred, too, Al Kamen takes a look at a few pols who’ve said no, or haven’t been “approached.”

  • John Brennan: A top aide to Obama on intelligence during the campaign, he came under fire from liberals for being close to Bush policies, which he denies, and removed his name from consideration.

  • Both senators from Maine: Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, both moderate Republicans, preferred to stay despite talk of Homeland Security chief.
  • Colin Powell: The former Secretary of State raised eyebrows when he endorsed Obama, and has been mentioned as education secretary; "I am not interested," he says.
  • Penny Pritzker: The Obama friend and hotel heiress was thought to be at the top of the list for commerce secretary, but couldn't get her financial house in order.
For the complete list, click the link below.
(More Barack Obama stories.)

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