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For Bush Veterans, DC Jobs Are Scarce

Former administration officials find bad economy, overwhelmed job market

By Clay Dillow, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2009 9:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Former Bush administration staffers are feeling the economic pinch as acutely as other victims of the sagging economy, Politico reports. GOP job-seekers in Washington face a triple whammy of economic chaos, minority status on Capitol Hill, and an excess of qualified Republicans. “The Washington side is a bit of a black hole because there are so many people with so much experience looking and the economy’s so tight,” said one 14-year DC veteran.

Even though only about one-fifth of open positions are publicly posted, congressional offices are receiving hundreds of resumes, and former paid staffers are taking volunteer internships just to stay on the Hill. “I planned for the worst, and it was worse than I thought,” one former Agriculture Department official said. "It’s like having a horrible disease," says one job-seeker. "You have good days, and you have bad days."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

This Tuesday, July 3, 2007 picture shows the skyline of Washington, D.C., including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Thunder storms move through the Washington area in this view of the White House, Wednesday, April 22, 2009. while President Barack Obama was in Iowa speaking on Earth Day. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

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It’s good to have some structure, a purpose to your day, instead of eating a sandwich, playing some PlayStation and sending a couple résumés out.
- Brandon Beshears, former Department of Agriculture official, on his unpaid internship

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

AnnieChrist

Apr 30, 2009 9:15 AM CDT

Two years ago, these people were telling us that anyone who did not have a job was a 'loser,' that anyone who couldn't pay their mortgage was a 'fool' because they didn't understand basic budgeting and household finance. Thankfully though we don't have to worry about the former bushies starving to death, they will be eating crow for the rest of their lives.

wwwonderer

Apr 30, 2009 5:31 AM CDT

The big problem was that everything seemed to be politicized, in spite of qualifications. So you would have to imagine there were swarms of 'geniuses' (PLEASE detect the sarcasm) ready to regurgitate the GOP talking points at every interview. The same swarms don't know what it's like to have to earn your way on one's merit and not one's loyalty alone.

Fondue

Apr 30, 2009 2:36 AM CDT

This is what happens when you don't Listen to ALL of the People.

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For Bush Veterans, DC Jobs Are Scarce