Romney’s Possible Cabinet Part III: Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor
- Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:15pm by
Mytheos Holt
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Part III of a series on Romney’s potential cabinet
On Wednesday, we brought you the last of the departments where a hypothetical President Romney could avoid a messy confirmation battle for his nominees – namely, the departments of Commerce, the Interior and Transportation. Now, we begin to enter controversial territory, with three departments where the liberal vision and the conservative vision are irrevocably at odds: The Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Labor.
There’s no way around this: These three departments are integral to enforcing the dominant progressive vision, thus any of them could be used to break it. A Romney Department of Education would face the prospect of reining in teachers’ unions and reinvigorating national standards in education, if Romney would even want to keep this department around in the first place. A Romney Department of Health and Human Services could be charged with dismantling Obamacare, piece by piece, using bureaucratic workarounds if full repeal can’t get past Congress. A Romney Department of Labor would face the challenge of reining in labor unions and possibly even enforcing nationwide reforms to collective bargaining. Here, arguably more than anywhere else, Romney will need administrative competence and steady hands.
He will also face a Congress polarized like never before and possibly even a deadlocked or Democrat-controlled Senate. He needs the best. Fortunately, he has a highly qualified set of people to choose from to fill these posts, though many of them would not have an easy time getting past the confirmation process.
As with our previous two lists, we have broken these down into the safe choices, the exciting choices, and the wild cards. However, these distinctions will look increasingly blurry as we get higher and higher up the food chain, with many choices getting increasingly safe in terms of qualifications, but also increasingly exciting or unpredictable in terms of ideology.
Department of Education
Tim Pawlenty (Photo Credit: Getty)
The safe choice: Governor Tim Pawlenty
Why? Pawlenty’s name has been mentioned in connection with this job by the Romney team. He certainly has the political clout with that team necessary to get a job like this on mutual friendship alone. His record on education in Minnesota is respectable without being excessively controversial and given his mild-mannered demeanor, he would be less likely to provoke a firefight in a tense confirmation hearing.
Why not? This hasn‘t been particularly reported as Pawlenty’s area of expertise, and it could come off as a patronage appointment. He also might be deemed too timid for an ambitious education agenda.
Chris Christie (Photo Credit: AP)
The exciting choice: Governor Chris Christie
Why? Christie‘s claim to fame in the Republican party is his willingness to savage teachers’ unions, both on-camera and in the New Jersey statehouse. He even mentioned the subject in his RNC keynote address. His executive ability is well-known, his willingness to work across party lines (for instance with Newark Mayor Cory Booker) is well-respected and he’s well-regarded in the private sector.
Why not? Much as Christie’s supporters would love a Youtube moment of Christie dressing down self-important senators, Romney might not. It’s also possible that Romney would want Christie to resume his old job as a lawyer, which would leave him well placed to be Attorney General.
Michelle Rhee (Photo Credit: TIME)
The wild card: Michelle Rhee, CEO of StudentsFirst
Why? If Christie is well-known for taking on teachers’ unions as a governor, Rhee is known for actually setting education policy in some of the most difficult areas in the country. With a job record that starts in DC and continues through Florida, and with an almost celebrity-level status among education reform advocates, Rhee would be a cabinet-dream for many. She’s also a Democrat, which would complicate things.
Why not? If Christie’s confirmation hearings would be electric, Rhee’s could go nuclear. She‘s been accused of practically every imaginable sin under the sun already and teachers’ unions would lobby against her like no tomorrow. Romney might also dislike the idea of being overshadowed in this area by a cabinet member.
Department of Health and Human Services
Bobby Jindal (Photo Credit: AP)
The safe choice: Governor Bobby Jindal
Why? Jindal‘s name has been mentioned in connection with this job by Romney’s team. It’s not difficult to see why. He was Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Bush, and focused on these issues during his tenure in Congress. He’s young, well-liked and has the managerial experience that Romney’s looking for.
Why not? Jindal’s views on social issues could prove to be a lightning rod, as could his supposed experience leading an “exorcism.” Romney might also prefer someone with congressional connections.
John Barrasso (Photo Credit: Twitter)
The exciting choice: Senator John Barrasso
Why? Barrasso is one of three doctors in the United States Senate. He’s also the leading voice against Obamacare in the United States Senate. Barrasso’s 24 years of experience as an Orthopedic surgeon would make him a steady, expert hand at HHS, especially when it comes to reforming the costly healthcare system with a comparatively light touch. He‘s likely to win reelection this year and Wyoming’s Republican Governor could easily pick a celebrity replacement like Liz Cheney.
Why not? Barrasso has no executive experience and is comparatively little known outside the senate. He also hasn’t been particularly tied to Romney since the campaign started.
Rand Paul (Photo Credit: AP)
The wild card: Senator Rand Paul
Why? Like Barrasso, Rand Paul is another “senate doctor.” He’s less monomaniacally focused on issues relating to the medical profession, but his scathing attacks on Obamacare during the Republican National Convention combined with his chummy relationship with Romney could easily net him consideration for a cabinet job. This one in particular would enable him to trim a lot of the fat he’s been so hostile towards in the Senate.
Why not? There’s no guarantee that Rand Paul would want a cabinet job in a department he probably considers constitutionally illegitimate in the first place, without strong assurances from Romney that it’s fine if he dismantles his own department. Those assurances are unlikely to come.
Department of Labor
William Kilberg (Photo Credit: Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher)
The safe choice: William Kilberg, Lead Counsel for Boeing
Why? For starters, he‘s the chairman of the Romney Campaign’s Labor Policy Committee. He’s clearly trusted by Romney. He also has taken a very high profile by fighting the National Labor Relations Board on behalf of Boeing and written about his troubles. He used to serve as legal counsel for the Department of Labor and has a distinguished record on labor issues. He has an ideologically useful resume, plenty of DC connections and not much baggage.
Why not? He’s quite an unknown, even given his high profile case with Boeing. Confirmation hearings could easily get sticky with pro-labor Democrats.
Nikki Haley (Photo Credit: AP)
The exciting choice: Governor Nikki Haley
Why? Haley is from the state where the Boeing case originated and has been vocally tearing President Obama’s record on labor relations down ever since that case began. She’s a more conventional and more recognizable pick than Kilberg, and also one who could spice up the Romney administration even further in terms of diversity.
Why not? With all the top flight talent Romney could choose to be in his cabinet, he might decide to leave a star like Haley at home in South Carolina. Her calls for the NLRB to be disbanded could also get unwelcome attention.
Scott Walker (Photo Credit: AP)
The wild card: Governor Scott Walker
Why? Put simply, Walker is the one Republican governor in America with the best record of bringing labor unions to heel. He has also survived practically everything the labor union political machine can throw at him and would be able to brave similar circumstances at the national level if he were offered the job. With Walker’s style of union legislation becoming popular with GOP governors, he would also be a good person to interface with state-level authorities to push the administration’s agenda.
Why not? Walker is a wild card for pretty much the same reason Michelle Rhee is a wild card — he’s already a miniature celebrity and a polarizing figure. Romney might decide it’s not worth the bother to be associated with him. He also might not want to leave Wisconsin, or fight again so soon.
Next time: How would Romney reverse the Obama legacy in two of the most contentious departments in the present administration? Find out who Romney might nominate for the Departments of Energy and Homeland Security, along with a possible bonus appointment prediction!
[Editor's note: The author of this article used to write speeches for Senator Barrasso.]
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Comments (69)
NaturallyConservative
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:02pmRomney is going to have his hands full, so he is going to need to have the best qualified people in the right positions, not just people with name recognition.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:05pmBe prepared- Watersrpeople is off his/her medicines and is crazier than ever. Please skip those post and read what normal people are posting. I wish that troll would be committed by someone, and soon.
Report Post »ScottYaw
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:28amI hope….I hope, hope, hope, many of these government departments and positions get radically downsized. Other departments need to be eliminated entirely such as Department of Energy, Labor, Education, and Agriculture for starters.
Report Post »JaymzJamz
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 1:57amWillie Gohmert from Texas needs to be included. He would be grat as either Attorney General or Supreme Court Justice. He is an honerable man and a patriot who is all about justice, a word that the current Dept. of Justice doesn’t even know the definition to.
Report Post »STQ
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 10:18amSarah Palin for Energy Secretary
Report Post »Twit123
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 10:50pmNewt Gingrich has a lot of talent and experience. I hope he could be offered one of the cabinet job.
Also I think Jeb Bush will be very good on many areas of the cabinet position, I hope he is offered one of them.
What will happen to the 46 Czars of Obama?
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:07pmDon’t kid yourself–Newt is part of the Old Boys Club and his first priority won’t be to the restoration of this country— it will be to his own personal gain! Mark my words….
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 6:06pm@watersRpeople—Everybody has a chance to comment,but for the love of all that is truthful,SHUT UP!.
Report Post »you bring down the intelligence of well…………..never mind you have no intelligence!
fixer
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:34pmAllen West for Sect. of Defense
Report Post »Chinishque
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:08pmI second the motion!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »republic2011
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:31pmDefund and eliminate… day 1. You want to send a message, that would be a good one. I think most Americans would get a whole new respect for Romney as a President that has a set. Time to dismantle all these unconstitutional agencies and their policies.
Report Post »Chinishque
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:09pmThey just wont attempt to do in the first term unless there are super majorities in the House and Senate.
Report Post »Skeeterhawk
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:24pmWhat would be even better would be to defund and eliminate the Dept of Ed and a slew of others. Just get rid of them all together. The states can do just fine on their own.
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:17pmWhen Nikki Haley endorsed Gov. Romney I told my wife she (Haley) would get a cabinet post (if Romney wins). At the time it was a slap in the face of the Tea Party contingent here in SC. I was disappointed. I still have to support the Romney ticket though. He’s the only choice available for me.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:37pmSlick Willie in spite took all the “W’s off the WH keyboards when he left office (after a nice legal 2 terms making 8 years) and they say he walked out with most of the valuables too …. wonder what 100% AMERICAN President Romney and his Cabinet will find upon entering their new offices in the WH.. for no doubts here an angry bitter obama and his syncophants will vandalize every inch of the place.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:09pmThought Romney was going to do away with the Dept. of Education. Or will he keep it around to funnel federal money to for profit charter schools???
Report Post »katherinec
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 6:21pmI have a feeling that we will find Obama’s ties to OccupyWallStreet are very close- what do you want to bet that Obama leaves a big turd right on the presidential desk in the Oval Office?
Report Post »Carladet
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:22pm@Waterspeople
Report Post »You are a freakin’ looney bird.
Based on your posts today, I have a suggestion.
I think you should run along and change your panties.
Albear
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:13pmSecretary of Education: Why not Condozeelza Rice? She had a fire in her eyes when talking about the subject, she’s a university provost, and Roger Goddell isn’t stepping down as NFL Commish any time soon.
Jumping ahead to Secretary of Energy: Sarah Palin. It’s her area of passion and policy expertise, she made some comment the other day about wanting to focus on energy, and frankly, trying to make the US energy independent in 8 short years is a lot more challenging than Dancing With the Stars and more fun than Stars Earn Stripes. I get the sense she’s thinking playtime is over.
Another advantage of Palin is Romney is clearly going to put together a grade-A team. So far the names are almost all low-key. You need at least one high-energy, high-enthusiasm, type. A Jack Kemp.
Report Post »Chinishque
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 8:12pmIt would be better for Romney to have her as part of the team and get her following behind him rather than having her out there as a wild card.
Report Post »Buddynoel
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:49pmIt irritates me to see pols constantly trying to find jobs for sitting Republican senators. Is everyone on the GOP working for the Harry Reid campaign? You realize that taking just one GOP senator away hands President Romney a virtual roadblock and excuse to not reverse Obama-care or pass any budget? As it is, without 60 Republicans in the senate, we may not get any reforms anyway, so stop trying to find them new jobs.
Report Post »perry1980
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:34pmDept of Education…….duh Chris Christie
Report Post »Dept of Labor ……Herman Cain
Dept of Health and Human Services……..Sarah Palin
Dept of Commerce…….Rudy Guiliani
Secretary of Defense……..General Petraeus
KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:11pmMost definitly – Sarah Palin has to be in there. All libs across the country will have simultaneous heart attacks as she is announced as part of Romney’s cabinet…. One can dream. :)
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:23pmThey won’t touch Gov. Palin with a 10 ft, no…20 ft pole. Progressive Republicans like Romney and most of the rest of the elected Repubicans are skerd to death of her.
Report Post »resme
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 6:17pm“Rudy Guiliani” the cross dresser?
Report Post »soybomb315_II
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:28pmwhat happened to the good old days when the republicans wanted to eliminate the Department of Education?
Report Post »KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:17pmGood call – It ‘s the den of the beast. Commi breeding ground paid for by us. It’s not in the republican platform, and it needs to be.
Report Post »cdn1979
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:27pmi thought the GOP wanted to get rid of the department of education?
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:23pmRand Paul for senate majority leader. but chances are Romney will lose based on all the data unless he drastically changes.
Report Post »soybomb315_II
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:30pmRand Paul should be majority leader no matter who wins in november
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:39pmIndividualism;
“Rand Paul for senate majority leader. but chances are Romney will lose based on all the data unless he drastically changes.” ~~~ I suppose Romney will call for your advice when you earn your first million, he just might think you have a thought worth pursuing.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:02pmalso have to be a fellow mormon probably.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:17pmWhat? No mention of the DoJ or Holder?
He needs to go first! Along with the head of the DHS.
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:47pmHe needs to be right in front of a federal grand jury
Report Post »resme
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 6:19pmI‘d like to take away alot of the DOJ’S power.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:09pmI can‘t trust a man who doesn’t drink alcohol, drink coffee, or smoke cigarettes. Because that‘s a man who’s afraid of his own shadow. I can’t see Mitt Romney helping Israel, and Netanyahu knows it.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:15pmAfter-all, those are the men who beat back the Germans, and the Japanese, and it wasn’t no Mormons.
watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:18pmA Man who doesn’t drink coffee, alcohol, or smoke cigs is a man who thinks perfection is achievable, and will surely drop a nation right into the hands of Islam. Americans might want to learn Arabic.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:20pmOh no – we wouldn’t want anyone that could remember what he said the night before — noooo
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:24pmOk Tim
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:26pmWhen Mitt Romney said his own dad gave his mother a rose every day they were married, and he cited that as a key to a lasting marriage – you all probably thought that was cute – because you’re a lot of sissies. I heard – his dad resorted to sorcery, and trickery as a key to a lasting marriage. That’s what I heard.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:31pmAll you lukewarm sloths who are going to vote for Romney – you better get to studying your Arabic.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:32pmwater;
You have many opinions, but not FACTS! Do some homework and come back when you can post intelligently.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:34pmIslam mows right over the top of lots of sissies, because that means your spirit is like their spirit. Better get cracking those Arabic books.
Report Post »garylee123
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:35pmAnother day of Multiple Personality Disorder?
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:36pmwatersRpeople;
“When Mitt Romney said his own dad gave his mother a rose every day they were married, and he cited that as a key to a lasting marriage – you all probably thought that was cute – because you’re a lot of sissies. I heard – his dad resorted to sorcery, and trickery as a key to a lasting marriage. That’s what I heard.” ~~~ I heard you are an idiot, that what I heard!
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:37pmAny one can resort to sorcery to stay married, because women eat that stuff up. They eat that up because a female is worth 30 Shekels and a male is worth 50 Shekels. Except Mormon males are only worth 30 Shekels, and that’s why they use sorcery to stay married.
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:39pmAmericans are worth less than 30 Shekels – you better get cracking on those Arabic books.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:41pmwatersRpeople;
“All you lukewarm sloths who are going to vote for Romney – you better get to studying your Arabic.” ~~~ So we can catch up with oblama?
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:41pmI don’t normally get this many replies, but since I know you are all big fat tongue gnawing liars – it must be leaving a sour taste in your gut – which compels you to read your own writing. Gluttons!
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:51pmThat’s right, Mormons are worth less than 30 Shekels, and that’s why they cry so much. That’s why many are recovered alcoholics, because when you aren’t worth much your own shadow kicks your butt. However most Americans could be Mormons because most Americans are frightened of their own shadow – and that’s why the Bible says “Everything will be your terror.”
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:03pmread what the book of mormons says about jews and israel, they view them as lesser beings and bad people as they do with blacks.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:03pmWaters……The whites of your eyes are turning brown.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 4:39pmRon Paul LOST, get over it!
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 5:29pmTo all commenters:
Report Post »He only does/says these things to get attention. He’s trolling.
To waters:
Take your meds and lay down. It’s OK. It’s gonna be ooooOOK.
KeithOlbermann
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:09pmDepartment of Education is going to Jeb Bush. Bank on it.
Report Post »As for the other appointments, there’s no way Romney picks a sitting Republican governor for his cabinet. Haley, Jindal, Christie, Walker, they’re staying right where we need them.
I know I’m jumping ahead but my picks for Energy and Homeland Security? Sarah Palin and Rudy Guliani, respectively.
watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:06pmIf a business man was really smart – they would invest in a company that manufactures Hijabs, burqas, and sandles. Because in 20 years there is going to be most Americans wearing those things.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:33pmwater;
“If a business man was really smart – they would invest in a company that manufactures Hijabs, burqas, and sandles. Because in 20 years there is going to be most Americans wearing those things.” ~~~ Unfortunately, if one invested in that business right, it would be out of business in 20 years.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:58pmI would rather these Departments would go back to the States(among many others)
Report Post »soybomb315_II
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:32pmNo, those were Ron Paul kooky ideas. Dont you know this is the age of Mitt Romney – the most qualified republican for the job – and did you know that he is a good person?
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:57pmI know one thing for certain, it doesn’t matter what the U.S looks like and how the demographics of race and religion is in the U.S to the eyes of Glenn Beck – as long as he can call it the U.S, keep his own wealth, and still [read] about the Founding Fathers.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:34pmwater;
The recent convention seems to have hit a nerve.
Report Post »KeithOlberdink
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:56pmBarry Soetoro – Dept of Corrections – Inmate #32456
Report Post »oldandtired
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 3:02pmI like how you think
Report Post »watersRpeople
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 2:54pmThe bigger question is who is Money Mitt….I mean Mitt “the mechanic” Romney going to put in charge of over-seeing the naturalization and further immigration of Mexicans into the U.S. Because I know how much Republican farmers love hiring Mexicans. And he won’t do anything about the Fed – and you can take that to the bank.
Report Post »