News Desk

White House Transition & Congressional Power Balance

The story: As President-elect Barack Obama assembles his cabinet and prepares for a major transition in government, what will be different, what will be the same? UMaine associate professor of political science Richard Powell, an authority on presidential politics and policy, is available to discuss the makeup of Obama’s administrative cabinet and the new balance of power in a Congress dominated by Democrats.

The hook: Obama is expected to name New York senator and former First Lady Hilary Clinton as the nation’s next secretary of state after the Thanksgiving holiday. Some observers wonder whether Obama’s cabinet selections represent as much of a change as the former Illinois senator promised during his presidential campaign.

Also, what does the new power balance in Congress mean for Maine’s senators, Republicans Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins? Powell suggested a Congress in which Democrats almost have a filibuster-proof majority will make the few remaining moderate Republicans like Snowe and Collins very influential.

Contact information: Powell can be reached at 581-1795. For assistance reaching Powell, please contact George Manlove at 581-3756.

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