The media concentrated on the governor-of-Illinois scandal, but how was the situation in New York any different? All pundits and Democrats admitted the governor of New York would select a senator who could raise money for the governor's election in 2010 and who would hold the seat for Democrats. It appeared tit for tat.
What about Obama's paybacks? Let's look at his appointments: Gov. Bill Richardson could deliver New Mexico and the Hispanic vote and -- oops! -- was almost handed a Cabinet post. Sen. Hillary Clinton could deliver her followers and the women's vote and she was given a Cabinet post. (Funny how Obama has been reluctant to release his list of donors but required President Clinton to release his.)
Remember Obama's opinion of these individuals during the primaries?
The Kennedy family name could deliver liberal and Catholic votes, which was why Caroline Kennedy was in line for a Senate seat.
Deliver Iowa? Its governor gets the agriculture post. Deliver Colorado? Colorado gets the interior post. Almost deliver and need Arizona? Its governor gets a Cabinet post. Deliver California and labor? California gets the labor post.
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Pick Joe Biden to deliver the working-class vote? Hold Biden's Senate seat for his son.
Don't forget the rewards -- chief of staff and education, to name only two -- given to those who provided 20-plus years of mentoring from the Daley Machine.
Obama's appointments appear to be in the best tradition of Chicago Cronyism.
It appears Obama has brought change -- change from old-style Washington politics to Chicago-style politics.
Doug Haertzen
Warba, Minn.
