posted
Yes, me too -- I believe Thompson would be a very good Secretary of Transportation! And he appears to be "pro-AMTRAK."
M190 Member # 3009
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Tommy Thompson as Sec Trans?!!! Oh hail yea!! Ever seen a grown man dance a jig? :-D
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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HHS is a "might bit" higher on the "pecking order" of Cabinet chairs.
As I noted before, the only one with any transportation experience to sit has been Alan S Boyd during LBJ years. To often the chair has simply been a reward (Pena' was important in Clinton carrying Colorado during '92; so look what HE got). "W" used the chair as a "statement of bipartisanship" with the appointment of the incumbent, Mr. Minetta.
If TGT is to "step down", it will be either to seek elected office or to become a lobbyist and "rake the $$$ in". I will be quite surprised if the outcome is any different.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 11-11-2004).]
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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TT as sec of transportation is what I hopped Bush would do 4 years ago. Didn't happen
I doubt it will happen for the next four years either
Maybe that's why I didn't vote for him this time....nah probably other reasons
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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You may recall four years ago Thompson made no secret about the fact that his preference was to be at the head of DOT instead of HHS. So it is certainly within the realm of possibility.
But knowing Bush, if Mineta steps down the job will probably go to a hatchet man from the Lone Star State.
posted
Mr Toy: Are you stating that Tom Delay would be the next SecTrans? Or was that a generic "hatchet" reference?
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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Generic. Tom DeLay never entered my mind. I was just referring to Bush's tendency to appoint Texans whenever possible. And I expect that whoever he appoints to DOT (assuming Mineta leaves) will be disinclined to build Amtrak into something better, hence the "hatchet" remark. Frankly, I hope Bush proves me wrong.
[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 11-11-2004).]
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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Well I told a friend who is really into political blogs (has his own btw). Plus he is an ultra Republican, and knows quite a few politicians. So maybe word of mouth will spread to finally help get TT the right position.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I would think a person who "just might want to throw hat into ring", and presuming President Bush chooses to fill the chair apparently being vacated by Mr. Minetta, with an appointee having a transportation background, Gerald Grinstein, presently CEO Delta Air Lines and former CEO Burlington Northern, would be a more likely choice.
The man is presently in a "no win" situation at Delta, and somehow I think there are a few more elephants than donkeys in his "personal petting zoo".
But then, even if appointed and confirmed, I don't think passenger rail is gaining any great friend; at least his background would suggest he is not (yet) owned by "the highwaymen".
And who knows? Mr. Grinstein could be a catylist for public funding of Class One infrastructure improvements; always a chance that some Congressmember "just might" in Committee "throw in" some provision regarding passenger service over Federally improved lines.
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