Obama Zig-Zags On OMB

By Kleinheider Posted on November 19, 2008 at 7:15 am

While many a Nashville politico had been hoping that our new President’s pick for the Office of Management and Budget would result in an open 5th District congressional seat, it appears that the new administration will be going another way:

President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to tap Congressional Budget Office Director Peter Orszag, once a veteran economic adviser in the Clinton White House, to become his budget director, according to several National Journal sources. The Office of Management and Budget job — seen as a key post to help Obama deliver on his domestic policy agenda amidst the gloom of a $700 billion federal financial rescue, a recession and the prospects of a $1 trillion deficit next year — carries Cabinet rank. An announcement is expected soon, but could come with other personnel decisions Obama is making to lead the Treasury Department and National Economic Council in his White House.

Rep. Jim Cooper’s early support for Obama as well as his expertise and outspokenness on budget issues led many to speculate that Cooper would be tapped for the position.

Several names had been swirling about as potential candidates in a special election were Coop selected including several councilpeople, TNDP chair Gray Sasser, Deputy Governor Stuart Brunson and former Metro Mayor Bill Purcell.

PREVIOUSLY: Cooper’s Choice

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Tags: 5 District, Jim Cooper, Office of Management And Budget, OMB, Peter Orszag, special election, Stuart Brunson