Bush's political appointees look for lesser-paid jobs

New York, Nov 2 (PTI) As President George Bush prepares
to leave the White House, his political appointees, numbering
nearly 3,000, would be working overtime to find decently-paid
jobs, as adverse economic conditions have liquidated sky-high
pay-packets.

The job hunt has become tough especially for senior
management level people in a deteriorating market forcing some
officials of the current Bush administration apparently
bracing up for less paid jobs.

"Many of the roughly 3,000 political appointees of
President George W. Bush are beating the bushes harder than
expected for post-election employment," the Wall Street
Journal said in a report.

Attributing to recruiters, the report said the unusually
tough job hunt reflects the depressed market for senior
management talent, with some Bush administration officials
bracing for lower-paying jobs than they anticipated.

Quoting Paul Light, a presidential-transition scholar and
New York University Professor of Public Service, the report
said compared with their Clinton administration counterparts
eight years ago, Bush appointees face worse prospects because
of the weak economy.

"Administration officials who stay until the January 20
inauguration "will be looking for work until the economy
recovers," he was quoted as saying.

According to the report, a few cabinet officers have
lined up good employment.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would resume her
Stanford University roles as a Political Science Professor and
senior fellow at its Hoover Institution think tank. "Rice also
may take seats on nonprofit boards, write a book and make
speeches, said Sean McCormack, her spokesman," it added.

The report noted that top businessmen like Commerce
Secretary Carlos Gutierrez would have little trouble returning
to their discipline.

Quoting people familiar with the situation, Wall Street
Journal said Gutierrez, formerly Chief Executive of cereal
maker Kellogg Co, hopes to run a company again.

"He will eventually return to the private sector," where
he spent 30 years, said Ann Marie Hauser, a Commerce
spokeswoman was quoted as saying.

Eric Vautour, a Washington recruiter for 22 years at
Russell Reynolds Associates Inc, estimated there are nearly 25
per cent fewer corporate management spots available now,
compared with the end of previous presidential
administrations, the report noted.

"Some officials 'may take something a level or two lower'
than preferred," he was quoted as saying.

Attributing to one knowledgeable person, the Wall Street
Journal said Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, for
example, has signalled possible interest in leading a
business.

But a mid-sized industrial business seeking a CEO
recently declined to consider her because of her lack of
corporate experience, as well as her close ties to the
president, the report said quoting that person.

"Some Bush officials took senior business posts earlier
this year. But not all lasted long. In July, Wachovia Corp
tapped Treasury Undersecretary Robert K Steel as Chief
Executive. But he has said he will have no "operating role"
after Wells Fargo & Co completes its acquisition of Wachovia,"
the report said.

The report also noted that other Bush appointees are
encountering fewer well-compensated vacancies at think tanks,
charities and trade associations, usually fertile ground for
post-administration jobs.