Ask a Bureaucrat...(or someone really close to the bureaucracy!)

We welcome Mr. Adam Hoffman to the blog. Mr. Hoffman has worked for the GAO (Government Accounting Office - which is a legislative branch agency - for 4 years. He can give you tremendous insight into getting established in a career in public policy (he holds a Masters in Public Policy from American U), as well as what it's like to work for the federal government. Ask away - he will answer questions this week as long as his schedule allows...

Ask a Political Operative...

We welcome Mr. Jeremy Baker to the blog. Mr. Baker is the Director of Fundraising for Creigh Deeds, who has been running to be the Attorney General of Virginia. (this election is still up for grabs - recount currently going on...)
This is your opportunity to ask a political operative about what it's really like to be involved in politics. He'll answer your questions now through Wednesday, depending on his schedule.

You Be the Judge...

Imagine that you are a Supreme Court justice. How would you approach interpretation of the Constitution? Would you be a strict or loose constructionist?

Cronyism

We've just gotten finished talking about the bureaucracy, and a common theme has been cronyism....it's all about who you know! Sure, presidents want to appoint their friends to positions of power, but is this OK?

Happy Election Day!

Bouch is sad because there's nothing to vote on in Illinois today:( However, there are elections in VA and NJ, as well as some Governator-sponsored referenda on the ballot in CA. What will these elections say about the state of politics and political parties in the US? Here's an article from CNN for some help: http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/11/08/election.rdp.ap/index.html