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One of the first appointees being mentioned for the Obama Cabinet hits a grand slam home run. Robert F. Kennedy,Jr., according to politico.com, is being "strongly considered.
Kennedy is one of the strongest voices for the environment I know of. He's walked the talk and passionately discusses the responsibilities of industry to pay its way, if it engages in pollution. He's been involved for years in protecting rivers and a lot more. Politico reports,
The selection of Kennedy would be a shrewd early move for the new presidential team. Obama advisers said the nomination would please both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.).No doubt, Obama will be choosing some cabinet members and other appointees who will be disappointing to the left. But Kennedy is a phenomenal start in an important cabinet position.
It also would raise the profile of the EPA, which would help endear Obama to liberals who may be disappointed on other issues important to the Democratic left because of budget restrictions.
The EPA enforces clean air and clear water laws. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and son of the late senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, has long championed a cleaner water supply for New York City.
As an officer and attorney for the environmental watch group Riverkeeper, Kennedy has taken on governments and companies for polluting the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.
Kennedy, a falconer and white-water rafter, also worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City.
Kennedy gained Washington experience by fighting anti-environmental legislation in Congress in 1995 and 1996, when Newt Gingrich took over as House speaker.
