Progressives had to wait for the last cabinet appointment to get a clear, unambiguous progressive champion selected for Obama’s cabinet. Some of the cabinet positions were filled by people that are fairly progressive, but it was not until now, with the appointment of Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Los Angeles), that we have someone prominent and familiar to look forward to. We couldn’t have asked for a better pick for Labor Secretary. You see her strong labor record on her website.
With the selection of Rep. Solis, Obama’s cabinet is complete. And it is amazing diverse. Here’s a list of appointments, including some that are not cabinet level.
SECRETARY OF STATE- Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE- Robert Gates
TREASURY SECRETARY- Timothy Geithner
HOMELAND SECURITY- Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER- Retired Marine Gen. James Jones
ATTORNEY GENERAL- Eric Holder
SECRETARY OF ENERGY- Professor Steven Chu
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR- Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado
COMMERCE SECRETARY- Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR- Carol Browner, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency during the Clinton administration
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ADMINISTRATOR- Lisa Jackson
SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT- Shaun Donovan, the head of New York’s housing department
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES- Fmr. Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota
SECRETARY OF EDUCATION- Arne Duncan, head of the Chicago public school system
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE- Fmr Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa
SECRETARY OF LABOR- Rep. Hilda Solis of California
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION- Rep. Ray LaHood, Republican of Illinois
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION- Mary Schapiro
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS- Susan Rice