We were pleased to see William Lynn and William Magwood featured on the list of five of “Obama’s Worst Nominees,” in Mother Jones’ January/February 2010 issue. While we have nothing against these men personally, we welcome scrutiny of Obama’s decisions to choose them over numerous other potentials picks, who do not have a financial interest in the areas they are tasked to regulate and oversee.
While the Senate Armed Services Committee did confirm Lynn as Deputy Secretary of Defense almost one year ago, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will not hold its confirmation hearing for Magwood as a Commissioner to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) until January or February 2010. Thus, there is still time for Obama pick a nominee with a strong background in nuclear security. Magwood is particularly unqualified to serve as a regulator of nuclear power, as his background has been in the promotion of nuclear power, and given his recent efforts as a consultant to foreign governments interested in investing in nuclear power expansion in the U.S.
-- Ingrid Drake
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