Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) for Secretary of Defense.

[Unsane]

Makes a lot of sense.

I hear he's in the running. I really want a DEM to be DOD Sec. We're just as 'strong on defense' as the other guys.

[babylonsister]

1. I worry about stripping the Senate of good Dems. nt

[Unsane]

2. Agreed. But Reed is so perfect.

[Lumpsum]

4. This my concern too.

[bigwillq]

3. I'm not a big fan of taking all these senators.

I know in some states they will be replaced by DEMS but I don't want Obama to take all these solid, experienced senators with a lot of pull, to put in his Cabinet. Just my opinion.

[Hippo_Tron]

5. Problem is that Rhode Island's Governor is a Republican

And that's an extra seat we have to give up at least for two years.

[Unsane]

6. wtf

[Hippo_Tron]

7. If there is a Senate vacancy the Governor fills it

And since the Governor is a Republican he will certainly fill the seat with a Republican. Given the political nature of Rhode Islands, chances are decent at least that we can win that seat back in a special election. But in the meantime we still have another Republican in the Senate rather than a Democrat.

[David__77]

8. Heck no.

That seat would then go Republican. No way.

[Captain Hilts]

9. Gates is a good Republican to keep. The continuity in a time of war would also be good.

Gates has done a very good job under very bad circumstances.