By Katie Curley
Staff writer
November 08, 2008 05:30 am President-elect Barack Obama remained tight-lipped about his Cabinet positions yesterday during his first press conference since winning the election on Tuesday. But that hasn't stopped Democrats and interest groups from circulating lists and offering recommendations to the Obama transition team, including speculation Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry may be on the short list for the Secretary of State position. "When we have an announcement about Cabinet appointments, we will make them," Obama told reporters. He also said he understands that "people want to know who's going to make up our team." Rep. Rahm Emanuel, whom he already has selected to be White House chief of staff, was at his side. Yesterday, Kerry spokeswoman Brigid O'Rourke responded to such rumors. "This is the political silly season when media speculation is rampant about the new administration," she said. "John Kerry just won an overwhelming victory for his fifth term in the United States Senate, and he's not looking for any job other than the one he already has. Any assertion otherwise is simply ridiculous and flat-out untrue." While Kerry has repeatedly dodged questions regarding his interest in a Cabinet position, Congressman John Tierney said few would be surprised if Kerry were to be appointed. "Generally speaking, the choice of Cabinet won't affect us in this state, only if Kerry is offered a position," Tierney said. "It wouldn't surprise me if he was to be offered a position. The president-elect has great respect and admiration for John and his knowledge of foreign affairs. None of us would be surprised if he was in the final mix or the final one or two people to be considered." Tierney also noted he is skeptical of rumors Bay State Gov. Deval Patrick would get a White House appointment. "I don't think the governor is going anywhere," Tierney said. "He's a good governor and is up for the challenges he faces here." As for the congressman's own aspirations, Tierney said he will always do what is best for his district and the country. "We are in a good position in terms of the House majority," Tierney said. "It's a question of us having to look and weigh any opportunity in the Senate in the context of where we would have more of an effect." Tierney noted his recent work on the Higher Education Bill and his push for job training and health care as his focuses for the coming year. "We put a lot of energy into oversight, pension and health care. Its just a question of whether it's the sensible thing to do or where I am best able to serve." With just 11 weeks until Obama takes office, yesterday's press conference served as a reminder to the country of the challenges ahead. Obama said his transition team will be closely monitoring developments in the reeling economy. But at the same time, Obama told reporters that he respects that the decisions are President Bush's to make until inauguration day on Jan. 20. Both Tierney and Kerry voiced their confidence and optimism about the direction the country in heading. "On Tuesday, voters across America spoke loud and clear, and overwhelmingly voted for change," Kerry said in a written statement. "Throughout his campaign, President-elect Obama inspired a majority of Americans with his vision and policies. Because of America's stunning ability to move on and transform, to write a new chapter of our history, Barack Obama will be president during the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. With Obama's election, new dreams were born and old truths were affirmed." Tierney said since the election he has received word from people across the world, inspired by Obama's win. "I'm as happy as everyone else and for the country. We have a new lease on life," he said. "I've heard from people as far as Jakarta and Egypt. They don't necessarily know what Obama is going to do, but they know there will be change and respect and cooperation, and are looking for us to lead and include them in the conversation." Tierney also noted the challenges that are ahead of him and the country as a whole. "Nationally, there is a huge challenge ahead of us, but Obama's vision is close to ours in the House, and there is a focus on keeping people at work, energy, education, health care," Tierney said. "We will work to drive the economy and keep the quality of life up and get us out of the problem. It won't be easy or quick, but he has a plan and a vision." Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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