Next up: Team DeVos

After all the fuss and drama associated with a presidential campaign, election, and inauguration, you’d think most political types would want to step away from the fray and go into hibernation somewhere far away from the nation’s capitol. Not so in Washington. Political gamesmanship is never more prevalent that during a presidential transition. As the Trump people start to populate federal agencies across town, individuals and organizations from both parties are trying to figure out what the new administration means for them and how they can make the most of it.

While most of us have heard about President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominations, (more on Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos later), the administration is also trying to fill some 4,100 political appointee slots. These positions are varied and occupy places all along the political food chain, but who eventually gets appointed really does matter. Cabinet heads are only as good as their staff, and the experience and temperament of political appointees can significantly affect the ability of a federal agency to be a force of good or otherwise.

For those who would be Trumpsters, the task at hand involves scouring the infamous Plumb Book, the purplish book released in early December that lists the new administrations’ many patronage positions. Those interested in serving the new administration will perfect the art of self-promotion and humble-bragging in pursuit of these jobs. Nobody will ever admit that they want to work for a new administration; rather it is something they must do “as a citizen and patriot.”