One week before Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States, the Senate swings into high gear when it comes to confirmation hearings for members of his Cabinet.
Four Obama choices for his Cabinet and one top White House aide go before five different Senate Committees today for their confirmation hearings.
The Big Kahuna will be Sen. Hillary Clinton, as she testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
As of now, I really don't forsee any troubles with her nomination, unless something crops up in the hearings, and I just don't think that will happen.
Clinton is too much of a professional when it comes to mushy answers to pointed questions. I bet that Republicans raise some issues, but don't really move in for the kill against a fellow Senate colleague.
I'll just write the names of the other three Cabinet choices, and then let you quickly identify their job. Stephen Chu, Arne Duncan and Lisa Jackson.
I'm sure you all know that they would be the future Secretary of Energy, Education and EPA chief.
And I'm sure all of you could name the current holders of those jobs as well in the Bush Administration. (Don't worry. 98% of Washington, D.C. residents don't know those names either.)
Also up for a hearing today is Obama's choice to be White House chief of the office of Management and Budget - basically the President's budget director. Peter Orszag is his name.
He's a well regarded, very smart guy, but he's mainly known for his hair: http://skew.dailyskew.com/2008/11/peter-orszag-wig.html
When it comes to controversy, the big hearings involve Attorney General designate Eric Holder. His hearings begin on Thursday. Expect them to be somewhat contentious.
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