Remain calm, Bredesen not going anywhere...yet

We don't know but here's what we know

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Tennessee's political world is running at a fever pitch over speculation that Gov. Phil Bredesen is about to be appointed to a cabinet position by President Barack Obama. According to Time Magazine's Mark Halperin, Bredesen is "in line" to be named Secretary of Health and Human Services.

But NashvillePost.com sources say there is no agreement in place and, if anything, an announcement that Bredesen is the guy is, in their words, "way too soon."

Here's the deal: Obama needs to hit a home run on his next cabinet picks and you can expect the vetting of any candidate to take some time. A home run in this scenario doesn't mean that the pick is universally loved, just that the administration can get through the confirmation process with minimal resistance.

You can bet that whomever is the HHS cabinet pick will be thoroughly vetted legally and politically. Legally, that means that there are no tax issues, nanny issues, illegal immigrants mowing your yard, etc... Politically, the pick will need to be cleared of issues that are legal but pose public relations problems.

Bredesen's bunker is an example of something perfectly legal but someone may feel that it would be a national PR nightmare. The question will be whether that or something else is worth weathering a storm.

NashvillePost.com has been reluctant to weigh in on the speculation of Bredesen's future because of conflicting signals from a number of sources. Locally, sources are saying it is a strong possibility but our D.C. sources have been saying that they haven't heard that there are any legs to Bredesen's chances.

Universally, our sources are saying right now that if Bredesen is going anywhere it is a bit soon to be saying so. That is the best information we can provide you at this time and will continue to monitor it closely.

Until we know further, someone please tell Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey not to order any new drapes yet.