Thursday, December 04, 2008
Clinton's Confirmation May Spark Constitutional Battle
A provision in the Constitution technically bars Sen. Hillary Clinton from becoming President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state.
Of course, ignoring the Constitution is a hallmark of the Democrats. Nice to see they're starting early.
A provision in the Constitution technically bars Sen. Hillary Clinton from becoming President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state.
The biggest obstacle facing Hillary Clinton's Senate confirmation as President-elect Barack Obama's top diplomat may not be her husband's wheeling and dealing abroad for his foundation, as many suspected.
Instead, it could be the U.S. Constitution.
According to an emolument clause in the Constitution, no lawmaker can be appointed to any civil position that was created or received a wage increase during the lawmaker's time in office.
President Bush ordered Cabinet salaries raised to $191,300 from $186,600 by executive order early this year, while Clinton was senator.
Dreisdach said as long as Democrats control the Senate, the Obama transition team won't worry about this provision in the Constitution.
"The Obama team is well aware of it and they have dismissed it," Dreisdach said. "I find it hard to believe that a Democratic majority will take a different view."
Of course, ignoring the Constitution is a hallmark of the Democrats. Nice to see they're starting early.
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