Out lesbian in Obama's Cabinet?

Mary Beth Maxwell, founding director of American Rights at Work, is being vetted for secretary of labor in Obama's Cabinet, according to the Wall Street Journal. She'd be the first out gay person ever to serve at the Cabinet level. There's a catch, though, the Journal reports. . . 

You would think the Human Rights Campaign would be thrilled at this development. Unfortunately, that group last week endorsed U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., for the same post.

Sanchez and her older sibling Loretta, who famously toppled wingnut incumbent Robert Dornan in a race that helped change Southern California history, are the only pair of sisters ever to serve in Congress. By galvanizing (and organizing) the area's surging immigrant voters, the (heterosexual) sisters helped turn stubbornly Republican Orange County blue.  While not exactly a household name outside SoCal, Sanchez is glamorous enough to hold her own in the all-star lineup (Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, et al.) Obama seems bent on assembling. 

Joe Solmonese is now feverishly backtracking on the Sanchez nod. 

Comments

[Joe Moag]

Oh, look. The HRC is a day late and dollar short on a critical issue. That NEVER happens...

[Jordan]

A lot of people didn't think Obama could rise to the top, either, as a minority. Maxwell is in a similar situation, as most want a governor for Labor Secretary, but I hope she makes it!

[Joe Moag]

I think the chances are thin that MB gets the post. Not because she's not totally qualified - she is. I have some very close friends who have worked with MB and her organization for years on Labor Market issues, and they swear by her.

I think she won't get it because Obama is lining up a Cabinet of Heavy Weight folk with extensive elected experience, coupled with extensive governing experience. And, of course, Mary Beth has neither "qualifications". That's not a fault, it's simply a fact.

So, I don't think that she will get the post. Too bad, as she has GREAT credentials on Labor issues and labor/economic reforms, and - of equal importance - it would be incredibly advancing to have an openly gay Cabinet member.

But this is just my guess... What do I know?

[Ty]

GOOD for her and great for Obama. This is a good sign. Sometimes I wonder if the HRC is becoming a big too big for its britches, kinds like the Advocate did years ago with Milk