HERE GOES CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

Could Bush have been clearer in his selection of Elaine Chao as his new nominee for Labor secretary? She’s married to Mitch McConnell, arch-foe of John McCain and of any attempts to rein in campaign finance abuses. Sure, she’s only married to the guy. But this is an administration that believes in loyalty from the beneficiaries of nepotism. By that I don’t mean Chao is unqualified – any more than Michael Powell is unqualified for FCC commissioner. But her connections can’t hurt, can they? And Bush’s choice is a signal all right. Bush is still eager for Asian-American support; and he’s not eager for campaign finance reform. Shrewd again. And swift.