Interior leadership shuffle seen offering political cover for Landrieu

A major leadership shuffle at the Interior Department could help resolve a political impasse over a top nominee while aiding a key Senate Democrat's re-election campaign. Yesterday's announcement that Tommy Beaudreau will become Interior Secretary Sally Jewell's new chief of staff in April means he'll be withdrawing his nomination to become Interior's assistant secretary for policy, management and budget, the post now held by Rhea Suh (Greenwire, March 20). The shift means Suh could keep her job if her nomination for assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks remains stalled in the Senate. Such a scenario would also spare Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Mary Landrieu (D-La.) from having to cast an awkward vote in favor of Suh, whom Landrieu's political opponents are portraying as a threat to Louisiana's energy industry, a major constituency in the Bayou State. Landrieu's likely opponent in the November midterm election is Rep. Bill Cassidy (R), who's criticized Landrieu's past statements that she plans to support Suh, who previously worked for conservation philanthropic foundations and was at Interior when it halted Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling following the Deepwater Horizon disaster. "This is an exit strategy where everyone has a safe place," a source close to the situation said. The Obama administration remains committed to confirming Suh as assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks, the post that oversees the Fish and Wildlife Service, but there is skepticism among some at Interior over whether she'll be able to navigate the Senate's political minefield. Interior said Jewell wanted Beaudreau as her top aide. A native Alaskan, Beaudreau is seen as a capable replacement for Chief of Staff Laura Daniel-Davis. He’s praised as a fair arbiter both by conservation groups and by the oil and gas industry he has regulated...more