Reading Tommy Thomsons mind: Now what? Everyone thinks I have some cushy job lined up now that I've decided to quit as secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, but they couldn't be further from the truth.
Most people don't realize that federal ethics rules basically keep Cabinet secretaries from talking to anyone about the next job unless next would have meant staying inside the Bush administration. The rules make sense, when you think about it. Otherwise, every federal bureaucrat looking for a soft landing pad would be cutting exit deals with lobbyists.
So, here I sit, with about six weeks to go on this paycheck, and no job lined up. Of course, all my friends and advisers say a bunch of opportunities will turn up. But the uncertainty and the wait is still a little unnerving.
Maybe I'll practice law. After all, I do hold a degree from the UW. But it's been years since I sat on the business end of a courtroom, so I would need to scrape off the rust. I could make speeches at $10,000 a pop, or whatever the going rate is these days for people who once ran mega-agencies with budgets the size of Italy. I suppose I could become a lobbyist, but I don't think I would be especially patient waiting outside some junior House member's office for an appointment. Could I become a corporate CEO? For all my experience with big numbers, big people and big problems, CEOs have a different set of skills. Serving on a corporate board might be a good fit, however. A bit of consulting work might fit, too. And I sure hope I can keep a hand in international health efforts.
Maybe I'll do a little bit of everything. That's pretty much how I have lived my public life, after all. Juggling a lot of balls is my style. If I hedge my bets, it's more likely that I'll find something I like. Get ready for Tommy Thompson Inc. Or maybe an LLC.
Why am I worried about this? People forget I've been in public service for most of my adult life. At 63, I am about to start over. I was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1966 and I've ran for office or been appointed to office about 15 times since. I've always been a friend of the private sector, but I haven't spent much time inside it.
For that reason, some people think I should have stayed in government at HHS or Homeland Security, if I wanted to really live on the edge but I don't buy it. It was time to move on. I served the president to the best of my abilities, and stayed as long as I promised to stay. Besides, campaigning has lost its luster for me. I still enjoy meeting people, but I've filled my quota of back-to-back days on the road running for office.
Yes, I said never say never to running again. That's what politicians are supposed to say, aren't we? But the fact of the matter is that I've already been governor and, for as much as I hate to admit it, Jim Doyle is doing an OK job on the big stuff. I suppose I could run for U.S. Senate, but who wants to join a full-time debating club?
Finally, the family would like me to hang around a bit more. For all its rewards, public life has been tough on SueAnn and the kids. Our children are all married now, and I've got a grandchild. Maybe it's time to stop working 70 hours a week.
So, look out private sector, here I come. But I really mean that stuff about never say never in politics. There are only two jobs in politics that I still covet George W. Bush holds one of them, but being the mayor of Elroy would be a blast.
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Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. He is the former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison.
The opinions expressed herein or statements made in the above column are solely those of the author, & do not necessarily reflect the views of Wisconsin Technology Network, LLC. (WTN). WTN, LLC accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions expressed herein.
According to the indictment, Jones would steal various IBM and Penguin computer servers from Verisign's warehouse in Virginia and sell them to Johnson. Johnson would then sell the servers to several individuals, who would sometimes place them for sale on eBay. As a result of this scheme, the indictment alleges that Jones and Johnson caused Verisign to lose more than $120, 000 worth of computer equipment. In the indictment, Jones and Johnson are charged in three counts with causing the interstate transportation of stolen property, namely IBM 330 and 335 servers, in violation of 18 U.S.C.
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