Baucus had already declared he was retiring from the Senate after serving for six terms, which would leave his seat wide-open. By appointing him as ambassador, this allows the Montana Governor (also a Democrat) to appoint a fellow party member, who as an incumbent would have a leg up in the midterms. In addition, Senator Baucus also is the chairman of the finance committee. His departure means that Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) would assume his position, leaving his position on the energy committee open, likely to be filled by another Democrat in 2014.
Baucus himself stated, "China is one of the most, if not the most important relationship in the country, in the world..." yet the priority of Obama does not seem to be in nominating the best candidate as opposed to a Democratic power-play at securing congressional power. This may be a Machiavellian assumption, but it is proving to be a strong likelihood in analyzing the selection. It is certainly a time of sensitive relations with China, with the relations between the two countries not being the strongest in recent years. As the chief envoy, Baucus will be responsible for balancing rising tensions with Japan, China’s growing economic might, contentious diplomatic issues involving North Korea, as well as other regional dilemmas.
Despite the reasoning, Senator Baucus does, at the very least, seem to put forth a full fledged effort in his public service. He will undoubtedly work to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the US and China. However, how does this appointment play into the Obama Administration's "Asian Pivot" strategy? For his economic and trade experience Baucus can certainly lend a hand to the long-negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but how else can he contribute? Solidifying a democratic stronghold in Congress may not be the best course when an opportunity to improve ties with China is on the horizon.
3 comments:
Lloyd Security Offers innovative, affordable solutions that deliver greater safety, awareness, control, convenience, and efficiency inside the home and wherever you go.
Minnesota commercial security
Protection Concepts is 100% committed to the protection of what matters most while maintaining the highest level of customer service and integrity in the industry. And also offer the most innovative technology available today and specialize in both residential and commercial security systems, installation and monitoring, with monitoring starting at just $14.95 per month!
No Phone Line Business Security Systems
Our aim is to protect high-risk individuals, politics, facilities, authorities, organizations, infrastructures and institutions in the fields of business and society with the regard to all aspects of personal, state and economic security and safety. Therefore we offer innovative and absolutely reliable and sturdy systems, solutions and services around the world and we ensure you that we are always very close to the customers.
Home security systems MN
Post a Comment