Innocent until nominated

the long version

"Today a newly elected American president faces a personnel challenge that has no equal in any other national government: replacing thousands of top management positions in the executive branch. In addition to Cabinet secretaries and senior subordinates, the president must undersecretaries, agency heads, regulatory commissioners, and ambassadors- positions that are critical to an administrators success. Yet the presidential appointments process is the red-tape hall of fame. In addition to a morass of lengthy forms and questionnaires, would-be public servants face invasive scrutiny and sometimes cruel and punishing publicity. Lacking civility and mutual respect, today's appointments process is a political minefield of hidden agendas and personal vendettas that frustrate new appointees, discourages citizens who would like to serve their country, and hinders a president's ability to govern. This book provides a candid assessment of the future of the appointments process."--Back cover.