1/10/01 9:25 a.m.
Life After Chavez
No time to back down.

By Clint Bolick, litigation director at the Institute for Justice

ess than two weeks before his inauguration, President-elect George W. Bush already faces a crucial decision that will determine much of the subsequent tone of substance of his administration: the replacement for withdrawn Labor Secretary-nominee Linda Chavez.

Pundits are divided over whether Bush acted with shrewd pragmatism or an alarming lack of resolve when he abandoned the Chavez nomination following disclosures that she sheltered an illegal Guatemalan woman in her home. We will learn much about what the new president is made of when he announces the new nominee.

Overall, the president’s Cabinet appointments were inspired: truly distinguished and diverse, with high-powered conservatives named to key posts. The president-elect made it clear that he would expend political capital to secure a Cabinet that reflects his conservative agenda. That was particularly true with his pick for Labor Secretary. More than any other group, unions opposed Bush bitterly and extravagantly. By choosing Chavez, Bush signaled a new direction by naming the first truly conservative Secretary of Labor in recent history, marking his determination to be pro-worker even if not pro-union.

Now that Chavez’s nomination is withdrawn, the stakes are raised and liberal groups smell blood in the water. Will Bush demonstrate his resolve and name another strong conservative? Or will he decide that the potential for opposition — and for left-wing groups trolling the personal lives of controversial nominees — simply isn’t worth it?

It is the latter course that would spell long-term grief for the new president. Once the liberal groups know they can make Bush back down — in this instance with hardly a serious fight — they will come at him time and again. By contrast, if he demonstrates that he will come back with more of the same, it will diminish their own capital and resolve. The opposition groups can fight only so many battles before their credibility begins to wane. By contrast, every triumph boosts their stock.

Bush has no shortage of highly qualified candidates for Labor Secretary. Among them:

Jim Talent. The straight-arrow former Missouri congressman defines the concept of compassionate conservativism. As chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee, he championed the cause of entrepreneurs. He has not prioritized abolishing racial preferences, as Chavez does, but believes that help should be channeled to the truly disadvantaged. He is creative and principled.

Peter Kirsanow. The highly experienced and successful Cleveland labor law attorney served as labor counsel when Sen. George Voinovich was mayor. As director of the Center for New Black Leadership, Kirsanow has helped chart a civil-rights agenda based on conservative principles.

Elaine Chao. A fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Chao served as director of the Peace Corps. She is highly principled with an impressive breadth of expertise.

Eloise Anderson. The feisty former welfare director under Gov. Pete Wilson tamed the state’s welfare beast through sheer energy and determination. She could have a similar positive impact on the Washington landscape.

The fledgling Bush administration, which has exhibited so much promise, has hit its first bump in the road. If it regroups, it can demonstrate a commitment to purpose that can set the tone for the entire administration — one that inspires respect from friends and foes alike. That tone is essential if the administration truly wants to make its mark. Bush should appoint a conservative Labor Secretary.