Washington - The President-elect, Mr George W. Bush, has named strong advocates of controversial elements of his policies to Cabinet posts in health, welfare and education, Patrick Smyth reports.
Gov Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, the longest-serving governor in the US, a vehement abortion opponent and champion of welfare reform, is to get Health and Human Resources. A prominent African-American advocate of school vouchers, the superintendent of independent schools in Houston, Texas, Mr Rod Paige, will head the Education Department. The former Colorado attorney general, Ms Gail Norton is being nominated as Interior Secretary.
The appointment of Mr Thompson, an old friend of Mr Bush, will alarm advocacy groups for the poor who warn his support for time limits to welfare benefits removes safety net provisions for those unable to find work.