Paulson: Impressive Choice (at least so far)

I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with President Bush's choice to replace John Snow at the Treasury Department. Not only does he have significant experience with Wall Street, but he also has a track record as a deficit hawk (something really needed in this White House) and (near and dear to my heart) is a committed advocate for the environment (he chairs the Nature Conservancy and is an active birdwatcher, among other things - another point of view that this Administration could use a good dose of).

The LATimes article on Paulson today calls him "the bird-watching businessman," and notes that several right-wing groups immediately released statements worrying that the environmentalists were going to have "too much access" if Paulson is confirmed. The Times piece notes that his "brand of Republicanism recalls both the open-plains enthusiasm of Theodore Roosevelt and the pragmatism of Richard Nixon."

Now, things could change, of course - skeletons could be found, and this early expression of support should not be taken as a complete endorsement of his confirmation (yet). But so far, I like what I see. I think Paulson brings some much-needed qualities to the table, and some sorely-needed outsider (and outside) perspective.