U.S. Comptroller General David Walker’s early departure from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Thursday places new pressure on Democrats to decide which president should choose his successor.

Selecting a new comptroller is in itself a difficult political process. Ten of the highest-ranking congressional lawmakers from both parties draw up a list of candidates. The president then nominates one and sends the name to the Senate for confirmation.

Pelosi has yet to convene the commission or set a date to submit at least three candidates to the president. Without a timeline, the selection process could take years, as was the case with Walker.

Republicans, who could find themselves with even less clout if Democrats control both chambers and the White House, want Pelosi to move now.

Walker, who stepped down Thursday, is ending his 15-year term early to pursue a career in the private sector.

“I hope they don’t wait two years,” said Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), who would be a member of the commission if the process is completed before he leaves office at the end of this year. “They ought to move immediately on this. I’m nervous that they’re going to kick it down the road and wait until a Democratic president comes into office.”

The goal of the commission is to reach a consensus on the candidates, and according to a Democratic aide familiar with the issue, there is no set procedure. If push came to shove, a candidate could be chosen by a majority vote.

Among those on the committee of five Democrats, four Republicans and Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.) are Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.).

Republicans held majorities in both houses when Walker was chosen. GOP members on the commission chose three candidates sent to President Clinton, while the Democrats on the commission boycotted the list and sent their own list with seven names. According to Walker, his was the only name on both lists.
Walker’s predecessor, Chuck Bowsher, completed his full term in 1996, giving Congress ample time to find a replacement, yet it still took two years. The bipartisan and bicameral commission was established under the GAO Act of 1980, and was first used in 1981 with the nomination of Bowsher to succeed Elmer B. Staats.

“This time it’s a little bit more difficult because up until several weeks ago I was going to be here for 15 years, so this is an unexpected vacancy,” said Walker. “Last time was ridiculous because you knew when the term was going to end. Congress didn’t even get started until six months after my predecessor left, and that should never, ever happen again. They should start now trying to reach out to identify qualified candidates.”

But some lawmakers are not as eager as Walker to get the process under way, noting that Bush’s time in office is limited.

“We should wait for a new president, because it’s not a good idea to have any lame duck — and I’m not talking just about George Bush, but any lame duck — to tie the hands of the government for 15 years,” said Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.).

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a frequent citer of GAO reports, disagrees. He said a president in his last months is not concerned about running for reelection, and therefore is more open.
“You are bound to be less partisan and committed to putting someone in who will do a lasting good job,” Sessions said.

Walker said he does not think that will be the case.

“From a realistic standpoint, it’s going to be the next president who’s going to make the nomination,” Walker said. “This is a 15-year appointment. I can’t imagine that Congress would want the current president, who’s only got nine or 10 months left in his term, to make the nomination on a position that is not only an officer of the United States but also an officer of the United States Congress.”

Hoyer said that while he hadn’t heard the commission was being formed, he knew what qualities it should start to look for.

“I regret to see him step down,” Hoyer said of Walker. “We need someone with similar qualities of courage and independence.”

The job of comptroller general can at times be strenuous because the role requires the person to inform Congress of its failings and potential downfalls in the economy, wars and healthcare, among other areas.

Walker announced last month that he would be taking a job as the head of the newly established Peter G. Peterson Foundation to work on issues such as health insurance and education.

While a new CG is being chosen, Gene Dodaro, the current chief operating officer, will step in as acting comptroller general.