Options for Hill staff

Stocks are down, unemployment is up and for most Americans, times are tough. But for experienced Democratic staffers, these are the days of roses.

After eight years of Republican rule, the White House will soon be in the hands of a Democrat.

And in even more good news for Democratic staffers, President-elect Barack Obama isn’t keen on having an executive branch filled with lobbyists.

That leaves scores of opportunities for staffers interested in positions across the Obama administration. While it’s far too early to determine which staffers will take what roles, names are beginning to circulate in Democratic and Republican circles.

Many of the names are of people who have been working for Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden and the incoming White House chief of staff, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.). But there are plenty of other Democratic staffers at influential committees whose policy expertise will be needed by the incoming administration. Staffers toiling in the House and Senate minorities just a few years ago with little hope of taking power could jump to key positions across the executive branch.

They also have other choices. If going to the administration isn’t appealing, why not stay on the Hill? While Democrats may fall short of a filibuster-proof 60 seats, they have increased their majorities in the House and Senate and will now work with a president of their own party.

For Democrats in Congress and their aides, the chance to shape policy on healthcare, labor law, energy and other issues may literally be the opportunity of a lifetime, or at least a generation. In fact, some might find better opportunities on the Hill than off it.

There are also jobs galore on K Street for those who can use their Democratic ties to get various lobbying interests in the door. Obama’s administration and the Democratic Congress will enact new laws and regulations affecting many businesses. That means well-connected staffers who don’t mind wearing the scarlet “L” are positioned for lucrative career changes.

The bleak economic times are expected to fatten the wallets of those lobbying Congress and the White House on regulatory changes affecting financial markets in particular. If there is a recession for most of next year, it seems unlikely to slow down K Street.

All of this could depress a Republican staffer. Administration careers are set to end — or at least go on hiatus — and there are fewer House and Senate members to ask for jobs.

But take heart, GOP staffers. No party has been able to hold onto power forever, and in January Democrats will bear most, if not full, responsibility for all federal actions. In two years, perhaps a few more GOP jobs will be opening up on Capitol Hill or K Street.