When a czar is not a czar

For months now, we've all been thinking that President Obama wants to appoint a cyberczar. But the wait has been long, and there have been reports that no one wants the job.

Now comes word from the Department of Homeland Security's top cybersecurity officer that Obama will appoint a high-level person to coordinate the nation's preparedness for and response to high-tech attacks, but not another White House czar. "We're not getting a cyberczar; we're getting a coordinator. A czar is a bad idea. A coordinator is a great idea," Homeland Security Deputy Undersecretary Philip Reitinger said at the launch of a Spy Museum cybersecurity exhibit last week.

Nextgov.com reported that Reitinger said the process is taking a long time because the administration wants the right person who will report to both the National Security Council and National Economic Council. One political issue that could be affecting this case may center on the controversy surrounding Obama's appointment of so many White House super-aides who have come to be known as czars.

Senate Judiciary Constitution subcommittee Chairman Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) is planning a hearing on Tuesday to examine the history and legality of czars. These appointments bypass the standard vetting process and do not require Senate confirmation.

For more on the next cyber appointment:
- check out this nextgov.com article

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