WASHINGTON With John Bryson's resignation as Commerce secretary, President Obama lost the member of his Cabinet with the most extensive business background, and it's doubtful that a replacement could be confirmed until after this fall's election.

Bryson, 68, stepped down after eight months on the job, citing a recent seizure that led to two San Gabriel Valley hit-and-run accidents.

"I have concluded that the seizure I suffered on June 9 could be a distraction from my performance as secretary and that our country would be better served by a change in leadership of the department," Bryson wrote to Obama in a short letter dated Wednesday.

Obama accepted the resignation, which was announced Thursday.

"As secretary, John fought tirelessly for our nation's businesses and workers, helping to bolster our exports and promote American manufacturing and products at home and abroad," Obama said a few hours before meeting Bryson in the Oval Office to thank him for his service.

Bryson, a former chief executive at Edison International the parent company of Southern California Edison was found unconscious June 9 behind the wheel of his Lexus. He had struck two cars, one of them twice, authorities said. Bryson was hospitalized overnight, and tests showed no alcohol or drugs were involved.

Two days later, the Commerce Department said that Bryson had suffered a seizure and that he was taking a medical leave. A department official said Thursday that initial tests by a neurologist show Bryson suffered a complex partial seizure. During such a seizure, a person has no control over movements, speech or actions and cannot remember them later, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Blood test results are still pending and the accidents remain under investigation, authorities said.

The White House released several photographs of Thursday's Oval Office meeting in which Bryson appeared to be healthy, smiling and gesturing as he talked with Obama. Reporters were not allowed to attend the meeting.

Bryson was not available for an interview, a Commerce Department spokeswoman said. In an email to department employees, Bryson thanked them for "many thoughtful and kind notes" since the seizure and promised to "continue to do everything I can to support the president and America's businesses."

Excerpt from:
Commerce Secretary John Bryson's exit leaves gap in Obama's Cabinet

John Bryson has resigned from his Commerce post.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- John Bryson resigned his post as Commerce Secretary on Thursday, less than two weeks after an episode involving a seizure and a series of traffic accidents.

Bryson, a former energy industry CEO, had served in the position since October, and his departure leaves the Obama administration with one fewer private-sector luminary.

Bryson brought significant business experience to the Commerce Department, having served as CEO and chairman of the parent company of Southern California Edison (EIX, Fortune 500) for almost 20 years.

Bryson retired from Edison in 2008, and was working as a senior adviser at private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) at the time of his nomination.

Bryson's selection was widely viewed as an example of the Obama administration's efforts to improve its occasionally rocky relationship with the business community.

But the former CEO's nomination was held up for months by Republican lawmakers who wanted to prioritize free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama.

Bryson was eventually confirmed by the Senate in October.

It was not immediately clear who will succeed Bryson, but Obama voiced support in a written statement for acting director Rebecca Blank, an academic with ties to the Clinton administration.

With only a few months before Election Day, the Obama administration may not make any immediate moves to replace Bryson.

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Obama loses cabinet member with business ties

Like Stephen Harpers controversial omnibus bill, Ontarios proposed budget legislation is a Trojan horse, one chock full of unexpected surprises.

Under the guise of implementing Finance Minister Dwight Duncans March budget, the Strong Action for Ontario Act would casually whittle away at environmental protection.

More alarmingly, it would appear to give Premier Dalton McGuintys cabinet extraordinary authority to restructure or privatize public institutions such as hospitals and schools without consulting the legislature.

McGuinty and Duncan are furious that the opposition New Democrats, having agreed to the broad strokes of his budget, are balking at this bill a bill that at one swoop would amend or create 69 statutes.

But the real question is why Andrea Horwaths NDP didnt dig their heels in earlier.

So far, most attention has focused on McGuintys threat to call a snap election if his budget bill isnt passed intact.

Given that no party including McGuintys Liberals wants an election, thats a hollow threat.

The more interesting and largely unexamined issue is what happens if the bill is passed.

First, Ontarios budget bill aims to weaken environmental regulations that might interfere with resource activities such as mining and forestry.

It would amend the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to let cabinet exempt timber companies from their current obligation to prepare management plans every five years. And it would give the cabinet broad authority let such companies ignore cutting limits.

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McGuinty’s Trojan horse budget

Like Stephen Harpers controversial omnibus bill, Ontarios proposed budget legislation is a Trojan horse, one chock full of unexpected surprises.

Under the guise of implementing Finance Minister Dwight Duncans March budget, the Strong Action for Ontario Act would casually whittle away at environmental protection.

More alarmingly, it would appear to give Premier Dalton McGuintys cabinet extraordinary authority to restructure or privatize public institutions such as hospitals and schools without consulting the legislature.

McGuinty and Duncan are furious that the opposition New Democrats, having agreed to the broad strokes of his budget, are balking at this bill a bill that at one swoop would amend or create 69 statutes.

But the real question is why Andrea Horwaths NDP didnt dig their heels in earlier.

So far, most attention has focused on McGuintys threat to call a snap election if his budget bill isnt passed intact.

Given that no party including McGuintys Liberals wants an election, thats a hollow threat.

The more interesting and largely unexamined issue is what happens if the bill is passed.

First, Ontarios budget bill aims to weaken environmental regulations that might interfere with resource activities such as mining and forestry.

It would amend the Crown Forest Sustainability Act to let cabinet exempt timber companies from their current obligation to prepare management plans every five years. And it would give the cabinet broad authority let such companies ignore cutting limits.

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Walkom: Ontario budget bill is McGuinty’s Trojan horse

And what is so rare a day in June? wrote the poet James Russell Lowell. Then, if ever, come perfect days. Except in Ottawa, where the fairest month is primarily a time to speculate about the entrails of power. Whos up, whos down and whos out in the cabinet shuffle expected before the fall session?

This season, as in the past, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is holding his cards preternaturally close to his vest. However, he is expected to put a new face on the government beginning in early August with a deputy-minister shuffle, then continuing in late August or September at the ministerial level.

Conservative insiders expect this remix will be substantial, as the government seeks to re-calibrate following a first year in majority during which it was repeatedly buffeted by controversy, ministerial missteps and scandal. Though the final roster will remain known only to the PM and perhaps his wife and chief of staff until shortly before it is unveiled, a few names recur.

TOP DOGS

Jim Flaherty is not expected to budge from Finance, as he remains the mainstay of the Tories economics team. Three other names top Conservatives lists of senior ministers whove consistently outperformed and have earned their pick of jobs: Jason Kenney at Immigration, John Baird at Foreign Affairs and James Moore at Heritage.

Any one of these three could be airlifted into Defence to clean house there. The drawback would be that each is helping the government appreciably now in a key portfolio. Kenney is two-thirds of the way through his overhaul of immigration. Baird is hitting his stride as a foreign minister, having spent the better part of the past year outgrowing his old attack-dog persona. Moore has managed to ride herd on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation without a major upheaval for a Conservative, a feat of ineffable dark magic.

RISING STARS

The acknowledged up-and-comers, in no particular order, are Chris Alexander, Ajax-Pickering; Michelle Rempel, Calgary-Centre-North; Candice Hoeppner, Portage-Lisgar; Kellie Leitch, Simcoe-Grey; and James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc.

Rempel is bright, a good communicator and holds Jim Prentices former seat. Leitch, a pediatric surgeon and frequent pinch-hitter in Question Period, holds the seat once held by Helena Guergis. Rajotte, respected in caucus and chair of the Commons finance committee, has long been deemed a shoo-in for promotion, but has been held back by the preponderance of strong Alberta MPs, including the PM, already in cabinet.

ON THE BANANA PEEL

Originally posted here:
MacKay, Oda and Toews lead possible departures as Harper mulls Cabinet shuffle

"And what is so rare a day in June?" wrote the poet James Russell Lowell. "Then, if ever, come perfect days." Except in Ottawa, where the fairest month is primarily a time to speculate about the entrails of power. Who's up, who's down and who's out in the cabinet shuffle expected before the fall session?

This season, as in the past, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is holding his cards preternaturally close to his vest. However, he is expected to put a new face on the government beginning in early August with a deputy-minister shuffle, then continuing in late August or September at the ministerial level.

Conservative insiders expect this remix will be substantial, as the government seeks to re-calibrate following a first year in majority during which it was repeatedly buffeted by controversy, ministerial missteps and scandal. Though the final roster will remain known only to the PM and perhaps his wife and chief of staff until shortly before it is unveiled, a few names recur.

- Top dogs:

Jim Flaherty is not expected to budge from Finance, as he remains the mainstay of the Tories' economics team. Three other names top Conservatives' lists of senior ministers who've consistently outperformed and have earned their pick of jobs: Jason Kenney at Immigration, John Baird at Foreign Affairs and James Moore at Heritage.

Any one of these three could be airlifted into Defence to clean house there. The drawback would be that each is helping the government appreciably now in a key portfolio. Kenney is two-thirds of the way through his overhaul of immigration. Baird is hitting his stride as a foreign minister, having spent the better part of the past year outgrowing his old attack-dog persona. Moore has managed to ride herd on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation without a major upheaval for a Conservative, a feat of ineffable dark magic.

- Rising stars:

The acknowledged up-and-comers, in no particular order, are Chris Alexander, Ajax-Pickering; Michelle Rempel, Calgary-Centre-North; Candice Hoeppner, Portage-Lisgar; Kellie Leitch, Simcoe-Grey; and James Rajotte, Edmonton-Leduc.

Rempel is bright, a good communicator and holds Jim Prentice's former seat. Leitch, a pediatric surgeon and frequent pinch-hitter in Question Period, holds the seat once held by Helena Guergis. Rajotte, respected in caucus and chair of the Commons finance committee, has long been deemed a shoo-in for promotion, but has been held back by the preponderance of strong Alberta MPs, including the PM, already in cabinet.

- On the banana peel:

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Den Tandt: Harper mulls cabinet shuffle — who's getting the axe?

BEIRUT: Metn residents warned Tuesday that they will hold a protest next month if no final decision is made regarding a replacement for the recently dismantled Jal al-Dib bridge.

The organizers apologize in advance to Lebanese and to foreign tourists for what their move on June 10 at 7 a.m. will result in if a final decision is not made based on a proposal with a plan for immediate implementation, a statement by the residents said.

It added that Metn residents were fed up with attempts by some officials to politicize their rightful demand for proper infrastructure.

Residents of Jal al-Dib and its environs have protested over the past two months to demand the construction of a replacement for the recently dismantled bridge, in the process blocking the main coastal highway leading to and from Beirut.

Proposals made by an independent group of engineers representing Jal al-Dibs residents and a number of other proposals by the Council of Development and Reconstruction have so far failed to be included in the Cabinets agenda for discussion.

The protesters also said that during a meeting earlier this month with Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel, whom the Cabinet designated to resolve the issue, the Development and Construction Council agreed to prepare a new study based on European standards for a highway extension to Beirut and Tripoli, with a road leading to Jal al-Dib and the Metn.

In the statement Tuesday, residents urged the Cabinet to approve the plan to build the bridge as agreed with Moqbel.

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Metn residents to continue protests if Cabinet fails to approve replacement bridge

ROXAS WANTS TO RETAIN ROBREDO TO AID SPEAKERSHIP BID

06/18/2012

Infighting in the stables of President Aquino erupted anew with the endorsement of Aquino himself of Sen. Panfilo Ping Lacson for a Cabinet slot when his term expires next year possibly to the post of Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a prospect that the camp of Aquino trouble shooter Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas wants blocked.

Highly-placed sources from the House of Representatives said that Roxas, president of the Liberal Party, is extremely opposed to the plan of President Aquino to give Lacson a Cabinet post.

The camp of Sec. Roxas is against Lacson because he is not their ally. They want to keep (Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse) Robredo in his post as the latters departure may jeopardize whatever plans that Roxas may have in mind for the coming elections. The post of Robredo is very strategic in terms of harmonizing relations with local governments and national police force, the source said.

The same source said that while Aquino, LP chairman, wants Roxas to remain in his Cabinet, the secretary and former senator is reportedly eyeing the post of House Speaker in place of Feliciano Belmonte by running as congressman of Capiz in the 2013 elections.

There are serious talks in Capiz about his comeback and challenge the speakers post of the next Congress. If Secretary Robredo will be replaced, the replacement must be their ally, the source said.

But the source explained that the last say would be from Aquino who is allegedly weighing his options so as not to hurt leaders of the LP in case he appointed Lacson to a contested post.

The President is weighing intelligently all his available options so as to ensure that his forces are consolidated and united. The last say will be the Presidents. After all, it is his prerogative, the source said.

Roxas has been locked in a bitter battle with Vice President Jejomar Binay since the past elections. Roxas protested Binays victory before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

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Noy backing on Ping sparks LP infighting

By Amy R. Remo Philippine Daily Inquirer

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras

MANILA, PhilippinesAmid persistent rumors of a Cabinet revamp, Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras on Friday said he would stay put at his current post for as long as President Benigno Aquino III wants him there.

In a briefing on Friday, Almendras said rumors of him being assigned to another post likely surfaced because apparently, some people probably want me out of the job or some people think probably I will be better in another job.

It will be the President who will be the one to make that decision, and until such time that the President makes that decision, I think we should all wait. Until that decision is made, I will continue to do my job as best as I can. There is no certainty that I will stay, there is also no certainty that I will leave, Almendras said.

Almendras said he would not stay one minute longer in his position once President Aquino decides to replace him.

I will not do anything to try to hold on to this job. I have no qualms of staying. I also have no qualms of being replaced. There are rumors that I am being demoted and I have no problem with that. That will even be a very welcome relief. It will be up to the Malacaang team if there will be any changes. But as far as I am concerned, I have not been formally advised if there will be changes, he explained.

The energy chief, however, admitted that while there has been no official communication regarding his transfer, he has had informal talks with President Aquino about the things that can be done to improve the way things are being implemented.

Almendras, however, did not say whether these talks involved his possible transfer.

At the National Bureau of Investigation, President Aquino has also yet to find a replacement for former NBI Director Magtanggol Gatdula, who was sacked early this year.

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I’m staying–Almendras

Will Troy Buswell return as WA's Treasurer?

The Premier has confirmed he will not remain as the Treasurer beyond the next two weeks following yesterday's resignation of Christian Porter.

Colin Barnett said this morning that he would find a suitable replacement within the Cabinet to take over towards the end of the month.

"Obviously a new Cabinet Minister will come in and I've just got to look at the balance of the Cabinet overall," Mr Barnett said.

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"I don't intend to continue as Treasurer."

The Premier's comments have ended speculation that he would take on the role on a permanent basis, leaving him with the two biggest portfolios.

There are still left several questions unanswered as to which Ministers could take on the position of Treasurer and Attorney General.

The gaping hole in the senior portfolios could see former treasurer Troy Buswell return to the role but that would also leave his present responsibilities of housing, transport and emergency services up for grabs.

Mr Barnett is more likely to promote one of his MPs with some economic and business credentials, such as Liza Harvey or Mike Nahan.

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