One of President Barack Obama's longest serving advisers, who joined his team a decade ago when he was running for the Senate, is leaving the White House this month to work as a lawyer in private practice.

Danielle Gray will step down as White House Cabinet secretary after the president delivers his State of the Union address on Jan. 28. She is looking to join a law firm and teach.

Gray is among a handful of Obama's aides to announce resignations in the new year, as fatigue sets in after five years of all-consuming work. Their departures are leaving the president without some of his most trusted advisers.

Gray, 35, has handled a variety of tasks for Obama, including helping to write his health care law to protect it from inevitable legal challenges. Obama said in a statement that he's grateful that Gray put her legal career on hold to work for him for a decade.

Gray wanted to leave a year ago, but Obama asked her to stay on as his Cabinet secretary to start his second term. Disputes over policy and communications can erupt between the White House and Cabinet members, such as the first term debate over the Afghanistan war effort that came to light from a memoir by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

White House chief of staff Denis McDonough said Gray deepened interactions with members of the Cabinet and made sure their concerns were being heard by the president in the weekly reports. "We'll continue to prioritize that," McDonough said. He said her replacement has not been chosen.

Obama's statement said Gray has been instrumental in helping shape his administration's policy. "And over the past year, as Cabinet secretary and a close adviser to me, she has not only helped make sure every agency in the federal government remains focused on giving hardworking Americans a fair shot at opportunity, but that our policies reflect the values we have always fought for," Obama said.

Gray, like Obama, is a graduate of Harvard Law School who was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. One of her professors at Harvard was future Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, and Gray helped Kagan and fellow Justice Sonia Sotomayor through their confirmation process in the first Obama term. Some in the White House wouldn't be surprised if Gray, who also clerked for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, is a judicial nominee herself one day.

Gray, a native of Riverhead, N.Y., got a bachelor's degree from Duke and worked briefly at a New York law firm after graduating from Harvard in 2003. But she gave up that lucrative career path to work on Obama's 2004 campaign for Senate and was one of the early staffers on his presidential campaign as a policy adviser.

When Obama took office in 2009, she came to the White House counsel's office and later worked for the Justice Department's Civil Division. She returned to the White House in 2011 as deputy director of the National Economic Council.

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Long-Serving Obama Aide Is Leaving White House

By NEDRA PICKLER Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - One of President Barack Obama's longest serving advisers, who joined his team a decade ago when he was running for the Senate, is leaving the White House this month to work as a lawyer in private practice.

Danielle Gray will step down as White House Cabinet secretary after the president delivers his State of the Union address on Jan. 28. She is looking to join a law firm and teach.

Gray is among a handful of Obama's aides to announce resignations in the new year, as fatigue sets in after five years of all-consuming work. Their departures are leaving the president without some of his most trusted advisers.

Gray, 35, has handled a variety of tasks for Obama, including helping to write his health care law to protect it from inevitable legal challenges. Obama said in a statement that he's grateful that Gray put her legal career on hold to work for him for a decade.

Gray wanted to leave a year ago, but Obama asked her to stay on as his Cabinet secretary to start his second term. Disputes over policy and communications can erupt between the White House and Cabinet members, such as the first term debate over the Afghanistan war effort that came to light from a memoir by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

White House chief of staff Denis McDonough said Gray deepened interactions with members of the Cabinet and made sure their concerns were being heard by the president in the weekly reports. "We'll continue to prioritize that," McDonough said. He said her replacement has not been chosen.

Obama's statement said Gray has been instrumental in helping shape his administration's policy. "And over the past year, as Cabinet secretary and a close adviser to me, she has not only helped make sure every agency in the federal government remains focused on giving hardworking Americans a fair shot at opportunity, but that our policies reflect the values we have always fought for," Obama said.

Gray, like Obama, is a graduate of Harvard Law School who was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. One of her professors at Harvard was future Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, and Gray helped Kagan and fellow Justice Sonia Sotomayor through their confirmation process in the first Obama term. Some in the White House wouldn't be surprised if Gray, who also clerked for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, is a judicial nominee herself one day.

Gray, a native of Riverhead, N.Y., got a bachelor's degree from Duke and worked briefly at a New York law firm after graduating from Harvard in 2003. But she gave up that lucrative career path to work on Obama's 2004 campaign for Senate and was one of the early staffers on his presidential campaign as a policy adviser.

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Long-serving Obama aide is leaving White House - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports

Prague - Czech President Milos Zeman evidently does not strive for an accommodating approach to enable the birth of a new government but he intentionally takes dissident stands thwarting the political mainstreams efforts, Petr Fischer writes in daily Hospodarske noviny (HN) today.

This political strategy enables Zeman to attract the publics attention, control the political debate and also push through his will effectively, irrespective of the majority opinion, Fischer writes.

Zemans public appearance on Friday showed that he will insist on the replacement of some candidates for ministers proposed to him by possible new PM Bohuslav Sobotka (Social Democrats, CSSD), Fischer writes.

Zeman indicated that he would nod to the Sobotka-proposed cabinet lineup if Zemans people, or members of the outgoing caretaker government, occupied the posts of deputy ministers in the new government, but this is unacceptable for the new coalition, judging mainly by the CSSDs reaction, Fischer writes.

Zeman will therefore step up his pressure. Sobotka asserts he will make no concessions, as a result of which Zeman might further protract the Sobotka cabinets appointment, Fischer says.

It would probably be the best if the dispute ended up at the Constitutional Court, whose verdict would indicate whether the president or prime minister-designate should have the upper hand in forming the cabinet, Fischer says.

It is laudable that President Milos Zeman wants to hold regular separate meetings with the new cabinet members in order to discuss their plans and mainly financing of the steps promised by the government, but he cannot do so without appointing the cabinet first, Alexandr Mitrofanov writes in Pravo.

He points to a fresh public opinion poll showing that three-quarters of Czechs want Zeman to use his presidential powers cautiously and to take constitutional habits into account.

This is demanded not only by a majority of those who supported Zemans rival, conservative TOP 09 head Karel Schwarzenberg, in the direct presidential election a year ago, but even by a majority of Zemans supporters, Mitrofanov writes.

It would be naive to expect Zeman to meet this demand of people. The possible new prime minister, Bohuslav Sobotka, and the candidates for ministers whom Zeman intends to grill in the weeks to come know what they can expect and they are probably psychologically prepared for it, Mitrofanov writes.

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Czech press survey - January 13

Jane Ratcliffe, CEO of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, at University Campus Suffolk (UCS) Yarmouth graduation ceremony at Yarmouth Minster last year. Picture: James Bass

Lauren Rogers Friday, January 10, 2014 10:53 AM

Great Yarmouth Borough Council will next week consider options to temporarily cover the work of its chief executive, Jane Ratcliffe, who is now seriously ill with cancer.

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A special meeting of the borough councils cabinet will take place on Tuesday to discuss three short-term options to ensure the statutory and strategic duties of her role are fulfilled in her absence.

Mrs Ratcliffe, who was appointed to the permanent post in January 2013, has not been at work full-time since late November, and is expected to remain on leave for the next three to six months to undergo treatment.

On Tuesday, cabinet will consider three options for providing the necessary temporary management cover during this period. Full council, which is scheduled to meet as normal on Tuesday, will then be asked to endorse the decision.

The options are:

1. The recruiting of an interim full-time replacement of the post of CEO;

2. One of the borough councils existing three directors acts up to provide full-time cover of the chief executives duties;

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Great Yarmouth Borough Council chief executive undergoing treatment for cancer

Kuwaits prime minister shuffled his five-month-old cabinet, appointing Anas Al-Saleh as finance minister and Ali Al-Omair as the ninth oil minister in 10 years.

The appointments were approved by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, who also issued a decree accepting the resignation of seven former ministers, state television reported. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabahs cabinet includes four Islamists, a Shiite and a woman, Hind Al-Subeeh who was named minister of social affairs and labor as well as state minister for planning and development.

The Dec. 23 resignations followed grillings of cabinet members by lawmakers over alleged mismanagement and corruption, which also targeted the premier.

Sheikh Salem AbdulAziz Al-Sabah, who served as Kuwaits central bank governor for 25 years and was appointed finance minister in August, had called for fiscal discipline and criticized the governments spending policies. His replacement, Al-Saleh, held the commerce and industry portfolio prior to the shuffle.

The challenge for the cabinet is how to handle and deal with the feisty parliament, Abdullah Al-Shayji, chairman of the political science department at Kuwait University, wrote on his twitter account after todays changes. All of the ministers questioned by legislators have left or been removed from the cabinet.

Al-Omair, who holds a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Kent, has been a lawmaker since 2006. Hes a member of the Islamic Salafi Alliance.

Sheikh Jaber has now formed six cabinets since his appointment in Nov. 2011 as the OPEC member grapples with political disputes that have led to repeated dissolutions of parliament and ministerial resignations. The instability has slowed implementation of the countrys $110 billion development plan to diversify its oil-reliant economy.

To contact the reporter on this story: Fiona MacDonald in Kuwait at fmacdonald4@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Shaji Mathew at shajimathew@bloomberg.net

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Kuwait PM Shuffles Cabinet, Appoints New Finance, Oil Ministers

@MaryEllenKlas

In Florida, there are few top tier elected positions available at the state level for ambitious pols. Until recently, the three Cabinet races locked up by incumbents promised to be a snoozer this election year for all but the very top of the ticket -- the governor's race.

Then chief financial officer Jeff Atwater announced he's ready to ditch his $129,000 state job for one that makes nearly three times the salary: president of Florida Atlantic University. The search committee on Monday picked Atwater, and former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux among 10 candidates to interview. If Atwater is named to the post, the governor could appoint a temporary replacement and open the door to politicians from both parties to scurry for the open seat.

Here's the latest line-up of who's considering the job should Atwater leave:

* Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee: "There are a lot of moves on that board before it before that happens and all of that is out of my control. If theres a vacancy I would consider it."

* House Speaker Will Weatherford:It's too early to speculate on a position that isn't even vacant, spokesman Ryan Duffy said via email. The Speaker is focused on preparing for the upcoming Session and has not given much thought on his next step beyond then.

* Senate President Don Gaetz:Several people have called with words of encouragement, but he is hesitant to weigh in on what is currently a hypothetical scenario, Gaetz spokeswoman Katie Betta said via email. Right now President Gaetz is focused on the three years left in his term in the Senate, and particularly this last session as Senate President.

* State Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, who ran unsuccessfully for chief financial officer in 2006, said the decision should be left to the governor but that he felt he would make a good fit. Its a job that matches my skill set very well and my professional experience, Lee said.The Brandon Republican has also been considered as a possible running mate for Scott this fall. Lee said he said he sees pros and cons to both jobs.

* State Sen.Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said he is interested but:Im holding back from making any kinds of big decisions like that until the situation becomes clear, he said.

* StateSen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, who also applied for the FAU job but was rejected by the search committee, is also being heavily recruited for the post said Sen. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek. Waldman, who had been recruited to run against Atwater, said he is not interested in the post.

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Scurry and speculation over open Cabinet seat grows

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Cabinet Doors Replacement Anaheim | Orange County | Los Angeles

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday (January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31:

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala will be inducted into the Cabinet in a hurried reshuffle of Cabinet just ahead of a crucial Assembly session and in good time for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday ( January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy chose to give in to the diktat from the High Command with a view to restoring order in the faction-ridden Congress politics, sources said.

Chennithalas induction had become the hottest topic after warring factions had lined up for and against it over the last several months.

A series of scams, protest rallies, media sting operation, adverse court references and police action merely helped to incite political passions and colour discourses.

Chief Minister Chandy and his office have been right in the midst of the so-called solar scam that saw his personal staff either resigning on their own or being asked to leave.

This had only encouraged the political Opposition led by the CPI (M) to up the ante and launch a high-voltage campaign for his resignation.

But what must have hurt him more have been the covert and overt attempts by disgruntled elements in the ruling coalition to connive with rival Congress faction and discredit him.

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After diktat, Chandy to induct rival in Kerala Cabinet

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday (January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31:

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala will be inducted into the Cabinet in a hurried reshuffle of Cabinet just ahead of a crucial Assembly session and in good time for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday ( January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy chose to give in to the diktat from the High Command with a view to restoring order in the faction-ridden Congress politics, sources said.

Chennithalas induction had become the hottest topic after warring factions had lined up for and against it over the last several months.

A series of scams, protest rallies, media sting operation, adverse court references and police action merely helped to incite political passions and colour discourses.

Chief Minister Chandy and his office have been right in the midst of the so-called solar scam that saw his personal staff either resigning on their own or being asked to leave.

This had only encouraged the political Opposition led by the CPI (M) to up the ante and launch a high-voltage campaign for his resignation.

But what must have hurt him more have been the covert and overt attempts by disgruntled elements in the ruling coalition to connive with rival Congress faction and discredit him.

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Will Minister Ramesh Chennithala help bring order to Government?

The Hindu Ramesh Chennithala is likely to get the Home and Vigilance portfolio. Photo: Vipin Chandran

Ramesh Chennithala, president, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, will make his entry into the Oommen Chandy Cabinet on New Years Day, raising hopes that the party and the coalition will regroup ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held between 11 a.m. and 11.30 am. Mr. Chennithala is likely to get the coveted Home and Vigilance portfolio. Party sources said he might also get the Scheduled Caste Welfare portfolio.

The decision on Mr. Chennithalas induction, just two days before the start of the Assembly session, was taken by the party high command a couple of days ago and was conveyed to the State leadership.

Mr. Chennithala, who had earlier refused to join the Cabinet without the Home and Vigilance portfolio, was called to Delhi the other day and directed to take up the job. The decision is being viewed as an attempt of the high command to sort out factional problems and address the issues related to retaining the communal balance of the Ministry.

Mr. Chennithalas induction has been a heated topic since May. But it did not materialise because of Chief Minister Oommen Chandys refusal to give him the Home portfolio. Mr. Chennithala refused to join the team with any other portfolio, stating that Mr. Chandys stand could be seen only as an expression of lack of confidence in him especially after working in unison for over eight years. The aborted attempt only served to widen the factional divide, with the KPCC president and the Chief Minister going their respective ways.

It is obvious that there is haste in Mr. Chennithalas induction since this would be the only opportunity for the high command to achieve its objectives before the onset of the Assembly session, reckoned to be the last before the Lok Sabha elections.

There are indications that Mr. Chennithala will continue as KPCC president for the time being. The party leadership is yet to decide on a replacement for him in that post. There is the likelihood of a minor reshuffle of portfolios if only to maintain the factional balance in the distribution of portfolios. Incumbent Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is reportedly not keen on becoming the Speaker and is pushing for the Revenue Portfolio, which he held prior to the shift to the Home Department. Speaker G. Karthikeyan is a prospective nominee for KPCC president. The modalities of the reshuffle are currently being discussed by the party leaders and a clear picture will emerge later on.

Governor Nikhil Kumar, who was scheduled to return only on January 2, has changed his plans to be in the State capital in time for the swearing-in ceremony.

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Chennithala to join Chandy Cabinet on New Year’s Day