Some of you have speculated why O'Keefe was leaving NASA to come to LSU rather than pursuing higher positions in politics, maybe even a cabinet post. Addressing NASA employees this morning O'Keefe said "the decision is mainly for the family situation." He did elaborate further except to say that he told the White House last Summer he would not stay long in a 2nd Bush Administration for this reason. This is not about football but thought ya'll might be interested.
If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, go. He is very likeable and a smooth speaker. he will definitely be good for LSU. Wish Auburn was getting him. Good luck as you begin your career. :thumb:
He left because he was passed over for a cabinet post. Go read the political news from a few months ago, he was thinking he would be asked to take over a good cabinet post because he took over the sh|thole that was NASA and it's budget. But he didn't even get a sniff, and he didn't want to stay at NASA. I think he likes the job of chancellor of LSU too...so it was an easy decision.
I happen to work for NASA and know O'Keefe and the politics very well. But I won't debate the subject any further here since it's your forum and it's not the place. I will be happy to exchange PMs if you like. I was just sharing a piece of info and didn't envision an argument. :thumb:
Well I take it back then, you are not ignorant of the situation. You must surely know then that it was widely reported in several papers that he sought to move up in the new administration. He didn't consider the job his end all be all (as you pointed out)...and that there was widespread resentment of him throughout NASA (as well as many who didn't). You're right it's not the right place to discuss it, but it's no secret. If anyone wants to read about it search the archives of AP/Reuters/NYTimes etc.
For sure I don't consider the NY Times as worthy of my wasting my time. :grin: I agree with you that at one point in time O'Keefe seemed destined to higher things. When he came to NASA everyone assumed it was a short-term deal. He is a protege of Dick Cheney and Cheney personally swore him in as Secretary of the Navy, his position at OMB, and as NASA Administrator. That's why it was kind of a surprise that he mention a "family situation" as the main reason for him leaving. He does have Louisanna roots but I don't know anything about family ties there. O'Keefe was well like across NASA as far as I can tell. I hope you don't have him confused with his predecessor Dan Goldin. Almost everyone in NASA hated Goldin and he just about ruined NASA.
