Jane Harman – The words, “shy” and “unassuming” will never be used to describe former California Congresswoman, Jane Harman. In her nine terms in Congress representing some of the most strategic aerospace and economic assets in the United States, Harman forged a solid reputation of insights and awareness on intelligence, national security and counter-terrorism issues. Not content to sit on the sidelines of any of these policy debates, Rep. Harman was never shy about confronting civil servant or political leaders of any position or party on what was happening in an area in which she has interest or wants to see action. That style earned not just respect from her congressional peers and intelligence/security professionals but also detractors such as then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who denied her the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee – a spot she had earned not only by seniority but also through her command and expertise on the issues. Harman is also what you might call a hands-on learner when it comes to these issues. Why else would one of the wealthiest members of Congress choose to willingly travel to some of the world’s most dangerous places (e.g., Libya, North Korea, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, etc.) if not to see firsthand where some of the biggest challenges to the United States are taking root? Now serving as director, president and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., Harman continues to be an active voice on these issues and one that is not easily dismissed or ignored.

 

Possible DHS Secretaries In A New Romney Administration

Thad Allen – If the Roman Empire existed today and you were looking for a modern day Cincinnatus, a man above politics, full of leadership skills, and unquestioned virtue who could get things done in spite of the tremendous obstacles around him, you would probably have retired U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen standing before you. The man brought in to address the dysfunction and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 under President George W. Bush and later the 2010 BP oil spill under President Obama, Allen was seen by both Republicans and Democrats as one of the few adults on deck that could logically and reasonably deal with all parties at the height of crisis. Because of his military position, Allen never had to play in the increasingly dysfunctional arena of ideological politics and their political parties. His political party was the country and mission he was sworn to serve, and as such two very different presidents from different political parties found him to be the saving grace for their bad days in their respective administrations. Allen could easily serve as a DHS secretary under a second Obama term, but for no specific reason I put him in this category under possibilities in a Romney administration.

As exhibited during Hurricane Katrina, its follow on storm, Rita, and during the BP oil spill, Allen’s demeanor and leadership brought about a tremendous sea change to everything associated with the disasters. For many on the Gulf Coast and across the nation, he became one of the few heroes of a very painful chapter of American history.

While Allen may have nationally distinguished himself during Katrina and the BP oil spill, his leadership style of making tough choices and course corrections were obvious again when he had to make some painful and public choices with the USCG’s embattled Deepwater Program. He got the facts, identified remedying steps, put them in place and had the courage to publicly face the program’s harshest critics (Congress, the media, GAO, etc.).

When he calls upon his vast network of people, they are always ready, willing and able to make things happen. It was something I got to witness firsthand during my own experiences in working with him. The former commandant is a game changer for any situation in which he is involved. Allen may want no part of going back to government. He’s certainly done his time and served with distinction, but his nomination would be an out of the park grand slam for any president smart enough to make him part of their team.

Paul McHale – As a former Democratic Congressman from Pennsylvania and senior Pentagon appointee in the George W. Bush Administration, Paul McHale is another person whose career and public service transcends politics and party. A retired Marine Corps colonel who has extensive experience in the Gulf States and Afghanistan as well as in forging the foundational strategies in homeland defense/NORTHCOM, McHale is one of the smartest people in the homeland security arena today. His politics are those of facts rather than ideology, something that drew the ire of House Democrats when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1992-1998) and wouldn’t always fall in line with the votes they wanted him to make. His independence and character have generated a lot of respect for him and his counsel is often sought by a number of civilian and military leaders that operate in some less than ideal circumstances. If not chosen for the top spot at DHS, he could easily serve as the deputy secretary – the defacto chief operating officer of the department. The need for a calm and steady hand in that post is a given, with the expanse and intricacies of DHS’ mission.

Fran Townsend – Fran Townsend is another person whose public service has transcended ideology and party politics. First coming on the security scene as an advisor to then-Clinton Administration Attorney General Janet Reno, the native Long Islander would later become the assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism under President George W. Bush from 2004-2008. Now recognized as one of the more prominent commentators on CNN on national security issues, Townsend is more than a telegenic media personality. Her skills as a leader have put her face to face with deposed (and deceased) Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi and also in the position to grapple with the structural issues of the federal government revealed by the poor response following Hurricane Katrina. Holding your own in Washington among sharp-elbowed rivals in the West Wing of the White House and Executive Branch is not an easy skill, but Townsend succeeded in an arena still seen by many as a “boys-only club.” As a tough former prosecutor, she knows a thing or two about how to handle bad guys while cutting through obstacles to get the information needed to make quick, informed executive decisions. Those are skills that would aid any top security or Cabinet position she might be tapped to lead.

 

Jon Kyl – While he may be exiting the U.S. Senate after three successful terms and four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jon Kyl still has a lot of leadership he can offer the country. As a leading voice on judicial, border security and anti-terrorism matters, Kyl’s penchant for doing his homework and asking tough and frank questions, without some of the shrill rudeness that some of his other elected colleagues have sadly perfected, have given him a reputation as more of a workhorse than a show-horse. In Washington, those are fairly important and notable distinctions. If tapped to be DHS secretary, he would be the second Arizonan to take the reigns (after Napolitano) but he would give the president someone who is not a novice to border and immigration issues and their intricacies. With all that will be on the next president’s desk for action, Kyl would be a tremendous asset to have in the Cabinet on day one.