Don't bet on Rendell joining the cabinet
Posted: Friday, November 14, 2008 3:45 PM by Mark Murray
From NBC's Abby Livingston
For those speculating that Obama will choose Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to join his cabinet, you might want to think again.
Here's why: If Rendell is appointed, Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor would be sworn in as governor. However, Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll -- a Democrat -- passed away last week. As a result, the Pennsylvania Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati will ascend to the lieutenant governor’s office.
The catch here? Scarnati is a Republican. So Obama picking Rendell would result in a Republican becoming Pennsylvania governor.