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Wednesday, December 3, 2008 12:00 AM

Nepotistic succession in the political class

A large, and rapidly growing, percentage of high elected officials are part of politically powerful families. What accounts for this anti-democratic dynamic?

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  • Wednesday, December 3, 2008 07:24 AM

    Welcome some new names. How about Hussein and Obama?

    Imagine a world in American, political rule where Hussein and Obama didn't raise eyebrows, but the opportunistic ascendancy to any Washington power position was shunned for the appearance of conflicts of interest that it is or might become.

    I'm reminded of another great irony in this- the Powell name brand sounds very American (and powerful). Joint Chiefs/Sec.OS meet your son FCC Director.

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