Bush: "Find Me Someone Who Has Something to do with Houses"

President Bush has put forward his candidate to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The slot came open with the resignation of Alphonso Jackson who left under allegations of cronyism in awarding New Orleans contracts.

Bush has nominated Steve Preston to head HUD. In what is sure to be a hayday for comedians, Mr. Preston is the former CEO of Service Master Companies. Service Master owns a variety of home care companies including Terminx, TruGreen, home maintenance and cleaning companies.

I know nothing of Preston's qualifications, but the his corporate resume is ironic if nothing else.

Fade in: Bush is pacing the Oval Office muttering "Housing ... homes ... Who do I know? Who do I know?

[Picks up the phone and calls laura] "Laura honey, do you remember that guy that we called when there were termites at the ranch?" "He came to one of those fund raisers."

Laura: Do you mean Preston? The CEO of that home services group?"

George: "Yeah, that guy."

Laura: "Are you wanting to throw a contract his way?"

George: "Nope. I need someone in the business to head HUD."

Laura: "Oh. OK."