Bush Appoints HHS Deputy Secretary Allen as Domestic Policy Adviser

President Bush has chosen HHS Deputy Secretary Claude Allen to serve as his domestic policy adviser, White House officials announced Wednesday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports (Hardin, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/6). The move follows two failed Bush nominations of Allen to a U.S. Court of Appeals, which Senate Democrats blocked with filibusters. In his new role, Allen will be "responsible for shaping all White House proposals and decisions on domestic issues," according to the Associated Press (Loven, Associated Press, 1/5). Allen is a "controversial conservative" who served as one of the first African-American aides to former Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), the Los Angeles Times reports. Allen holds a law degree from Duke University and a political science degree from University of North Carolina. According to the Times, Allen's appointment "is likely to irritate Bush's critics." In a statement, Bush said that Allen has been "a valuable member of my administration since 2001, helping to improve health and welfare for all Americans." Bush added, "He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for those in need. I look forward to his continued service in this new role as my domestic policy adviser" (Los Angeles Times, 1/6). Incumbent Domestic Policy Adviser Margaret Spellings was nominated to become secretary of the Department of Education (Wall Street Journal, 1/6).