running scared, page-8

Not sure about it being a formality 03boz, the US plays some funny games some time, just when you think it is safe to go into the water.............

Like I said they (lobbyists) will use any means at their disposal to get an advantage, is this what USEC are up to with their latest appointment?

This bloke may have the ear of a few in high places?
Silex and GE can't say it's a forgone conclusion just yet.

http://www.cmemarkets.com/v3/2010/07/06/dj-jim-howe-joins-usec-as-director-of-government-relations/

Tue Jul 06 14:30:02 2010 EDT
BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 06, 2010--

USEC Inc. (NYSE: USU) announced today the appointment of Jim Howe as
director, government relations. In this position, Howe will focus on outreach
to the executive branch, advocacy efforts with state and local governments and
will assist with congressional outreach as part of USEC's government relations.
He will work closely with John Neumann, vice president, government relations,
and report to Christine Ciccone, senior vice president, external relations.

"Jim has an extensive background in legislative and public affairs that will
enhance our efforts in Washington and our local communities as we work to
deploy critical technologies to support America's energy and national
security," said Ciccone. "We are very excited to add Jim's decades of
experience to our strong external relations team."

Prior to joining USEC, Howe served as deputy assistant secretary for
legislative affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As the senior
career legislative affairs official, he led the department's legislative and
congressional affairs operations during the 2009 presidential transition and
immediately thereafter for the new Secretary Janet Napolitano. Throughout his
tenure, he managed the office's day-to-day activities and spearheaded its
congressional outreach initiatives.

Prior to DHS, Howe served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 27 years. In his last
duty assignment, he was chief of congressional affairs, where he oversaw all
Coast Guard activity related to the U.S. Congress. Before that, he served in
the Office of the Vice President as a special advisor for homeland security,
focusing on border and transportation security issues. Howe also served as the
Coast Guard's public affairs spokesman in Miami, representing the Coast Guard
to the national media during major events including mass migrations, major oil
spills, hundreds of rescue and law enforcement operations, and the Coast
Guard's response to Hurricane Andrew. He started his Coast Guard service as a
cutterman, serving most recently in command of the 270-foot cutter TAMPA.

Howe earned a bachelor of science in government from the U.S. Coast Guard
Academy, a master of liberal arts in government from Harvard University
(Extension School) and a master of strategic studies from the Marine Corps War
College. He is also a graduate of the MIT Seminar XXI program and recently
served as vice chairman of the Editorial Board for the U.S. Naval Institute.

USEC Inc., a global energy company, is a leading supplier of enriched uranium
fuel for commercial nuclear power plants and related industry services.